Help with new travel show...pre production!

Helen Habib · November 28th, 2008, 08:35 AM

I'm finding that there are so many variables in costs associated with producing. MSN Careers Salary Calculator has the median pay for a narrator at US$37,279, but then vastly different figures for New York State and Texas. It seems to depend on what the region is paying based on their own unique variables.

Bill Davis · November 29th, 2008, 01:11 PM

Helen,

It's even more Byzantine than that.

I've been paid at least 50 different rates for the same work (1 minute of voiceover) over my decades working as a voice talent.

Different rates for local vs regional vs national
Different rates for buyout vs "with residuals"
Different rates for run length (13 weeks vs 26 weeks, vs 52 weeks, vs perpetuity.
Different rates for general narration verses technical narration.
Different rates for broadcast verses non-broadcast
and the list goes on.

There is no real standard. AFTRA rates can be instructive in setting some general parameters - however, there are probably more exceptions than jobs that strictly follow those rules.

I'll get one rate. A beginner will get another rate. Hire Ms Jolie-Pitt and you'll get a rate that will make you swoon but might make financial sense if the contract lets you put her name on the box cover.

The way to get an ACTUAL rate is to locate someone by reputation - then talk to them - describe your project - and negotiate a rate. Someone who's qualified to do the kind of work you need without making you crazy will know what to charge in a situation like yours that's in line with both your market - your TARGET market - and what the market will tolerate.

Good luck.

Brian Dickman · December 16th, 2008, 02:26 PM

I don't mean to hijack the topic, but does anyone know what the average production budget is for a show on a RSN, such as Fox Sports Network?

Allen Green · January 4th, 2009, 10:21 PM

for the outdoor shows that I've worked on it's been $10,000 to $15,000 per show on the low end. Multiply that by 13 or 26 for the season.

Mark Krichever · January 4th, 2009, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Flowers

The rest of Russia, I was told, is better.

Don't be so sure. I know what I am talking about. And you better hire bodyguards (for your protection and protection of your equipment). And…do not count on cheap accommodation and miscellaneous expenses.

December 16th, 2008, 02:26 PM	#18
Brian Dickman Tourist Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 2	production costs I don't mean to hijack the topic, but does anyone know what the average production budget is for a show on a RSN, such as Fox Sports Network?

November 28th, 2008, 08:35 AM	#16
Helen Habib Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Trinidad Posts: 173	I'm finding that there are so many variables in costs associated with producing. MSN Careers Salary Calculator has the median pay for a narrator at US$37,279, but then vastly different figures for New York State and Texas. It seems to depend on what the *region* is paying based on their own unique variables.

November 29th, 2008, 01:11 PM	#17
Bill Davis Trustee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Posts: 1,538	Helen, It's even more Byzantine than that. I've been paid at least 50 different rates for the same work (1 minute of voiceover) over my decades working as a voice talent. Different rates for local vs regional vs national Different rates for buyout vs "with residuals" Different rates for run length (13 weeks vs 26 weeks, vs 52 weeks, vs perpetuity. Different rates for general narration verses technical narration. Different rates for broadcast verses non-broadcast and the list goes on. There is no real standard. AFTRA rates can be instructive in setting some general parameters - however, there are probably more exceptions than jobs that strictly follow those rules. I'll get one rate. A beginner will get another rate. Hire Ms Jolie-Pitt and you'll get a rate that will make you swoon but might make financial sense if the contract lets you put her name on the box cover. The way to get an ACTUAL rate is to locate someone by reputation - then talk to them - describe your project - and negotiate a rate. Someone who's qualified to do the kind of work you need without making you crazy will know what to charge in a situation like yours that's in line with both your market - your TARGET market - and what the market will tolerate. Good luck.

January 4th, 2009, 10:21 PM	#19
Allen Green Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 34	for the outdoor shows that I've worked on it's been $10,000 to $15,000 per show on the low end. Multiply that by 13 or 26 for the season.