Question
What are residuals in voice acting and how does Gabrielle Nistico explain their importance?
Answer
Hi there!
Residuals in voice acting are extra payments you receive for work you’ve already done when a client continues to use your voice beyond the original agreed-upon term. Gabrielle explains it like this: when a client hires you, they’re basically leasing your voice, not buying it outright.
When the usage term expires and they still want to use that spot, they have to “renew the lease” and pay again. Those renewal payments are residuals. Early residuals can be really nice checks and sometimes show up unexpectedly, which is why actors love them. Over time, especially in TV, those amounts can get smaller, but they’re still a key way voice actors sustain their income over the long term.
Would you like me to break down where residuals most commonly show up (commercials, TV, streaming, etc.)?