Job Discussion Forums

Outsida · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 10:24 am Post subject: Making records - pay scale?

So, I've been invited by a university to do some voice recording. Of what, I don't know yet, nor do I know what it will be used for. They have, however, asked me what my rate is.

Thing is, I know nothing about sound recording or what the going rate is. Any experience with this? At how much should I set my hourly rate? 500? 300?

Should the final use of the recording drive up my price? For example, if they're going to make tapes and sell them, should I charge 1000? On the other hand, if they're just going to play them on the school radio station, should I just charge 200?

Any input appreciated.

kerrilee · Joined: 22 Jan 2006 Posts: 59 Location: Dalian, China

I have done this in the past, the going rate according to the friend who got me the job, is 150-200 an hour. The one we did was for the school board.

frank d · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 155

Gee, "dude, " it's hard to say... Since you repeatedly advocate conducting business "the Chinese way," then I suggest you accept the lowest possible salary offered.

In fact, maybe you can offer your services for a bowl of noodles and a pack of cigarettes... but you could charge them a little money if you add some extra ruggedness to your voice... (Chinese are often impressed by our strength.)

Oh, and when the job is finished, be sure not to "whine" about it. Rolling Eyes

Shan-Shan · Joined: 28 Aug 2003 Posts: 1074 Location: electric pastures

Myself and an acquaintance did some voice recording last year. The session, however, never reached a conclusion as I could not stop laughing when my sweetly surly foreign companion was forced to sound sad and desperate while performing a dialogue with me about finding a lost puppy.

The director tolerated my insolence for only so long until finally telling me to leave. Being booted out of the studio for not being able to contain my reaction to the absurdity of Chinese English education and us, the baboons they hire to keep the industry moving, was far richer than any 100, 200 or 500 kuai an hour.

frank d · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 155

Thanks, Shan-Shan, for truly the best laugh I've had in a long time! Priceless!

no_exit · Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 565 Location: Kunming

vikdk · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 1676

no_exit · Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 565 Location: Kunming

Here we go again... Rolling Eyes

If a large sum (I don't think 1000RMB an hour, or even 400, is in any way reasonable compensation for this kind of work) is out of the question, why expect it? If you're always going to hold out for the highest possible salary then you might find yourself often out of work.

Of course you can always say no if you think its not enough, it is entirely up to you (not me OR you, vik) how much you think your time is worth.

By the way, I didn't feel victimized by doing that recording for my university. I worked 12 hours a week and didn't have much else to do, and the contract did indeed have a vague clause about doing outside work when expected, which I felt was fair because I only did 12 hours anyhow. In any case, it was my contract, not yours. You could have turned it down, I didn't, but don't make me out to be a fool because I, unlike some, would rather choose my battles.

ymmv · Joined: 14 Jul 2004 Posts: 387

Oh, nevermind.

frank d · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 155

From no_exit:
"Was that necessary frank d? I mean, you and outsida might have disagreed in the other thread, but was he outright hostile? If you can't be constructive then why even bother responding?

These forums are disintigrating into nothing but drama and name-calling. Disagree with a fellow all you want, but can we please refrain from outright flaming someone for having a different opinion?

As for the question outsida, don't expect that much money. They are probably only going to sell the tapes to their own students, and for a minimal cost."

-----------------------

Was he "downright hostile," no_exit? No. he was downright cynical. Please point out to me where I have done any (direct) name-calling? Thrice in the other thread, outsida rferred to the Welsh couple as "whiners" or "wimps." Whatever names and silly notions I have thrown around have been back in the face of the original name-caller and "Chinese Way" philosophers.

"Outright flaming"? OK, I was called a "drama queen," so I guess that also gives me the right to "flame," does it not? (One is usually not called a mere "drama queen," but entitled a "flaming queen" on most occasions as well.) Sorry for flaming, but I love the fact that outsida called a couple of confused and likely terrified folks from Wales "whiners" (twice), but then turned around and sought advice about his own financial gain. And now suddenly it seems this topic has been elevated in its sacred status as that of abused, confused, and murdered FTs. Talk about "disagree all you want..." Why be cconcerned about a couple of folks from Wales when outsida's financial future is at stake?

As for your notion, "They are probably only going to sell the tapes to their own students, and for a minimal cost;" Oh, really? China is the capital of mass duplication. Among so things which are beyond our control here, having any say in the destiny (and future profits) of a recording is certainly one of them.

I'm also interested in what you might define as "minimal cost." I doubt the students think the cost is minimal. If the people producing such materials had the noble intention of keeping costs to consumers minimal, I doubt they would be bothered with the entire endeavor.

adamsmith · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Posts: 259 Location: wuhan

I just think of those people who live under the bridge - what are they called - hmmmm let me think.

aaah - yes - trolls. Laughing

I have also noticed a similiarity of posts between our outsida and the old friend Malsol

frank d · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 155

adamsmith,

...and your non-troll contribution to this discussion so far would be...???

You certainly didn't seem to think I was trolling when I posted a reply in support of your thoughts a few weeks ago. I guess trolls only appear to your eyes when you want to see one.

adamsmith · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Posts: 259 Location: wuhan

I was not refering to you frank. I tend to agree with most of your posts. But I have noticed that you have been having running battles with the person I was refering to. I used to have the same problem with his alter ego.

frank d · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 155

adamsmith, mea culpa! (and thanks for the clarification!)

no_exit · Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 565 Location: Kunming

Calling the Welsh couple whiners is not the same as calling you a whiner. Plus, I think it is in poor taste to carry over remarks from an entirely different thread for no other purpose than cause an argument. The Welsh couple have nothing to do with recording tapes at a university. Was your response to outsida really related in any way to his question? Anyhow ...