French voice over rates

French voice over rate sheet

This page sets out the rates I offer as a French voice actor, the different types of rates that apply, and what's included in those rates. As I am bilingual, I work in French, and also record voice overs in English - voice over rates are the same for both languages.

You would like a customised quote? Don't hesitate to get in touch.

Why is there such a rate disparity between the rates of different voice over talent?

Voice over rates vary widely. A professional voice over talent will offer you higher rates than an amateur who does voice over as a hobby. Expect different results! Fortunately, your ears - and those of your clients and the consumers - will easily tell the difference between the two.
We all know that voiceover is an investment, not an expense. If you employ voice over artists for projects entrusted to you by your clients, investing in a professional voice actor will ensure that you deliver high quality, high value-added work - and keep your customers coming back for more.

Voice over rates always depend on a number of factors

  • the type of work (TV spot and sponsorship bumpers, corporate film, web promo, network imaging, video game, documentary, cartoon, audiobook, museum audio guide, etc.)
  • usage of recording depending on type of workvoice over rates

The units used to calculate these rates also vary according to the type of work:

  • session rate for any recording made in a commercial studio or from my recording studio with remote live monitoring (generally applicable to sessions for commercials or billboards)
  • usage fee - they apply to all publicly broadcasted recordings (so excluding strictly internal communications). They are usually calculated as a percentage of the session rate, depending on the type of broadcast medias, the duration of the broadcast and the territories covered.
  • rate per word or per finished minute for industrial films with internal use, internal e-learning, audiobooks (finished minute = 150 words on average)
  • set rate for corporate films, explainers and web promos
  • custom rates for other projects

PLEASE NOTE: my rates are negotiable depending on the volume, and recurrence if applicable.
These rates are not contractual. They are given for information only.

Session: 300 euros (1 hour is usually sufficient for 1 spot)
Usage fee : calculated as a percentage of the session fee, applied in addition to the session fee. This reference scale is a British scale drawn up in collaboration with Equity (actors' union) and covers international usage fee.
(click on the preview below to view or download the document)

usefee.tv international usage rates guide

Example: 1 year broadcast, mainland France, national TV channels: 500%, i.e. €1,500

Worth noting The length of the spot or the number of words doesn't matter.
The rate is degressive depending on the length of the broadcast, the media and the territories targeted.

Main rights applicable in addition to the session price (calculated as a percentage of the session price)

  • TV mainland France, 1 year: 500% billed, i.e. €1,500 (add 100% or €300 to include DOM-TOM)
  • France Régionale TV rights: 200% billed, i.e. €600
  • Cinema in mainland France, 1 year: 500% i.e. €1,500 (add 100% or €300 to include DOM-TOM)
  • Internet - not-paid-for web usage, also known as organic usage (no media buying):
    Client website, Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Linkedin accounts, Youtube/Vimeo client channels: from 50% to 200% of rights) depending on the size of the advertiser (low bracket for small structures, specialised sectors with a limited audience).
  • Internet usage including previous PLUS social media sponsored ads:
    Geotargeting France, 1 year PLUS archive rights: 450% or €1350
  • YouTube pre-roll, geotargeting France, 1 year: 300% i.e. €900

Discount for 'bulk purchase' (example: TV + cinema + internet): please contact me.
For coverage of territories not mentioned (e.g. Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec, French-speaking Africa, etc.): please contact me.

Session: 300 euros (1 hour is usually sufficient for 1 spot)
Usage fee (also known as neighbouring rights): calculated as a percentage of the session fee, applied in addition to the session fee.

Worth noting The length of the spot or the number of words doesn't matter.

  • Internet - not-paid-for web usage, also known as organic usage (no media buying):
    Customer website, Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Linkedin/TikTok accounts, Youtube/Vimeo customer channels: from €450 (session rate plus 50% in rights) to €900 (session rate plus 200% in rights).
  • Internet usage including previous PLUS social media sponsored ads:
    - Géotargeting France, from €900 (session rate plus 200% usage) to €1650 (session rate plus 450% in rights) depending on reach of advertiser
  • YouTube pre-roll, geotargeting France, 1 year: 300% i.e. €900

Rates vary according to the size of the advertiser - low band for small structures, specialised sectors with a limited audience

- Rates based on volume and recurrence - please contact me.

Session: scale depending on the duration of the booking

1000 euros

Strictly internal, with no web or offline distribution, no exhibition/trade show presentation, etc. - such as raising safety awareness in a factory, a film explaining a product's manufacturing processes to potential customers, shown at meetings or on the intranet, etc.
300 euros / 1000 words, decreasing scale (minimum: €300)

300 euros / 1000 words, decreasing scale (minimum: €300)

To be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, rate depending on volume and recurrence - please contact me

30 euros per message. Minimum: 200 euros

Session: 200 euros / hr
Decreasing scale according to the duration of the booking

These voice over rates include:

  • script preparation
  • voice over recording
  • removal of bad takes), complete file cleaning
  • sync to pictures (if film supplied)
  • playback & quality control
  • WeTransfer the recording in the format of your choice. If none is specified, the voice over industry-standard format WAV mono 24-bit / 48000 Hz (24/48) will be sent
  • retakes (if these are the result of an error on my part)

These voice over rates do not include:

  • mix with music and SFX (on request)
  • cutting and file naming for more than 20 files (€1/file)

NOTES

  • The scripts provided to me must be the final version, validated by the Client This prevents the need for a new session, saving you time and money. In the event of script changes after recording, pickups will be charged based on their quantity (minimum 100 euros).

IMPORTANT: if you are working with pictures, please provide a QuickTime file in .mov format if possible.