Click SUBSCRIBE so you never miss a new video!
With all the AI and synthetic voices out there right now, you really need to check for this in all of your VO contracts and emails.
Protecting Your Voice and Creative Rights: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Entertainment
In the ever-evolving world of show business, where the boundaries of creativity are continually being pushed and technology reshapes the landscape, it’s critical for artists to protect their most valuable asset: their creative rights. Our latest Teachable Moment delves into this essential topic, offering invaluable advice and insights on safeguarding your voice and your legacy in the entertainment industry.
Recent strikes within the industry have highlighted the ongoing battle for fair compensation and the protection of creative rights. Whether you are a voiceover artist, an actor, a writer, or any other creative professional, this video is tailored to help you assert your rights and navigate the complex terrain of contracts and legalities.
The power of self-advocacy cannot be overstated, and our discussion stresses the importance of contract scrutiny. Many artists, irrespective of their union status, might overlook the significance of the fine print in their work agreements, especially in non-broadcast contracts. This episode empowers you with the knowledge to ensure that your work is used precisely as intended, ensuring you are compensated fairly and your voice is not exploited.
Joining the conversation is Rob Sciglimpaglia, a notable lawyer with a wealth of experience in entertainment law. His legal prowess offers a sturdy backbone to our discussion, providing strategies to fortify your position in the industry and shield your business's future. The legal advice shared in this episode transcends mere theory—it's practical, applicable, and designed to give you an edge in a competitive market.
A poignant takeaway from the video is the emphasis on the often-underestimated emails. An email, as innocuous as it may seem, is considered a legal contract. Thus, artists must be diligent in crafting their communications, specifying terms and conditions to protect their work and rights. The episode also recommends considering usage terms for non-broadcast jobs, a practice that may not be common but is increasingly relevant as the content lifecycle shortens in the digital age.
Education is your strongest defense in an industry rife with complexity and change. Resources like NAVA, which offers tools like the AI rider, are highlighted as beneficial for creatives seeking to understand and navigate the legal aspects of their careers. The importance of consulting with a lawyer, though it may seem like an expensive step, is emphasized as a wise investment, particularly given the dynamic nature of the industry and recent labor actions.
In closing, this Teachable Moment doesn't just provide a guide to legal protection—it's a call to action for every creative professional to take ownership of their work, to understand their rights, and to stand up for their value in the industry. By dotting the I's and crossing the T's on contracts, and by being vigilant about every aspect of their business, artists can not only protect their current work but also pave the way for a secure creative legacy.
For more business tips and insights into the world of voiceover work and creative rights, be sure to check out the rest of our Teachable Moments. Your voice is not just your craft; it's your business, and it's time to protect it with the tenacity and intelligence it deserves. Tune in, learn, and let’s navigate the legalities of the entertainment industry together.
Thanks for reading!
Keep on rocking your business like a #VOBOSS
About Anne Ganguzza
Recipient of multiple Voice Arts Awards for Outstanding Narration Demo - Anne Ganguzza is California-based Voice Over Coach and award-winning Director & Producer specializing in target-marketed voiceover Demo Production. Anne's production team creates SOVAS-nominated demos across several genres, including Commercial, Corporate Narration, and eLearning, and her VO BOSS podcast is the winner of SOVAS Outstanding Podcast in 2022.