Meet Maria Pendolino - with a background in project management and a keen understanding of corporate dynamics, Maria brings a unique blend of artistic talent and business acumen to her work. Her ability to bring scripts to life effortlessly, coupled with her entrepreneurial mindset, has set her apart in the competitive world of voice acting.The three of us discuss voiceover industry rates and how to set ‘em!
Empowering Your Voice
Maria emphasizes empowering voice talent to approach conversations about rates from a position of power and confidence, rather than just accepting every opportunity that comes their way. This shift in mindset allows actors to build their careers intentionally, focusing on opportunities that align with their goals and values.
Selective Decision-Making
In the voiceover world, there's a common belief that every job or workshop could lead to the next big opportunity. However, Maria stresses the importance of being selective. While it's crucial to make a great impression, especially early in your career, you don't have to say yes to every opportunity. Building a career as an entrepreneur means making strategic decisions about the projects you take on.
Understanding Usage for Non-Broadcast Projects
Navigating usage rights for non-broadcast projects can be complex. Maria breaks down the nuances, distinguishing between content used for paid advertising and organic placement. She advises pricing projects accordingly and being aware of potential conflicts, especially if you become the voice of a brand.
Maria's key advice points on setting rates for voiceover work:
Set rates based on the specific type of work and usage rights involved.
For non-broadcast projects like e-learning or corporate narration, price them similarly to commercials but with limited buyouts for a certain period.
Allow for renewals if needed, especially for projects with ongoing usage.
Differentiate between projects involving paid placement or media and those organically posted online, as the latter may not require higher rates.
Value your time and skills appropriately when negotiating rates to ensure fair compensation for your work.
Acting Skills
Maria attributes her success in part to her extensive acting background. Her ability to quickly interpret scripts and deliver authentic performances gives her a competitive edge. This acting prowess allows her to feel confident in her auditions and submissions, knowing that she's delivering top-quality work.
Business Acumen
Maria highlights her experience working in project management at a bank as unexpectedly beneficial for her voice-over career. Skills like negotiation, client communication, and contract interpretation from her corporate days have been invaluable in managing her voiceover enterprise.
While Maria's journey may seem swift, it's important to recognize the blend of talent, strategy, and adaptability that has propelled her to success. Her story serves as a testament to the multifaceted nature of the voiceover industry, where combining artistic skill with business savvy can lead to a thriving career.
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