Rates and Contracts (VCC Ep 45)

Episode Summary

In this episode, Kelly and Kathryn tackle one of the most critical — and often overlooked — aspects of a voice acting career: understanding contracts and rates. They break down the difference between session fees and usage, explain how to determine fair rates for different media types, walk through what every contract should include, and flag the warning signs that could cost you dearly. They also address the growing importance of AI voice protections and how to safeguard your voice in the current landscape.

Topics Covered

Session Fee vs. Usage Fee — Why you should only count on the session fee until the spot actually airs

What Determines Your Rate — Why per-word/per-minute pricing is misleading, and how media type (TV, cable, national, streaming, digital, radio) drives the real rate

The GVAA Rate Guide — How to use it as a baseline and negotiation tool

Contracts 101 — What should always be spelled out: session length, usage, term length, exclusivity, and renewals

In Perpetuity Clauses — When to avoid them and when they may be acceptable

"All Media" Language — Why vague bundling of rights hurts voice actors and how to push back

Image & Likeness Clauses — Why these often don't belong in voiceover contracts

AI & Voice Replication — How to spot dangerous contract language and how to protect yourself

The NAVA AI Rider — A free, downloadable resource for all voice actors