Residuals
Residuals are ongoing payments that voice actors receive when their work is used again after the initial payment. Think of it like getting a small bonus every time a commercial they voiced plays on TV, or when an animated show they worked on streams online. This is different from the first payment (called a session fee) that actors get for recording. Residuals are common in voice acting, TV, film, and radio work, and they can provide steady income even when an actor isn't actively recording new projects.
Examples in Resumes
Earned Residuals from national TV commercial campaign voiceovers
Generated significant Residual income from streaming platform animation dubbing
Managed Residuals tracking for voice work in video games and animated series
Typical job title: "Voice Actors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Voice Actors
Industry Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Experienced Voice Actor Questions
Q: How do you track and manage your residuals from different projects?
Expected Answer: Should discuss using professional accounting software or agents, understanding payment schedules, and having a system to monitor re-uses of their work across different platforms.
Q: What's your experience with negotiating residual terms in contracts?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of industry standards for different types of work (commercials, animation, games) and ability to negotiate fair residual terms with clients or through agents.
Mid-Level Questions
Q: What types of projects typically generate residuals?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain different sources of residual income like commercials, animated shows, video games, and how payment structures vary by medium.
Q: How do union vs non-union residuals differ?
Expected Answer: Should understand the basic differences between union-regulated residual payments and independently negotiated terms for non-union work.
Beginning Voice Actor Questions
Q: What is the difference between a session fee and residuals?
Expected Answer: Should explain that session fees are one-time payments for recording work, while residuals are ongoing payments for repeated use of the recording.
Q: How do you determine if a project offers residuals?
Expected Answer: Should know to check contract terms, ask agents or clients directly, and understand which types of projects typically include residual payments.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Understanding basic residual terms in contracts
- Recording sessions for residual-eligible work
- Working with agents on residual projects
- Basic tracking of payment schedules
Mid (2-5 years)
- Negotiating residual terms
- Managing multiple residual streams
- Understanding union vs non-union residuals
- Project selection based on residual potential
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex contract negotiation
- International residual management
- Multiple platform residual tracking
- Strategic career planning around residuals
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic residual payment structures
- Inability to track or manage payment schedules
- Lack of knowledge about union vs non-union work
- No experience with residual-generating projects
- Poor understanding of contract terms
Related Terms
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