VO Pro: The Business of Voice Over and Voice Acting

There’s ONE thing, one hack, one great secret to growing your VO business. And this one thing is so powerful, it works for not only growing your VO business, but it works for improving your physical fitness, your mental fitness, your emotional intelligence, your relationships. It’s the difference between setting goals and achieving them, between a dream and reality.

And it’s so simple to understand, that any 6th grader can get it, and so obvious, that when I say it you will kick yourself, because you know it’s true.

So, what is this cheat code to all good things? 
_____________________________
▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVUuUfwNTG-8UjbPqbvxZxww-nx9kASW-

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/move-touch-inspire-youtube

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://members.paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-yt

Say Hi on Social: 
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/paulschmidtvo
https://www.tiktok.com/@paulschmidtpro
https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): 
Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO

Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro

Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Today, we're talking about the importance of using contracts for voice actors and outline the benefits and protections they offer. This episode emphasizes the need for clear expectations, protection of rights, payment security, scope management, liability limitations, professionalism, and dispute resolution. 

While formal contracts are generally recommended, I also mention situations where email communication may be acceptable as a substitute, such as for informal or small-scale projects with trusted clients or established working relationships. 

However, the acceptance and validity of using email as a substitute may vary depending on jurisdiction and I advise seeking legal advice. 

We wrap up by providing resources, including a book on voiceover legal matters, an AI and Synthetic Voices rider for contract addendum, a recommended entertainment lawyer, and a link to my own policies page for setting clear expectations.
_____________________________
▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVUuUfwNTG-97t4VxJ71xckS1EyxciFeb

Voiceover Legal, By Rob Sciglimpaglia: https://amzn.to/4657V5B

The NAVA AI/Synthetic Voices Rider: https://navavoices.org/synth-ai/ai-voice-actor-resources/#nava-synth-ai-rider

Attorney Ashley Brooks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-brooks-bb672463/

My Policies page: https://paulschmidtvoice.com/policies

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://members.paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-yt

Say Hi on Social: 
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/paulschmidtvo
https://www.tiktok.com/@paulschmidtpro
https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voiceover website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): 
Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO
Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro

Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Even the most talented freelance creatives…. voice actors, video producers, writers, graphic designers, developers, social media strategists, etc… run into common customer objections that can get in the way of or even completely derail closing deals and booking gigs. 

Today, I’m going to help you do just that. We’ll will explore some common customer objections and provide some valuable strategies to address them so that you can close more deals.
_____________________________
▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/wfArLJckLiM

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://members.paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-yt

Private 1:1 VO Business Coaching: https://paulschmidtcoaching.com USE CODE YOUTUBE20 to get 20% off your first paid session.

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/move-touch-inspire-youtube

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

Why I Don't Worry About Fiverr Anymore: https://globalvoiceacademy.com/why-i-dont-worry-about-fiverr-anymore/

Say Hi on Social: 
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/paulschmidtvo
https://www.tiktok.com/@paulschmidtpro
https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): 
Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO 
Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro

Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Tim Friedlander, president of NAVA, the National Association of Voice Actors, discusses the recent victory in which Voices dot com amended their terms of service to address the use of voice actors in AI voices. Tim credits community efforts and demonstrates the power of collective action. 

The fAIr Voices Campaign, focused on ethical AI use, consent, compensation, and control, has been launched. The major voiceover-specific platforms have signed the fAIr Voices pledge, but legislation is needed to protect voice actors from tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Apple. 

NAVA has engaged with politicians and presented before the Copyright Office. The concern extends beyond voice actors to public safety, as synthesized voices can be misused. The pledge is open to corporations, and NAVA plans to reach out to production and video game companies. While progress has been made, further steps are necessary to ensure ethical and fair treatment of voice actors.

https://navavoices.org/synth-ai/

_____________________________
▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/gGpSG7xAVgM

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

Private 1:1 VO Business Coaching: https://paulschmidtcoaching.com USE CODE YOUTUBE20 to get 20% off your first paid session.

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/move-touch-inspire-youtube

VO Freedom Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom

Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://members.paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-yt

Why I Don't Worry About Fiverr Anymore: https://globalvoiceacademy.com/why-i-dont-worry-about-fiverr-anymore/

Say Hi on Social: 
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/paulschmidtvo
https://www.tiktok.com/@paulschmidtpro
https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): 
Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO
Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro
Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Over the next five years, one in four jobs is expected to undergo significant changes due to AI, digitization, green energy, and supply chain modifications. While AI may not pose an immediate threat, slow economic growth, supply shortages, and inflation are currently more concerning for job stability. 

The future of earning income is uncertain, with a shift towards freelancing and self-employment, reflecting the growing $1.5 trillion global freelance market. Variable income is becoming the norm, especially for voice actors who need to adapt to changing genres affected by AI. 

Genres like fiction audiobooks, commercials, audio dramas, imaging, promo, documentary, and in-show narration rely on human acting skills and are less likely to be impacted. On the other hand, telephony, audio description, non-fiction audiobooks, compliance-driven training, back titles, encyclopedic, and data-driven content face potential decimation by AI and voice cloning. 

This technological shift also means the gap between established and new voice talent will widen, as AI takes over lower-level tasks previously handled by beginners. To stay in the game, aspiring voice actors should consider additional income streams and offer adjacent services, such as copywriting, proofreading, audio production, video editing, or photography. Developing digital products can also provide unlimited inventory for sale. 

Those freelancing alongside full-time employment should explore smart automation, AI, and current tools to optimize time and scale their side business. Building direct client relationships becomes crucial for voice actors to reduce dependence on casting sites and maximize profits. It's essential to adapt to the changing landscape, where the days of steady paychecks, employer loyalty, and pensions are diminishing. 

However, taking control of one's business, time, and income can be immensely rewarding, offering lifestyle flexibility and the freedom to choose preferred projects and work with like-minded individuals.

The Infinite Game, by Simon Sinek: https://amzn.to/3BcmKVt

_____________________________

▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/QL5umVin7b0

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

Private 1:1 VO Business Coaching: https://paulschmidtcoaching.com USE CODE YOUTUBE20 to get 20% off your first paid session.

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/move-touch-inspire-youtube

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://members.paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-yt

Why I Don't Worry About Fiverr Anymore: https://globalvoiceacademy.com/why-i-dont-worry-about-fiverr-anymore/

Say Hi on Social: 
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/paulschmidtvo
https://www.tiktok.com/@paulschmidtpro
https://www.clubhouse.co

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/gGpSG7xAVgM

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

NEW COURSE - VO Rates 101 Quote with Confidence : https://vorates101.com

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

Private 1:1 VO Business Coaching: https://paulschmidtcoaching.com USE CODE YOUTUBE20 to get 20% off your first paid session.

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/newsletter

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://members.paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-yt

Why I Don't Worry About Fiverr Anymore: https://globalvoiceacademy.com/why-i-dont-worry-about-fiverr-anymore/

Say Hi on Social: 
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/paulschmidtvo
https://www.tiktok.com/@paulschmidtpro
https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): 
Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO 
Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro

Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

David Ciccerelli and Voices have finally launched their AI product called unshockingly, Voices dot ai. It’s here kids. It’s like the lump of coal you’ve been waiting to get in your stocking for years now. Except Santa-relli has been telling you all along what a good little girl you are. And somehow the whole time you knew the coal car was gonna be backing up with a big black nugget with your name on it.

It's here. Let’s break it down.

_____________________________

▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/lMsJzpwC8tU

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

Private 1:1 VO Business Coaching: https://paulschmidtcoaching.com USE CODE YOUTUBE20 to get 20% off your first paid session.

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/newsletter

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-signup

Why I Don't Worry About Fiverr Anymore: https://globalvoiceacademy.com/why-i-dont-worry-about-fiverr-anymore/

Say Hi on Social: 
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/paulschmidtvo
https://www.tiktok.com/@paulschmidtpro
https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): 
Top 25+ Recommended Book List for Voice Actors with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO

Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro

Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

ChatGPT. AI. Text-To-Speech. Speech-To-Speech. Are the digital boogeymen here to decimate our business and take our lunch money? Today, we’ll look specifically at ChatGPT and AI in the larger sense… apps like Revoicer, Respeecher, and Speechelo… and make some sense out of all the hype and fear in the voice acting community.

With the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, a lot of us are starting to wonder whether that’s enough to keep us relevant moving forward. 

Enter ChatGPT, an AI language model that has been getting a ton of buzz and striking fear into the hearts of some voice actors. 

But what is it, and how does it fit into the world of voice acting?
_____________________________
▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/euU8e7_wZfg

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

Private 1:1 VO Business Coaching: https://paulschmidtcoaching.com USE CODE YOUTUBE20 to get 20% off your first paid session.

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/newsletter

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-signup

How working on Fivver, etc. can damage your career: https://globalvoiceacademy.com/why-i-dont-worry-about-fiverr-anymore/

Say Hi on Social: 
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/paulschmidtvo
https://www.tiktok.com/@paulschmidtpro
https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission.): 

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro

Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

The GVAA Rate Guide creator, David Toback tells the crazy story of how the guide that our industry depends on was an accident, how he founded it with Cristina Milizia, what it is, WHY it's so crucial for talent to use it when quoting professional voice over rates, and what some of the exciting future plans for the guide are.

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

_____________________________

▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/Mcl57d2pmbw

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

Private 1-on-1 VO Business Coaching now available: https://paulschmidtcoaching.com

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/newsletter

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-signup

How working on Fivver, etc. can damage your career: https://globalvoiceacademy.com/why-i-dont-worry-about-fiverr-anymore/

Say Hi on Social: 
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/paulschmidtvo
https://www.tiktok.com/@paulschmidtpro
https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission.): 

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro
Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Do I deserve fair and reasonable, professional rates for my work? You’re either feeling deserving of fair rates or you’re not. Today we’re going to talk about why you’re not getting the rates you deserve, what to do about it, and how to identify and mitigate your own limiting beliefs.

To sum up this video, I’ve created a Rates Worthiness Flowchart. If you’d like to download it, click on the link below.

Let’s start with the question, “Do I deserve professional rates for my work?” We didn’t ask do I want professional rates. Everyone wants them. The question is do you feel you deserve pro rates?

It’s a yes or no question. You either believe you command professional rates, or you don’t. And yes is the easiest answer. If you feel you deserve pro rates, if you’ve worked for months or years with a reputable coach and you agree you provide a professional product, then quote and charge pro rates. 

The second answer, no, is trickier. 

https://paulschmidtpro.com/rates-worthiness-flowchart

_____________________________
▶️ Watch this video next: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVUuUfwNTG-8UjbPqbvxZxww-nx9kASW-

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/newsletter

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-signup

How working on Fiverr, etc. can damage your career: https://globalvoiceacademy.com/why-i-dont-worry-about-fiverr-anymore/

Say Hi on Social: 
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/paulschmidtvo
https://www.tiktok.com/@paulschmidtpro
https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission.): 

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro
Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro
Video editing and color correction by my dear friend, Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show