Awkward clients

Hayley Richards · Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007, 15:33 (GMT) Post subject: Awkward clients

Hi,

I have a client who wants a douzen sweepers or so. He's sent me the script and I've done a couple of different reads. But whatever I send him, he sends back with loads of comments (3 or 4 lines for each line of text). Problems include the tempo, the pausing, the emphasis...etc. Like I said, he has sent specific comments but it's very hard to remember exactly what he said and record.

I've now sent him about 8-10 mins worth of outtakes and he still isn't happy - how do I "get rid of him" without sounding rude? Very Happy

I have no problem with retakes but nothing I'm doing is right and it's turning out to be more hasstle than the pay is worth.

Any advise appreciayted,

HAyley

Kathleen Keesling · **Voice Talent** Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 746

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

Hayley:
I bet he's a cheapo, too, huh?
There was some talk about it yesterday on these boards; how the low-ball client is invariably the high-whine client.
Firstly, has he paid anything yet?
Did you get half up front?
If so, I suggest you get out while the getting's good. A short e-mail such as:
"Please find attached my latest interpretation of your multiple directives for the sweeps. Should they not meet with your approval, I reluctantly suggest you search for alternate voiceover talent, since the apparent complexities of your project is making it far too time-consuming for the remuneration agreed upon.
For my professional time, communications, and studio time, I shall retain your deposit as compensation.
Out of professional courtesy, I shall not invoice you any further amounts.
Sincerely,"
And if not, just verbally tell him that you don't think you're the right person for this project. Then give him JS Gilbert's address.
That'll teach him.
Voice On

Victor Harris · Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007, 16:31 (GMT) Post subject:

Hayley, Its time to be an adult about this. If you are unhappy too, then just come right out and tell him you're not interested.

If you don't have a phone patch, just get him on the telephone and hold it up to your ear with the mouth piece slightly out of the way so you can talk into the mic while you are recording and he can listen to you while you are recording. That way you can take directions on the spot. Hey, its not the first time someone used a regular phone for a phone patch. Wink

Colin Campbell · Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007, 18:13 (GMT) Post subject: