Ask a Voice-Over Attorney

Add a Comment

Comment by Tom Cook on August 9, 2010 at 3:47pm

Hi Robert

I have been contacted by a VO Agency possibly interesting in representing me. However, annual their is a fee of $ 275 but this does not guarantee any work. The fee is to mainly cover the agencies fees including making a demo for me. However, since my first demo was just made is, does it seem like an unusual request to ask me for the full pop?

Thanks,

Tom

Comment by Chuck Wedge on July 18, 2010 at 11:50pm

Thanks Robert!

Comment by Robert Sciglimpaglia on July 18, 2010 at 10:11pm

In the US at least, that would be considered a "work for hire" and your company would not be obligated to pay you any additional amounts for the use of your voice, unless you entered into a separate agreement with them for doing so.

Comment by Chuck Wedge on July 18, 2010 at 8:19pm

Sorry Robert,
Yes, I work for a company that makes toys as a salaried employee and I have recorded some scratch audio that was taken through to the final product and therefore the shelves. The other day I was in a class and we were talking about our experience and the instructor, who was an agent, did not think it was alright that payment was not made. I always thought it was fine but I wanted to check to see if this was legal.

Comment by Robert Sciglimpaglia on July 18, 2010 at 7:15pm

Hi Chuck. Thanks for posting. I don't quite understand your question. Are you asking if you work as an employee for a company and they ask you to record a commercial for them do they have to pay you, other than your salary, to do so?

Comment by Chuck Wedge on July 17, 2010 at 10:44pm

Is a company required to pay an employee more than the salary they already make if their voice appears in a product?
We record mostly non-union.

Comment by Jeff Hirschberg on June 24, 2010 at 10:22pm

Thanks for the reply Rob. Unfortunately, it was the latter case. I'd actually parked in the same place for a much longer time on a previous occasion and had no problem. Oh, well. Live and learn. I figured I wouldn't be able to deduct it, but I thought I'd ask. Thanks!

Jeff

Comment by Robert Sciglimpaglia on June 24, 2010 at 5:29pm

Hi Jeff. BUMMER! That depends on why you were towed. If you were towed because the car broke down, then it would be deductible. If you were towed because you parked where you weren't supposed to, then you can't deduct it.
Rob

Comment by Jeff Hirschberg on June 23, 2010 at 6:16pm

So, when I returned from VOICE 2010, I found that my car had been towed. Can I claim the towing charge as a business expense?

Jeff

Comment by Ann Richardson on March 11, 2010 at 1:39am

Thanks Rob!

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• …
• 9
• Next ›
• Page