# Rates and Contracts (VCC Ep 45)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/voiceover-casting-corner-7196372/rates-and-contracts-vcc-ep-45
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/voiceover-casting-corner-7196372/rates-and-contracts-vcc-ep-45.md
Podcast: [Voiceover Casting Corner](https://stenobird.com/podcast/voiceover-casting-corner-7196372)
Published: 2026-05-26T14:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.voicecasterlab.com/podcasts/voiceover-casting-corner/episodes/2149204598
Audio file: https://app.kajabi.com/podcasts/medias/2149204598.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/voiceover-casting-corner-7196372/episodes/rates-and-contracts-vcc-ep-45
Duration seconds: 1252

## Resource

Episode Summary In this episode, Kelly and Kathryn tackle one of the most critical — and often overlooked — aspects of a voice acting career: understanding contracts and rates. They break down the difference between session fees and usage, explain how to determine fair rates for different media types, walk through what every contract should include, and flag the warning signs that could cost you dearly. They also address the growing importance of AI voice protections and how to safeguard your voice in the current landscape. Topics Covered Session Fee vs. Usage Fee — Why you should only count on the session fee until the spot actually airs What Determines Your Rate — Why per-word/per-minute pricing is misleading, and how media type (TV, cable, national, streaming, digital, radio) drives the real rate The GVAA Rate Guide — How to use it as a baseline and negotiation tool Contracts 101 — What should always be spelled out: session length, usage, term length, exclusivity, and renewals In Perpetuity Clauses — When to avoid them and when they may be acceptable "All Media" Language — Why vague bundling of rights hurts voice actors and how to push back Image & Likeness Clauses — Why these often don't belong in voiceover contracts AI & Voice Replication — How to spot dangerous contract language and how to protect yourself The NAVA AI Rider — A free, downloadable resource for all voice actors The No Fakes Act — Why this legislation matters for everyone, not just voice actors Red Flags to Watch For — Rushed signings, overly broad language, suspiciously high buyouts, and more Advocacy & Negotiation — Why asking questions is your right, and how to push for specificity in every contract Resources Mentioned GVAA Rate Guide — gvaa.us/rate-guide — Industry-standard rate rang…

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## Transcript

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