Debunking the myths about online casting sites – Part 2 of 3

Note: This is part 2 of 3 in Graeme’s Pay-to-Play article. To read part 1, click here.

The purpose of this article is not to lobby in favor of the online casting services, nor to malign them. Voice actors are entrepreneurs, and like all small business people they need to make business decisions based on what works best for them in their specific circumstances. But let’s ensure that these business decisions are being made on the basis of correct information.

(In the interest of full disclosure – I’m a paying member of both websites. Edge Studio has good relationships with both organizations, and recommends both.)

Voices.com – Myth #2

“Jobs are always awarded to voice talent who quote at the very bottom of the suggested price range for the job; and often to talent who undercuts the budget and does it for even less than the bottom of the suggested range.”

According the David Ciccarelli, CEO of voices.com, the average price paid by the voice seeker for projects in the $100-$250 budget range is $170. For projects in the $250-$500 budget range, the average paid is $355. This trend continues through all budget levels. Voice seekers want excellent work at a fair price, from professionals. They use online casting sites because of their efficiency, and to get exposure to new talent they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to find. They aren’t necessarily looking for the lowest price.

The key lesson:

– Quote a fair price for the job. Lowballing isn’t going to win the project.

Stay tuned next week for Myth #3!

Graeme Spicer is Edge Studio’s Managing Director, and he teaches Business and Money 101.