Ways of Working
You’ve got this far so hopefully you like what you hear and you’re interested in working with me - my clients tell me I’m fun to work with and a consummate professional.
My aim is to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships with all of my clients, communicating effectively with them, to provide exactly what they need (including broadcast quality audio and a top performance) every time, turning them into valued repeat clients.
If I’m not able to help you myself (either due to availability or suitability), I have a black book of excellent VO talent that I’m happy to recommend to you.
The process
In the first instance, please always send me an email and provide as much information about the project as possible - the more info I have, the quicker I can provide an accurate quote.
Ideally the information I need is:
What is the project?
Who is the client (or type of client/ size of business)?
What is the deadline?
How will the final audio be used and where? (platforms and geography)
How long for?
Will it be an organic or paid campaign?
What is the budget (if known)?
Once you have provided this information I’ll be able to give you a tailored quote and let you know exactly what I’ll be providing and when.
Quotes are determined usually by two things: the amount of work involved to record (and possibly edit), and the usage.
The length of the script will be taken into consideration, as well as the recording method itself - most of the time, my clients allow me to self-direct and record in my own time. You can also book a dial-in directed session, where yourself (and possibly other clients) can listen in and direct me during the recording - these sessions usually last up to one hour and whether you choose to record at your end or not, I will always record a backup, just in case.
Usage fees are calculated based on where the finished project will be published/ shown (for example a TV commercial, radio ad, internal presentation, online explainer video, web commercial, etc) and how long for. I usually charge usage in the following increments: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years+ (= in perpetuity), and most clients usually go for up to 2 years usage, as after that the content will be out of date.
I’m also happy to provide a free sample/ test read of a section of the script - you might not require it, but sometimes it can help to really sell my suitability for a project, if there are other VOs being considered.
Please try to provide me with at least 24 hours notice before you need to book me for a session - I can sometimes fit clients in the same day (if I’m not fully booked), but to avoid disappointment, it’s always best to give plenty of notice.
Before the session
Written confirmation (in the form of an email) of the quote and terms will act as our contract. I’m happy to sign NDAs (if required), and at this point please do let me know if you have any issues with me sharing the project (once live) online - I often share my work on my social media channels and website, as I like to promote my clients as well as my own work.
Before the session, I’ll need to received the final, approved script. Changing the script during or after the session may incur an additional fee, depending on whether the session is a dial-in session or done in my own time.
Most of my work is done remotely from my home studio and I’m able to connect with you via various means (Source Connect, Cleanfeed, Skype, Zoom, Google Meet) so you can either record at your end, or just listen in and direct. I’m also happy to come to a recording studio - I’m based in North London, so any studios in Central London are fairly easy for me to get to.
If you’re not joining a dial-in session, and I’ll be recording in my own time, now is the time to send me any specific direction on the tone, pace, energy you’re looking for. I’m happy to receive video/ audio examples if you have any, to give me a better idea of what you’re going for.
The Recording Session
I record in my broadcast quality studio and deliver every VO (unless requested otherwise) to the below specifications:
Uncompressed audio
Peaks at -3dB
Breaths removed (as suited to the material)
16bit/48Hz Wav file, sent via WeTransfer
What this means is that you’ll be getting the highest quality, clean audio, ready for your producer to edit into whatever your project requires.
After the session
I’ll send you the audio along with my invoice - please check both to make sure you’re happy with them.
Pickups, Re-records, Payments & AI Policy
Pickups
Any pickups due to mistakes made by me are included at no cost.
Please consolidate these so they can be done in one go.
Script Changes (self-directed sessions)
Re-records required due to changes made to the script after recording will incur a fee, as all scripts should be finalised before recording takes place:
Small script changes (up to a third of the script): 1/2 BSF due
Larger script changes (more than a third of the script): 1x BSF due
Performance Retakes (undirected sessions):
For self-directed sessions (where I record the script in my own time, with my own direction and send them to you) at my own direction and sending them to you, I’m happy to do one round of retakes for performance reasons, free of charge. Please communicate any and all direction (or change of direction) clearly at this time. After the first round of retakes, subsequent rounds are charged as script changes, above.
If retakes are required for pronunciation preferences that were not specified in advance either by a pronunciation guide or otherwise in writing, these will be treated as script changes and are billable.
Please submit all performance requests within 30 days of receiving the original recording. After 30 days, any and all change requests will be charged at the original rates.
Re-records (directed sessions)
Re-records required (either due to changes made to the script or a different performance wanted) after a client directed session, where the client is on the line, will be subject to another BSF, as all material should be captured during that booked session where the client has dialled in, and is directing.
Payments
Unless otherwise agreed with you, I send invoices for work done at the same time as the recording/ straight after the recording session. All invoices are due for payment within 30 days upon receipt. Late payments will be subject to Consistently late payers may be asked to pay upfront for future projects.
AI / Synthetic Voices Policy
By working with me, you agree to the following:
Client expressly agrees not to utilise any portion of the recording or performance of Talent for purposes other than those specified in the initial Agreement between the parties including but not limited to creation of synthetic voices or for machine learning.
Specifically, Client shall not utilise any recording or performance of Talent to simulate Talent’s voice or likeness, or to create any synthesized or “digital double” voice or likeness of Talent.
Client specifically agrees not to sell or transfer ownership of all or part of any of the recordings or performance of Talent to any third party without Talent’s knowledge and consent.
Client agrees not to enter into any agreements or contracts on behalf of Talent which utilizes all or any part of any of the recordings or performance of Talent without Talent’s knowledge and consent.
Client agrees that any recordings or performances stored in digital format will be reasonably stored so that unauthorized third parties may not gain access to the files containing Talent’s voice or likeness, and if such files are stored in “the cloud.” Client agrees to safeguard same through encryption or other “up-to date” technological means.
—
Hopefully that’s everything covered! The better the communication in the first place, the smoother the process will be. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions and I hope we’ll get to work together soon!