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Hiring Voice Overs- Who owns the LEGAL RIGHTS to the recordings? ?

by Networking_now
8 replies
when using voice over actors do recordings for us to use i our short videos etc, do we own the rights usually, so we can do what we want with the recordings?

The videos are to be turned into videos, and most probabaly be put on youtube, make nto an audio ebook + sell.

After recording them with the voice guys and paying them,

can we do as we please?
do we usually own them?
does anything have to be signed?


I know this depends per actor voice company, but what is the usual case?
#hiring #legal #overs #owns #recordings #rights #voice
  • Profile picture of the author Terry Crim
    depends on the contract and waiver you have them sign. I would hire an attorney to craft one that states exactly what it is you need. If the talent wont sign it then you don't hire them for the gig.

    - T
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  • Profile picture of the author SageSound
    Originally Posted by Networking_now View Post

    I know this depends per company, but what is the usual case?
    No, it depends PER CONTRACT.

    Your state might convey implicit rights in the absense of a contract, either as a "work for hire" or something else.

    If you want to wing it and roll the dice, then don't worry about it.

    Otherwise, put your terms in writing and hire whomever will agree to them.

    -David
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    • Profile picture of the author Networking_now
      Originally Posted by SageSound View Post

      No, it depends PER CONTRACT.

      Your state might convey implicit rights in the absense of a contract, either as a "work for hire" or something else.

      If you want to wing it and roll the dice, then don't worry about it.

      Otherwise, put your terms in writing and hire whomever will agree to them.

      -David
      What is the usual case though, with voice over companies? (actors etc?)

      Is it usually expensiver to get the words 'with' the legal rights?
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  • Profile picture of the author SageSound
    "The usual case" for WHAT exactly?

    Voice actors are like anything else -- if you ask for the usual cost of a bottle of wine, are you talking about a pint of MD-2020 or a "1937 Chateau lafitte Rothschild"?

    What kind of an answer would you expect to get without specifying some characteristics you're looking for?

    Do you want a "known actor" or an "unknown" voice? Will "any voice" do, or do you want a "low sonorous voice with a southern drawl"?

    It's just like asking, "How much will it cost to fix my brakes?" Well, maybe your neighbor can do it for a case of beer. Or are they modified aircraft gear where you can only have an FAA certified mechanic work on them?

    -David
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  • Profile picture of the author cindyt
    If you are looking for people to hire for voice overs, I have a perfectly clear English voice, as I work for companies taking their customer service calls and will not seek any rights from you. I know that's not what this post is asking, however thought I'd put it out there for you.
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    • Profile picture of the author Networking_now
      Originally Posted by cindyt View Post

      If you are looking for people to hire for voice overs, I have a perfectly clear English voice, as I work for companies taking their customer service calls and will not seek any rights from you. I know that's not what this post is asking, however thought I'd put it out there for you.

      Originally Posted by cindyt View Post

      If you are looking for people to hire for voice overs, I have a perfectly clear English voice, as I work for companies taking their customer service calls and will not seek any rights from you. I know that's not what this post is asking, however thought I'd put it out there for you.
      Yes, people to hire for voice overs to read our scripts, which we can do what we want with them.
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  • Profile picture of the author Whosyou
    If you are hiring them, tell them that YOU will own the final recording (get them to sign a contract if you must).

    If they dont agree with that move on to the next V/O artist, there are many out there, Most probably dont really care what you do with the recordings once you have paid for them.
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  • Profile picture of the author spearce000
    Generally if you're paying the V/O artist, you own the recording. The V/O artist may ask you if they can use it for marketing their services. Whether you let them is up to you.
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