Dealing with that Picky Client

Occasionally, you'll get a picky client. As a non-union vo actor, it kind of annoys me a little. We are already kind of working for dirt cheap so instead of going from redo to redo, here are a few ways to make it easier on yourself.

* If it's a person who wants it said a certain way, they'll say things like, "Could you go up at the end of this sentence," or "Say it like it's more conversations" or "Hit this word.", here's a good strat. Sometimes, it will be easy to understand what they want, sometimes not. You can always ask them to say the words themselves into a phone and send it to you. You can just have a headphones on with an earbud and just redo the inflections they want. Quick Note, they are not VO artists so you may have to spin it a little to make it sound conversational. In the end, they'll think they got what they wanted and since you added your spice to it, they'll think you made it better. All good.

*If you get a script that is TIMED out. Oh boy, that's a doozy. Sometimes they just don't know how conversational sounds. You may have to speed through lines and slow down through lines as well. The key is to make it known to the client. Record 2 takes, one that's conversational for you and one to their specs. That oughta be enough to get them to cut a line or move a graphic.

* Naming schemes. Sometimes people will specify what names for what files. That should be easy but if you're talking lots of files, it can be tough. With the time it will take, I would say not give 2 takes unless the payment it worth it. They want one file, give them the one file. If they need a redo, you'll give it to them.

*Heading and what not. Sometimes there are headings. You don't know which is suppose to be said or not. I came around this corner with a client which was a real source of aggravation for me. The thing is, you need to get those questions answered in an email. If later they need headers or edits or you to edit into files, if it's a long enough job, you should be able to add more money.

The key thing is to KNOW YOUR WORTH. They are getting us DIRT CHEAP. Don't be taken advantage of. Also, KNOW WHAT THEY WANT, get it in a written email. Especially for longer jobs.

You're going to get frustrated. This will happen, but think about it this way. You're at home eating Cheetos and watching Walking Dead all day, how frustrated could you be!

Get them jobs!