GVAA Rate
Guide
Voiceover Categories
To make it easier to find the rate you’re looking for, simply select the Voiceover Category that applies to your project. Of course, you can scroll through at your own pace to see the Rate Guide in its entirety.
TV Broadcast 2024 Export TV Broadcast 2024
*All rates are for one spot only. Spot length :15 - :90. The rate is negotiable for multiple spots. Renewal option is existing rate PLUS 10%-20% of original rate.
*Note - Projects with usage including “all lifts/edits/versions” are becoming more common. This is not the norm, and while offering unlimited lifts etc does NOT deliver compensation for the value provided to the client, it IS something that you should know when quoting or determining which jobs to audition for. To combat this, you have options: to limit the number of lifts granted at the agreed upon rate, or limit the intended usage length. Either way, understand that granting unlimited lifts etc gives the client the ability to create entire campaigns from a limited number of sessions, and takes away fair compensation from the voice actor for the value that client is receiving in return.
TV Broadcast Export TV Broadcast
*All rates are for one spot only. Spot length :15 - :90. The rate is negotiable for multiple spots. Renewal option is existing rate PLUS 10%-20% of original rate.
*Note - Projects with usage including “all lifts/edits/versions” are becoming more common. This is not the norm, and while offering unlimited lifts etc does NOT deliver compensation for the value provided to the client, it IS something that you should know when quoting or determining which jobs to audition for. To combat this, you have options: to limit the number of lifts granted at the agreed upon rate, or limit the intended usage length. Either way, understand that granting unlimited lifts etc gives the client the ability to create entire campaigns from a limited number of sessions, and takes away fair compensation from the voice actor for the value that client is receiving in return.
Generally considered non jurisdictional work. Deficit funded. It usually takes 2-3 years before there is any profit seen by the client. It is very costly to produce a documentary and most of them are independent. Rates really vary depending on the channel and source. Rates are usually a full buyout with cable being the base rate. Talent and agents should charge an additional 20-25% bump per additional usage source, such as streaming or use in another International market.
If you are going to be the main voice on a series, it will potentially knock you out of the running for voicing the same type of documentaries due to it’s a similar tone. Most clients don’t want it to have the same tone as a competing series or channel. Higher rate is common for regular series work that can limit other booking options.
Add $250 to your quote if talent is recording at home, labeling, organizing and sending files. No add on for Source Connect or outside studio sessions.
Based on type of Usage. See Digital Broadcast - Internet/Streaming TV section for rates and usage terms.
~ Determine your own personal session minimum when recording. This would accommodate for session set up, script and performance preparation, file export, and clean up and delivery (which is the same regardless of session length). After your own personal minimum has been met, a rate range between $.25-$.50 per word is common depending on the complexity of the project and ease of working with the client.
Digital Broadcast Export Digital Broadcast
*All rates are for one spot only. Spot length :15 - :90. The rate is negotiable for multiple spots. Renewal option is existing rate PLUS 10%-20% of original rate.
*Note - Projects with usage including “all lifts/edits/versions” are becoming more common. This is not the norm, and while offering unlimited lifts etc does NOT deliver compensation for the value provided to the client, it IS something that you should know when quoting or determining which jobs to audition for. To combat this, you have options: to limit the number of lifts granted at the agreed upon rate, or limit the intended usage length. Either way, understand that granting unlimited lifts etc gives the client the ability to create entire campaigns from a limited number of sessions, and takes away fair compensation from the voice actor for the value that client is receiving in return.
Radio Broadcast Export Radio Broadcast
*All rates are for one spot only. Spot length :15 - :90. The rate is negotiable for multiple spots. Renewal option is existing rate PLUS 10%-20% of original rate.
*Note - Projects with usage including “all lifts/edits/versions” are becoming more common. This is not the norm, and while offering unlimited lifts etc does NOT deliver compensation for the value provided to the client, it IS something that you should know when quoting or determining which jobs to audition for. To combat this, you have options: to limit the number of lifts granted at the agreed upon rate, or limit the intended usage length. Either way, understand that granting unlimited lifts etc gives the client the ability to create entire campaigns from a limited number of sessions, and takes away fair compensation from the voice actor for the value that client is receiving in return.
Non-Broadcast Export Non-Broadcast
Corporate & Industrial Narration
~ Rates are a guideline and should be adjustable within clients budget. Includes editing, file splits, naming, delivery, pick ups, etc. Mistakes = Free. Studio & Production charges included in rates. Music, sfx, etc are extra
~ Determine your own personal session minimum when recording. This would accommodate for session set up, script and performance preparation, file export, and clean up and delivery (which is the same regardless of session length). After your own personal minimum has been met, a rate range between $.25-$.50 per word is common depending on the complexity of the project and ease of working with the client.
E-Learning Export E-Learning
~ Determine your own personal session minimum when recording. This would accommodate for session set up, script and performance preparation, file export, and clean up and delivery (which is the same regardless of session length).
~ File Splits - Charge $1/split regardless of quote type (pfw, pfh, etc)
~ Usage only covers use for internal eLearning. When e-learning work is done for a company that sells these projects for profit, as opposed to internal training usage, negotiate a 1 year continuous sales usage contract.
Animation / Dubbing Export Animation / Dubbing
Video Games / Toys & Games Export Video Games / Toys & Games
*Under the new SAG-AFTRA Video Game contract (November 8, 2017), every video game is required to pay actors a bonus for each session worked. Don’t forget to keep track of these bonuses and to be sure that your employers pay them to you on or before the release date of the game. Over-scale payments are credited against your bonus unless your representative negotiates for them, so ask for them at the time of booking. IF YOU WORK YOU’RE DUE! 1 Session ($75) $75 - 2 Sessions ($125) $200 - 3 Sessions ($175) $375 - 4 Sessions ($175) $550 - 5 Sessions ($225) $775 - 6 Sessions ($225) $1000 - 7 Sessions ($275) $1275 - 8 Sessions ($275) $1550 - 9 Sessions ($275) $1825 - 10 Sessions ($275) $2100 - 11+ Sessions ($0) $2100.
Promo & Imaging Export Promo & Imaging
- Rates are Per Spot --> When recording multiple spots in one session, you should be paid per spot
- Cable Station Promos are considered “no union” work so there is no conflict with SAG-AFTRA, and each station has its own unique rate card. It is highly recommended that you run Promo work through a talent agency so that they can negotiate appropriately for you. It will not conflict if you are a union talent as promo is considered non-jurisdictional. Talent can be booked on guaranteed contracts with individual stations, or on a per spot basis. Contracts are usually for one year, but some are two.
Audiobooks Export Audiobooks
ACX Info - ACX has 2 agreement types royalty share and royalty + stipend (or a hybrid agreement). Rates should follow the non-union pfh or hybrid rates. For total royalty share, pfh/hybrid rates are not in play.
IVR / Message-on-Hold Export IVR / Message-on-Hold
Cinema / Events Export Cinema / Events
Fees / Pick-Ups / Editing Export Fees / Pick-Ups / Editing
Has the Rate Guide
Helped you?
Please consider contributing and help GVAA continue to provide this invaluable free resource to the industry!
Need help building your
VO business?
All GVAA Members receive one-on-one rate guide coaching as part of their membership