Best Practices
SHOULD I CORRECT OBVIOUS GRAMMATICAL ERRORS IN A CLIENT'S SCRIPT?
Many talent will simply forge ahead and record as written, some will attempt to correct, and a third group will read as written or attempt to correct, but will also offer copy-editing or copy-writing as an additional service in their proposal.
There are risks and challenges to each approach. It’s best to message the client and ask or provide an option corrected and one read as written.
Read more about How Voice Talent Can Approach Clients with Script Concerns.
HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT BEFORE I HIT THE "REQUEST PAYMENT" BUTTON? MY CLIENT STILL HASN'T RELEASED PAYMENT. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Each client will have their own process for approving files and releasing payments. Your immediate client may not be the end-user for your voice over and may be passing files through several other layers of approval before they can send edit requests or approve files.
Leaving a few days for approval (or more, if approaching a weekend) before clicking the “Request Release” button is ideal. If a couple of days pass without a response, connect with your client about the status of the project. The best way to do this is through the Voices messaging system, which is accessed through the "Messages" tab on the job.
If a client has not answered messages, our automatic release funds policy will result in a scheduled release of funds 14 days after the delivery date set in the agreement. Payment released between Saturday and Friday will appear in your account the following Friday. Should you need additional assistance, you can email our support team ([email protected]) with the Job ID number.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK A CLIENT IS USING MY BROADCAST WORK OUTSIDE THE AGREED USAGE TIME PERIOD?
If you believe a client is misusing your broadcast work, please reach out to Customer Support. A customer support representative will clarify the usage details with the client and facilitate a renewal payment if both parties agree. Voices is not obligated to enforce or collect on additional usage payments should the client refuse. Please note: Dispute resolution will only be provided where the entire transaction including communication regarding the usage details is conducted on the Voices site.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF A CLIENT NEEDS TO MAKE AN ADDITIONAL PAYMENT TO ME?
- Revisions not included in the voice actor’s original quote, as outlined in the voice actor’s revision policy
- Scope changes such as additional scripts or script re-writes that are outside of the original job description
- Changes to usage agreed upon in the original job description
- Renewal of broadcast usage originally agreed upon between client and talent
Clients can add a payment directly on the Voices site without having to involve Customer Support. Once the client has added the payment, you will be notified that a new Agreement has been created for you to review. Once you’ve accepted the Agreement, the client’s funds will be held until the work is completed or until the automatic release date occurs (whichever is first).
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER I'VE BEEN CONTACTED BY A CLIENT?
Voices only investigates clients who have posted a public job through our service. You will be responsible for any issues that arise from working with someone directly outside of our SurePay™ escrow service.
After you’ve been contacted by a client, direct your client to post a private job for you via the Invite to Job link on your Profile page. You will need to audition and they will need to Award the Job to you to permit the deposit of funds via SurePay™ escrow.
Remember, you are not obligated to continue moving forward if you are contacted about a possible work opportunity and you feel uncomfortable. It will be up to you to check out this client and report any suspicious activity. We will be happy to note this information in the client account however we will not be responsible for following up about non-payment issues as a result of a direct contact.
WHEN AM I PROVIDED WITH DIRECT CONTACT INFORMATION IN TERMS OF A JOB?
To protect clients and talent on the Voices service, direct contact information is hidden.
Should you need to reach out to a client or talent, we ask you email [email protected].
On a Professional Service job, communication is handled by the Account Manager who has posted the job at the request of the client.
Asking a Question
In the event they require more information before making a payment, clients do have the option to Ask a Question from an audition response.
Respecting Your Privacy
It is against the Voices Terms of Service to provide direct contact information prior to payment being made.
WHAT IS A PHONE PATCH AND HOW IS IT USED?
A phone patch works like this: the client will call you on a specified number and you will hear them in your headset. You will then record using your own equipment, and the client will be able to listen and provide real-time feedback. Only your voice will be recorded, not anything the client says through the headset. It's what radio stations use for phone interviews. Clients who want to provide real-time direction may request a phone patch.
The quality of a good phone patch cannot be replaced using online calling services like Skype, but services like Skype are sometimes also used.
A phone patch is considerably cheaper than an ISDN line.In order to conduct a session by phone patch you would either need to purchase a phone patch receiver or use a studio that has the technology.
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Properties
- Article Number
- 000001886
- First Published
- 04/25/2021 08:59
- Last Modified
- 04/25/2021 09:00
- Channel
- Public Knowledge Base