French Voice Over Rates
How much does it cost and why ?
Can a quality voiceover be free or cheap ?
The answer is obviously no.
Determining voiceover rates can depend on several criteria :
– the experience and reputation of the voiceover artist
– the nature of the project: commercial, motion design, documentary, e-learning, TV/radio spot, corporate video, corporate film, radio branding, etc.
– the reputation of the advertiser
– the length of the audio recording: per minute, per hour, per word, per package, etc.
– the recording location: home studio or outdoor studio
– the duration of the broadcast
– the broadcast : internal or public, local, regional, France-wide, worldwide
– the delivery time
– post-recording processing and retakes
Experience and reputation of the voice-over actress for determining rates
First of all, the price of the service may depend on the experience and reputation of the voiceover artist. For example, the overall cost will vary depending on whether the person has 30 years of experience or is just starting out, or whether the voiceover artist is well-known in the industry.
Furthermore, the provider’s status (independent or intermittent) is also taken into account, as well as their vocal uniqueness.
In any case, less experience doesn’t justify lower prices, as long as the quality is there.
Personally, I’ve worked on more than 150 projects to date, including for MG Motor, Savoie Yaourt, the St-Raphaël Tourist Office, and the pharmaceutical group Saidal, to name a few. I work as a freelancer.
Project's nature
Secondly, the price will obviously be determined according to the nature of the project: TV/radio advertising, motion design, corporate film, corporate video, documentary, audio book, radio jingle and packaging, telephone reception, TV billboards, e-learning modules, etc.
Advertiser awareness: a determinant of French voiceover rates
Generally, the rate will vary depending on whether the client is a world-renowned brand or a small business owner just starting out (but the service won’t be cheap, as my work has a certain value). The company’s field of activity may also play a small role.
Furthermore, the client may also provide me with a budget in advance so I can determine what type of service can be provided at that rate.
Finally, the broadcasting station and its audience will be taken into account when determining the rate.
Duration of the audio recording
There are several ways to calculate the price based on the length of the recording: it is possible to charge by package, with a minimum and maximum duration (which is particularly the case for TV or radio advertising), by the minute, by the hour (most often for documentaries or when recording in an outdoor studio), by the length of the live directed session, or by the number of words (for example in e-learning).
Lieu d'enregistrement
My rates include the rental of my professional home studio for recordings.
Also, if you’d like me to come to your studio, we can discuss the rate together (including travel expenses, session length, and assignment of usage rights).
A live directed session is also available; the rate is €240/hr (first hour due, then in 30-minute increments at €120/hr).
Broadcast duration
The transfer of exploitation rights is generally understood to be for one year. Beyond this period, a specific quote may be proposed (generally a percentage of the base price).
In the case of a directed session, it will be calculated by multiplying the BSF by the rate linked to the desired exploitation.
Broadcast : internal, public, regional, national, worldwide...
To begin with, the price will vary depending on whether the broadcast is intended for internal or public use. The price will obviously be lower for an internal broadcast.
In fact, if the broadcast is intended for public use, the choice between local, regional, France-wide (mainland or not, overseas territories only), in another country, or worldwide (for example, online) will make a difference.
The delivery time
On a different note, the audio file is generally delivered within a day in .wav or .mp3 format (and more if the script is particularly long), included in the price.
However, for larger projects and if the client requires express delivery, an additional charge may apply.
The impact of pre- and post-production processing and retakes on voice-over rates
The rate may vary depending on whether the file is delivered raw (without any editing), partially processed, or fully processed.
In my case, my audio tracks are cleaned up (mouth sounds, clicks, breathing, etc.).
In addition, an additional charge may be offered if the client requests synchronization of my voice and their video.
Regarding retakes, these may be included within certain limits (for example, they may not be included if the client requests a change in the text or a complete change in tone). In this case, I will allow myself to adjust the rate.
Finally, some voiceover artists work directly with a sound engineer who will master the audio, which is not my case.
French VoiceOver rates
The rates below are indicative and non-binding.
They may be subject to a sliding scale based on volume.
They may also be revised depending on the advertiser, the broadcast location, and the duration of the spot.
They include rental of my home studio, retakes (excluding script changes), cleanup (mouth sounds, breathing), and exploitation rights for a variable duration.
For broadcast in a country other than France, or worldwide, please contact me.
For all services, I will provide you with a quote and then an invoice excluding VAT (VAT not applicable).
Motion Design /Corporate/Audio guide
up to 1min : 100€
up to 3min : 250€
up to 7min : 350€
up to 10min : 450€
beyond : on quote
internal use
up to 1min : 150€
up to 3min : 350€
up to 7min : 430€
up to 10min : 520€
beyond : on quote
external/internet use
Antenna Cladding
From 300€
1 year rights included, then annual package
E-learning
internal use :
up to 3 min (500 words) : 200€
up to 7min (1000 words) : 300€
up to 10min (1500 words) : 350€
beyond : from 0,15€/word
paid use :
from 100€/min then decreasing
Narration / audiobook
300€ PFH
IVR
from 30€/message
minimum billed 100€
includes perpetual rights
Live directed session
Session dirigée (1h) : 240€
Utilisation interne incluse – publique uniquement avec l’achat de droits d’exploitations en supplément
Forfait par heure supplémentaire : 120€ (facturé par 30min)
Généralement une heure est suffisante
Billboard TV
package 50€
local broadcast
1 year rights
package 250€
regional broadcast
1 year rights
400-1000€
national broadcast
1 year rights
Outside France / Worldwide: on quote
Web Promo, Youtube, ODV, Replay...
Spot TV
from 150€
local broadcast
1 year rights
from 250€
regional broadcast
1 year rights
750-2500€
national broadcast
1 year rights
Outside France / Worldwide : on quote
Cinema Ad / Trailer
package 150€
local broadcast
1 year rights
package 250€
regional broadcast
1 year rights
500-1000€
national broadcast
1 year rights
Outside France / Worldwide : on quote
Shop - Radio - Spotify - Deezer Spot
from 25€
local broadcast
1 year rights
from 150€
regional broadcast
1 year rights
250-750€
national broadcast
1 year rights
Outside France / Worldwide : on quote