Q: I’m a relatively new actor and voice actor, and I’ve had a recent casting call ask me for my rates, about which I’m clueless. What would you say seems fair for rates? —@DrCM, Backstage Community Forums*
This is such a great question, and with it come so many variables. A fair rate varies from segment to segment within the industry. A rate for a week working in theater will be different from a week as a principal on network TV. For voice work, a national commercial campaign will garner a different rate than a week in animation. Audiobooks are their own ecosystem. Parts of the industry pay day rates, while others pay hourly and others weekly. Commercials may pay for usage beyond the session fee. TV can pay residuals.
So what does this mean for you starting out? Counterquestion: How much do you value your work? How much do you value yourself?
For the sake of your own self-respect and to honor the time and experience you’ve put into training, I believe it’s not only important to get paid as an actor, but to get paid what you’re worth! The more actors agree to settle for less than they’re worth, the more low-paying work we’ll see in our industry. This trend toward lower-paying jobs has become the norm, especially in nonunion work. While we all love the craft, we and future working actors deserve to get paid. Just because we’d do it for free doesn’t mean we should be asked to.
READ: How to Launch Your Acting Career Without Going Broke
In determining your personal starting rate for voiceover, you can start your research with the GVAA Rate Guide. Look up the type of job you’re auditioning for, and determine where in the given range feels solid for you based on your experience and training. For on-camera work, you might begin your research by looking at recent SAG-AFTRA rates. If you aren’t in the union, that doesn’t mean you should settle for less than union rates. In fact, I recommend negotiating higher, as you need to cover your own insurance.
So what do you think your current work is worth?
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This story originally appeared in the Aug. 27 issue of Backstage Magazine. Subscribe here.
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