How Do Voice Over Residuals Work?

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Voice-over residuals are payments made to voice actors (often referred to as “artists” or “performers”) when their work is used beyond the initial airing or release of a project. They are a way to compensate actors for the continued use of their voice in various media and platforms.

Here’s a breakdown of how they generally work in the union, and can at times apply to non-union projects:

1. What are Residuals?

Residuals are payments made to performers for the reuse of their work in films, TV shows, commercials, video games, and other media. When a voice actor records a line for a TV show, commercial, or animated movie, they’re paid for the initial recording session. If the content gets re-broadcasted, distributed in different formats, or used on different platforms, the voice actor is entitled to additional payments—these are called residuals.

2. How Residuals Work in Voice Over?

  • Initial Payment: When a voice actor records for a project, they typically receive a flat rate or an hourly rate for the session. This rate depends on the union (such as SAG-AFTRA) or the specific project.

  • Residual Payments: After the initial airing or release, if the project is re-broadcast (e.g., a TV show rerun, a commercial aired again, or a movie released on DVD, streaming, etc.), the voice actor receives residuals. These residuals are typically a percentage of the income generated from the additional airing or use.

3. Different Types of Media and Residuals

  • TV Shows: If a voice actor works on a TV show (like an animated series), residuals are paid when the show is rerun on network or cable TV, or if it’s sold to streaming platforms.

  • Commercials: Voice actors in commercials get residuals based on the commercial’s continued airings. For example, a commercial might run in different markets or platforms, and the actor would receive payments for each additional use.

  • Video Games: Residuals for video game work are usually structured differently, often based on how long the game remains on the market or the success of the game. A popular game might yield more residuals if it’s re-released or if the game’s content gets updated and re-distributed.

  • Animated Films and Series: Voice actors involved in animated films or TV shows also earn residuals if the film is sold to other markets (like DVD sales, streaming platforms, etc.).

4. Union vs. Non-Union

  • Union (e.g., SAG-AFTRA): Unionized voice actors, such as those in SAG-AFTRA, receive residuals based on a specific contract and compensation scale. These contracts ensure fair residual payments for their work, and residuals can be substantial for widely distributed projects.

  • Non-Union: Non-union voice actors generally don’t have the same protections or standardized residuals. They might be paid a flat fee for the session without future compensation, depending on the contract they sign. However, some non-union projects may offer residuals, but this is less common and can vary.

5. Factors That Influence Residuals

  • Platform or Media Type: Payment scales can vary depending on whether the content is on TV, cable, streaming, or digital download.

  • Project Scale and Success: Large-budget projects with significant distribution (like big animated movies or TV series) usually result in higher residual payments.

  • Usage: If the show, film, or commercial is re-aired a lot or becomes a major hit, residuals increase because they are tied to the project’s continued success and exposure.

6. How Residuals Are Paid

  • Payment Schedule: Residuals aren’t paid all at once but are paid over time, with the amount often depending on how many times the content has been re-broadcast or sold.

  • Residual Statements: Voice actors receive residual statements (often from the union) that outline the amount of money they earned from the reuse of their work, with payments typically issued quarterly.

  • Residuals for International Use: If the project is sold or licensed abroad, voice actors can also receive residuals for international airings, depending on the terms of the contract and union agreements.

7. Examples of Residuals in Action

  • A voice actor who provides voices for a popular animated TV show might get an initial payment for recording the episode. After the episode airs, they might receive residuals every time it is rerun on television or streamed online.

  • If the voice actor worked on a commercial that continues to air across various media (e.g., TV, online, and radio), they will receive residual payments each time the commercial airs, even if it is years after the original recording.

8. Why Residuals Matter

Residuals help voice actors sustain income over time, particularly for projects that remain popular for years. Without residuals, voice actors would only earn for the initial session, even if their performance continues to generate revenue for the project.

Conclusion:

Residuals are a vital part of how voice actors are compensated fairly, especially for projects that enjoy long-term or global exposure. Union contracts (like at SAG-AFTRA) and non-union talent projects negociated, can help ensure voice actors receive fair compensation whenever their work is reused. If you’re a voice actor or aspiring to be one, understanding how residuals work can help you navigate your career and ensure you’re being paid for the ongoing use of your voice.

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