How a job runs & terms

This is a translation for convenience. In the event of any discrepancy, the German version at www.andyzimmermann.ch/agb is the legally binding text.

How a job runs

1. Pronunciation

To make sure your script is read the way you have in mind, instructions on pronunciation are important. This can be done in writing (for example Website = 'Uebseid'); even clearer is a scratch recording, made with a smartphone for instance, in which you set out the stresses you want in advance.

2. Tone

To get the tone of voice right, it is best to point me to one of the references on this website that comes closest to what you have in mind, or to send another audio example. If you want to influence stress, intonation or tone, you can dial into my recording session live (Source-Connect, Zoom or Teams). I offer this mainly for TV commercials and at off-peak times.

3. Dialect

Point me to a reference from my portfolio that comes closest to the dialect you want. I offer High German, Zurich German and a slightly softened Bernese German; audio samples and an introduction to Switzerland's language culture can be found here. The script must be supplied in the language or dialect it is to be voiced in; translation by the voice over artist is possible as set out in the price list.

4. File format

Please tell me in advance which format you need: AIFF, WAV or MP3, in each case either raw (for further processing in a sound studio) or compressed and frequency-optimised for listening (ideal if you have no audio specialist of your own). For uncompressed formats: 16 or 24 bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz.

5. Availability

You can see my availability in the calendar. Full-day absences and days with limited availability are marked there.

Terms and conditions

6.-7. Payment

For a first booking, the agreed fee is payable in advance (bank details come with the quote; payment via PayPal is possible, plus 3.4 % in fees). The payment period for regular jobs is 10 days. The invoice is sent as a PDF by e-mail.

8. Place of recording

Recording normally takes place in my own studio, without the client being physically present (a live stream is possible). On request, and against reimbursement of expenses, I will attend a sound studio with Source-Connect or similar that you have booked in the greater Zurich area.

9. Rates

Rates depend on the number of commercials or on the length of the finished, edited audio track. Rule of thumb: 110 words ≈ 1 minute. Pauses for breath and pauses between sections form part of the script. Several narration or telematics jobs can be combined within one session. Rates are in CHF; for payments from abroad, the current exchange rate plus 1 % applies.

10. Scope of services

Correspondence, recording, rough edit and any audio processing are included in the prices. Where there is a live link during the recording, editing is no longer included; as a rule, recording and editing are then done directly at the client's end.

11. Usage rights

For audio and visual commercials, the usage rights run for one year from the first broadcast. Any repeat or continued use must be reported without being asked; the continued-use rate applies for each further year. All other recordings may be used without any time limit.

12. Process and delivery times

Please supply the script in an editable format (Word, for example), in the language and dialect of the recording. For recordings without a live stream, the script including the briefing must be available by 16.00 on the agreed recording date; delivery normally follows on the next working day or the one after. If that deadline is missed, delivery may be postponed by further days, depending on how full the schedule is.

13. Corrections

Textual or technical errors for which the voice over artist is responsible are put right free of charge in one round of corrections, provided they are reported within one week of delivery. Pronunciations changed to suit the client's taste without a clear error, altered scripts or an imprecise briefing count as a chargeable client correction. There is no entitlement to an immediate re-recording.

14. Use as a reference

Unless agreed otherwise, I may use the finished product, an extract from it or the voice over track as a reference and on the blog. Please tell me before placing the order about any confidentiality or restrictions (audio track only, without attribution, without confidential content and so on).

15.-17. Exclusivity, liability, place of jurisdiction

The fee does not create any non-competition obligation; total exclusivity or product exclusivity can be agreed against an additional fee. The voice over artist is liable neither for the content of what is spoken nor for the final result. Swiss law applies; the place of jurisdiction is the voice over artist's place of residence.

Last updated: May 2017