Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Confused Canadian]

I've been approached to do some recording work. I've done similar work in the past, and know it's not a lot of fun, so I know what I'm getting myself into. However, the work I did in the past was done as part of my work at a former hagwon.

I was wondering if anyone could inform me of the current rates for doing recording work, and if there's a difference in rates between audio only and audio and video?

The work I've been approached about may be used by a company as part of their "E-Learning" project (i.e. the recorded segment would be available to paying customers on their website). I'm also wondering about how to approach this aspect of the deal, as the company could theoretically use this recorded segment for years to come. Anyone with experience on this matter?

Thanks for any help in advance.

[PRagic]

These are some basic rates for people NOT working through an agent.

ESL material with partner = 50-80K/hour depending on experience

ESL material alone = 50-150K/hour depending on experience

You must have the proper visa or visa extension to do this type of work. Get caught = get fined + get deported.

[Squid]

For web recording you should consider a royalties type deal. Each client choosing your material pays you W5000... (I'll check my bankbook) paid monthly. It bell curves, then you do more.

It's far better than the flat rate (50 an hour 4 years ago), which I got for textbook CD work as a newb.

Good luck

[Confused Canadian]

Thanks for both of your replies.

I was leaning towards asking for a 'royalties' based contract, because as I stated, this will be part of an E-learning course offered on the company's website. It's only a pronunciation lesson, but it's something that wouldn't 'go out of style' and thus they could use it for quite some time. Seems I'd be getting screwed if I just accepted an hourly recording rate.

And I'm on an F2 (perhaps soon to be an F5), so it's not a problem to do things legally, but thanks for the warning.

[PRagic]

Give the royalty thing a try, but don't get your hopes up. They can just go through an agent for 80-100K an hour (the voice actor would get 50-70) and not pay any royalties, and from what you've told us thus far, you don't have enough experience to merit cutting you that kind of a deal.

Trust is another issue. Unless you are tight with the management (and sometimes even if you are), plan on having your work cut out for you when payday comes. There are a lot of unspoken 'built in' clauses in the business, and many managers and studio bosses simply see fit to shave (or chop!) off the top of what you make.

If they go for it, let us know. Much appreciated.