Voiceover rates

Voiceover rates - How does it work?

Voiceover rates vary greatly, as they depend on many factors. Firstly, the size and type of project to be recorded will determine the price. Voice editing, audio mastering and the creation of numerous audio files will also be taken into account. The second important point concerns the exploitation rights (also called buyout or neighbouring rights, i.e. the type of broadcasting intended for the general public) and they will often constitute the most significant part of the final price. These different aspects are detailed below.

You can find my price list directly here if you are short of time or have sufficient knowledge of these subjects.

As a preamble, a few elements to answer the big question: 

"Why are theresuch large price differences for the same commission among voice actors?

Three reasons, among the most common:

  1. The significant decrease in the cost of audio and video equipment has led to an increase in the number of home studios and voiceovers available online. Amongst all these new voice-overs, there is the amateur, the hobbyist who sometimes uses entry-level equipment in a rough way. This will undoubtedly result in a nice promo price... but above all, a final result that matches these ingredients. Of course, there are above all experienced and passionate professionals for whom this is their real job. They are available, efficient, understand a briefing and do not compromise on the quality of their tools, such as the microphone and its preamplifier, the sound card, and the use of a real recording booth. The whole thing is up to the standards of a studio worthy of the name.
  2. The voice of the actor. The timbre of the voice, the rarity of its character, its range of play, its notoriety sometimes, are all elements that will influence the rate charged. If he also has top-of-the-range equipment and solid technical expertise, you have a true craftsman who will polish your work and enhance your communication. Of course, the rates will be different, but above all there will be a real added value and a professional result.
  3. The distinction between a fee and a billing rate. Some actors are intermittent and ask for a fee to which we must add the 30 to 40% of charges. The fee is therefore below the real total cost. On the other hand, a large number of voice-over professionals charge for their services. It is both simple and transparent, with a net price (+ VAT if applicable).

The recording service (basic studio fee or layout)

The price will first depend on the size and type of project (commercial, documentary, video game, audio model...) then on the level of finalization of this recording if the voice has its own studio (i.e. raw or already cleaned, mastered, mixed...) and finally on the type of use or broadcasting, which we will discuss below (radio, TV, cinema, web in organic or paid broadcasting...)

A studio advertising session is usually charged by the hour (on average €200-300), and also according to the number of spots recorded for the advertiser's campaign. This is often the case in dedicated advertising studios. Corporate films, motion design and tutorials are also usually charged by the hour of the studio session. For a professional voiceover artist working in her own studio, this type of project is usually calculated by the number of words to be read or sometimes by the 'finished' minute of audio.

Why these differences?

In the studio, the voice-over actor comes to record the text(s), and then his work is finished. A sound engineer then takes over and finalizes the recorded voice to give it an optimal rendering. This essential and meticulous service will of course also be invoiced by the studio. When the voice records in its studio, it is therefore the voice itself (or a third-party studio that it commissions) that will manage this part of the work and invoice it. Very often, you also have to think about corrections, which are obviously free if the voice has missed one or more typos in its reading. If the client changes the text or briefing, a flat rate for re-recording may be applied, on a case-by-case basis. So much for the service or layout aspect. Let's talk about the last point: the rights or buyout. My price list is below if you know enough.

Exploitation rights (neighbouring rights or buyout)

Once the recording service has been completed, a second aspect will weigh even more heavily in the pricing of the voice. These are the broadcasting and exploitation rights, also known in legal terms as "neighbouring rights" (for neighbouring to copyright). They are calculated as additional percentages based on the recording session (or basic studio fee). What will be the use of the recording made? For example: what type(s) of media, how many different spots will be used if it is an advertising campaign, how long will it run, in how many countries, etc. The percentages of the amounts will vary according to all these criteria. Most of the time, there is a basic package for one year that includes a text version, a territory or country and a type of media, such as radio for example. After that, supplements are subject to a sliding scale of fees per version, year, media and additional territory.

Your quote should be simple, right?

I have therefore chosen to display all my basic rates as clearly as possible.

They are there for information only and are therefore "as of".

Are there any questions left?

Contact me to discuss your project and budget in detail so that we can find the most suitable offer together.

My prices include :

Careful/Thorough cleaning of recordings 

Rework due to an error on my part.

Delivery within 24 hours in wav, aiff, aac, mp3, 44.1 or 48 kHz formats

Note: these prices do not include mixing, cueing, or audio transfer to film.
Do you need someone in these areas? I work with specialised partners.

Rate for a recording session (basic studio fee or layout) of commercials:

  • Basic package (BSF) for 1 hour 250€

    Price of layout only, public use only with purchase of additional rights (see rates below)

  • Fixed price per additional hour 150€

    Generally, one hour of session time is more than enough to complete a recording

  • Basic package with remote creative control option for 1 hour 300€

    Price of layout only, public use only with purchase of additional rights (see rates below)

  • Audio mastering option 150€

    With specialised partners

Advertising rights (or buyout) rates for national campaigns: Radio - Spotify - Deezer :

  • Rights 1 year Metropolitan France 200% BSF: 500€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 750€.

  • Rights 1 year Metropolitan France + Dom Tom 260% BSF : 650€ (IN FRENCH)

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 900€.

  • Rights 1 year Metropolitan France + Belgium 260% BSF: 650€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 900€.

  • Rights 1 year Belgium 60% BSF: 150€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 400€.

  • Rights 1 year Metropolitan France + Dom Tom + Belgium, 300% BSF: 750€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF : 1000€.

Rates for advertising rights (or buyout) for national campaigns: TV & Cinema :

  • Rights 1 year Metropolitan France 500% BSF: 1250€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 1500€.

  • Rights 1 year Metropolitan France + Dom Tom 600% BSF : 1500€ (IN FRENCH)

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 1750€.

  • Rights 1 year Metropolitan France + Belgium 600% BSF: 1500€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 1750€.

  • Rights 1 year Belgium 120% BSF : 300€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 550€.

  • Rights 1 year Metropolitan France + Dom Tom + Belgium, 700% BSF: 1750€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 2000€.

Rates for advertising rights for internet campaigns in paid broadcasting on SVOD channels - Youtube - Social networks :

  • Geotargeting France + Dom Tom - Pre-roll YOUTUBE : 300% BSF : 750€

    Total 12 months fees + BSF : 1000€.

  • Geotargeting France + Dom Tom - Social networks : 260% BSF: 650€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 900€.

  • Geotargeting Belgium Pre-roll Youtube & social networks : 100% BSF : 250€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 500€.

  • Geotargeting France + Dom Tom + Belgium : 400% BSF: 1000€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF : 1250€.

Rates for internet advertising rights for free broadcasting campaigns on Youtube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, website and social network pages of the client:

  • Metropolitan France 100% BSF: 250€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 500€.

  • Metropolitan France + Dom Tom : 160% BSF: 400€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 650€.

  • Belgium : 60% BSF: 150€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF: 400€.

  • Metropolitan France + Dom Tom + Belgium, 300% BSF: 750€.

    Total 12 months fees + BSF : 1000€.

Note: The prices of the broadcasting rights for Luxembourg FR, Switzerland FR or Canada FR are identical to Belgium

Flat rates for regional advertising :

  • Regional TV advert 250€

    1 year rights package included

  • Regional radio advert 150€

    1 year rights package included

Video game broadcasting rights tariffs - Cartoons

  • Cartoon : 100% BSF: 250€.

    Total fees + BSF: 500€.

  • Video games : % based on release

Institutional - Motion Design - Medical - Corporate - Explainer - Audio guide

  • Up to 1.5 minutes 250€

    (250 words)

  • up to 3 min 300€

    (500 words)

  • up to 7 min 400€

    (1000 words)

  • up to 10 min 500€

    (1500 words)

  • More than 1500 words On quotation
  • Flat rate with external use and/or internet 150 €/minute

    Base: 250€ the 1st minute

Education and E-Learning

  • Internal use up to 3 min. 250€

    (500 words)

  • Internal use up to 7 min. 350€

    (1000 words)

  • Internal use up to 10 min. 400€

    (1500 words)

  • Internal use over 10 min. from 0,30€/word

    (Over 1500 words)

  • *External broadcasting - internet - paying from €100/minute

    Base: 250€ the 1st minute

(IVR) Telephone Waiting and Messaging - Voicemail

  • Up to 3 min. From €250

    (500 words)

  • Additional message 50€

Audio book

  • Price per hour of finished reading 300€

Podcast

  • Up to 3 min. From €250

    (500 words)

Jingles & Liners

  • Package. From 350€ onwards

    Rights 1 year then annual fee

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