Rates and Contracts (VCC Ep 45)

Episode Summary

In this episode, Kelly and Kathryn tackle one of the most critical — and often overlooked — aspects of a voice acting career: understanding contracts and rates. They break down the difference between session fees and usage, explain how to determine fair rates for different media types, walk through what every contract should include, and flag the warning signs that could cost you dearly. They also address the growing importance of AI voice protections and how to safeguard your voice in the current landscape.

Topics Covered

• Session Fee vs. Usage Fee — Why you should only count on the session fee until the spot actually airs
• What Determines Your Rate — Why per-word/per-minute pricing is misleading, and how media type (TV, cable, national, streaming, digital, radio) drives the real rate
• The GVAA Rate Guide — How to use it as a baseline and negotiation tool
• Contracts 101 — What should always be spelled out: session length, usage, term length, exclusivity, and renewals
• In Perpetuity Clauses — When to avoid them and when they may be acceptable
• "All Media" Language — Why vague bundling of rights hurts voice actors and how to push back
• Image & Likeness Clauses — Why these often don't belong in voiceover contracts
• AI & Voice Replication — How to spot dangerous contract language and how to protect yourself
• The NAVA AI Rider — A free, downloadable resource for all voice actors
• The No Fakes Act — Why this legislation matters for everyone, not just voice actors
• Red Flags to Watch For — Rushed signings, overly broad language, suspiciously high buyouts, and more
• Advocacy & Negotiation — Why asking questions is your right, and how to push for specificity in every contract

Resources Mentioned

• GVAA Rate Guide — gvaa.us/rate-guide — Industry-standard rate ranges for all voiceover categories
• NAVA (National Association of Voice Actors) — navavoices.org — Includes a free AI Rider available in English and Spanish
• The No Fakes Act — Federal legislation advocating for voice and likeness protections; contact your representatives to show support

Key Takeaways

1. Never expect to be paid the full session + usage amount until the project airs and is confirmed.
2. The type and breadth of media use — not word count or minute length — determines your rate.
3. Use the GVAA Rate Guide as a baseline, not a rule book. Negotiate from there.
4. Every contract should clearly define: session length, usage, term, exclusivity, and renewal terms.
5. Avoid "in perpetuity" clauses on commercial work unless AI protections are signed off on.
6. Push back on "all media" language — make clients specify exactly what they need.
7. Add the NAVA AI Rider to any project involving voice recordings.
8. Asking questions is not confrontation — it's good business.
9. Booking the job is step one. Protecting your voice is step two.

Connect with The Voicecaster Follow @TheVoicecaster on social media | New episodes every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month