Edge Studio

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VOICE OVER TODAY - June 13, 2003

Helping voice-talent build careers.

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Published by EDGE STUDIO
     New York training - 212-868-edge
     Washington DC training - 202-398-edge
     Connecticut training - 203-374-edge
     Tele-Training - 888-321-edge

established 1988
member Better Business Bureau

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WHAT IS EDGE STUDIO?

Production Studio & Casting Office
- for commercial and narration productions

Career Building Facility
- training, demos, resources, workshops, evaluations, and guidance

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WANT WORK?
visit www.edgestudio.com/marketinghelp.htm

NEED PRACTICE SCRIPTS?
visit www.edgestudio.com/scripts.htm

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THIS ISSUE INCLUDES:

1.)... question: can I charge more after being paid for a “buyout” rate
2.)... question: what should I consider before marketing
3.)... ** Washington DC workshops (did you miss the last one?)

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Are you tired of reading off of cue cards? Memorizing long scripts only to get to the job and receive changes? Then this is for you.

EAR-PROMPTER--The ability to speak, simultaneously, pre-recorded material from a micro-cassette recorder, while hearing it through an earpiece, giving a flawless performance.

This extraordinary on-camera class comes from a leading ear-prompter proficient actor and trainer. Receive a nation-wide list of "Ear" agents at the end of the course and open the doors to more moneymaking opportunities.

Call Andréa Urban 917-664-7777 for private or group lessons

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1.) QUESTION: CAN I CHARGE MORE AFTER BEING PAID FOR A “BUYOUT” RATE

question

I completed two radio spots at $100/each for my client. On the bottom of my invoice I sent to the client, it said, "Commercial use for 13 consecutive weeks." They paid the invoice without mention of the disclaimer.

Now the client said that the spots may also run next year, and are asking if this is OK. Do you think I can charge more?

answer

Regarding your question, if you record a commercial for a buyout rate, and do not inform your client of your 13 week policy prior to the recording date, then I believe it is unfair to request additional pay. After all, a buyout is supposedly good indefinitely.

However if your client was aware of your policy information prior to the recording date, then you have every right to demand additional pay. In this case, my suggestion is to say, "Thank you for informing me that the spots may run again next year. In which case, I just want to remind you of the agreement we made concerning remuneration. If you have any questions regarding this policy, I'll be glad to discuss them with you."

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2.) QUESTION: WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE MARKETING

Going to market your demo? The following list will help you tailor your marketing campaign, as well as determine how much time you’ll need. Ask yourself:

• “Do I want to do voice-over work full-time or part-time?” If your goal is to do voice-over full-time, then your marketing effort will need to be significant.

However, if part-time work is your goal, then marketing can be much less time consuming.

• “How flexible is my time?” With a flexible schedule, you can be a “fill-in” voice-over artist, and that is an attractive quality to potential clients.

Yet if your current job is very time consuming and getting away is next to impossible, obtaining work in the voice-over industry will be more challenging.

• “Would I prefer to make voice-over my sole source of income or supplemental?” If the sole source of income, marketing must be substantial.

If not, marketing can be less aggressive.

• “Is local work or national work more enticing?” Since local work is easier to obtain, marketing for it is significantly less challenging.

But if national work is your long-term goal, it may be wise to increase your training prior to making the demo. And then spend increased time marketing.

• “How much money can I afford to spend on marketing?” If you have an unlimited budget, send out as many demos as you can, and hire other people to help market your voice.

However, if resources are limited, you will need to take more care to ensure that only high-potential contacts receive your demo. Also, offering the first job for free or volunteering may be the way to get “in the door.”

• “Do I desire the glamour of commercial work, or is narration work suitable?” Since commercial work is only 10% of the industry, trying to obtain it can be more challenging.

Conversely, since narration work is 90% of the industry, it is generally easier to obtain.

• “Can I market in a large city, or only in a rural area?” If you are in a large city, there are many avenues for work, whereas a small rural area is limiting.

For instance, suppose you speak foreign languages and decide to specialize in film-dubbing. If you live in an urban area, there are probably plenty of corporations and film companies who could employ your services.

Yet if you live in a small rural area, finding foreign-language work may be close to impossible. In this case, marketing towards a more general type of work may make sense.

• “Will I be marketing one specific voice type or numerous voice types?” One voice type makes it more challenging to obtain work, as there are fewer contacts who can use you. Therefore pursuing numerous voice types can make obtaining work easier.

Yet marketing a single voice type can be less overwhelming, since you can be more focused.

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Armando Plata - One of the top 5 Spanish Voice-over in the world - Corporate, warm, upscale, conversational - CNN-TBS-TNT-Discovery - Neutral Accent - Translations - Emmy Winner - Own State of the art recording studio - ISDN - Iaff, WAV, Mp3, CD or DAT - Same day delivery –

You can reach Armando Plata anytime at 213-458 0816 or 888- 380 7616 - please visit his page at www.armandoplata.com 's or email to platavoice@aol.com

Armando Plata's clients include: USA Marines, Yahoo.com, Best Buys, Visa, Toyota, Sony, Western Union, Erickson, Mc Donald's, FedEx, AT&T, Primerica, Alamo Rent a Car, Visa, Delta Airlines, Coca Cola, IBM, The Ritz Carlton Hotels, Paramount Pictures, Orkin Chemical, and many other Top 500 Corp.

Next time you will need some help in Spanish Projects do not hesitate to call or refer Armando Plata

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3) WASHINGTON DC WORKSHOPS

Want a candid Voice-Over evaluation?

Participate in the Intensive-Technique Workshop, at the Courtyard by Marriott – Embassy Row in downtown Washington DC.

There are only two objectives: finding your vocal strengths and determining which categories of voice over you could be marketable in. The workshop concludes with a straightforward, one-on-one assessment with your instructor to discuss if you have potential, and if so, what should be your next step.

If there is potential, we can help you with training, demo production, marketing, and CDs.

$139

Seats fill quickly, as only approximately 10 participants per workshop.
To participate, call 888-321-edge (3343), or email your contact information to info@edgestudio.com.

Refer a friend, and receive the Industry GuideBook free!

Choose from one of three time slots:

Friday, July 18, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Friday, July 18, 6:00 pm -10:00 pm
Saturday, July 19, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

To schedule, or for more information, feel welcome to call us weekdays, 9-5 EST, at 888-321-edge (3343).

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"I have spent a lot of time and money. I have a great demo! How can I get agents and casting people to notice it , or even listen to it?"

The outside of your demo should be as interesting as the inside. Get your demo noticed before it is thrown on a pile or in the trash without even being heard!

WANT CUSTOM CD DEMO CARDS?

"What's a Front-Card?" That's the insert-card on the back and sides of your CD demo case.
"What's a Tray-Card?" That's the insert-card on the front of your CD demo case.
"Why do I need cards?" This determines if your demo is heard, tossed in a pile, or thrown away!

STILL INTERESTED?
NYC area - I come to you! Either your place of business or home to set up artwork. Together we'll listen to your demo and create Artwork suitable for it. Everything is stored on file for future duplicates.

CD Front Card - $1 per card. CD Tray Card - $1 per card. Cassette J-Card - $1 per card. One time Set-up fee - $40. Cutting Charge - $10 per order

Paul Liberti (212) 229-7856
voiceoverPaul@aol.com

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HAVE A DEMO?
We're always searching for new talent. Please mail us your CD demo to:
Edge Studio, 251 West 30th Street, suite 9-fm. NY, NY 10001 USA

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WANT TO ADVERTISE in Voice Over Today?
Results have been great! Email info@edgestudio.com or call us weekdays, 9-5 EST at 888-321-edge

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