The Bayonetta 3 Pay Dispute Exposes the Precarious Nature of Voice Acting

When we think of actors, we often envision Hollywood stars walking the red carpet, raking in millions from blockbuster franchises, and living a life of glamour. However, this perception can make it difficult to understand the reality of voiceover talent, who possess the same skills as on-screen actors but earn significantly less. The lack of transparency in the games industry and the creative sector as a whole means that many people are unaware of the challenges faced by voice actors or what their job entails. The recent dispute between actress Hellena Taylor and developer PlatinumGames over pay for her work on Bayonetta 3 has shed light on the precarious conditions voice actors face. Taylor claimed she was offered a flat rate of $4,000, which she deemed 'insulting' given her skills and the franchise's popularity. A report by Bloomberg disputed her account, stating that she was offered the sum per session and negotiations failed due to her insistence on a six-figure payment. Regardless of the truth, the situation highlights the public's lack of understanding about the conditions under which their favorite games are made. The resulting discussions on social media have been unhelpful, with people debating what constitutes a fair rate without considering the varying needs and living standards of individuals. Voice actors have been saying for years that their profession is precarious and underpaid. Most games use American voice actors for their English dubs, and while some may use actors with non-American accents, the conditions faced by Taylor, a British actress working in America, are representative of the industry. Voice actors work in games and animation, providing original voices or English dubs for foreign language media. In the US, they may be members of the SAG-AFTRA union or not, but the decision to join is often complex and not always their own. Many publishers don't offer union contracts, and even when they do, non-disclosure agreements can make voice actors' jobs more difficult. Union membership is encouraged for voice actors, as it provides collective bargaining power, negotiates contracts, and ensures benefits like health insurance and pension payments. However, many projects don't offer union contracts, leaving voice actors vulnerable to the whims of their clients. The current non-union rate of $250 per hour is not always adhered to, and without a union contract, actors are susceptible to exploitation. The question of what constitutes a fair rate is complex, and hourly rates are only useful for those working regular hours. Freelancers, like voice actors, are paid in various ways, and their success depends on the number of projects they can book and the hours they work. Voice actors like Ben Diskin and Sara Secora have spoken out about the challenges they face, including the high entrance barrier to the profession, the need to invest in home studios, and the struggle to make a living wage. The worth of work is a question that has been debated intensely, especially during the pandemic, when many people have been forced to reevaluate their priorities. The voice actor strike between 2016 and 2017, which involved companies like Activision and Warner Bros Interactive, highlighted the need for better working conditions and fair pay. Although an agreement was eventually reached, it was not without its limitations, and voice actors continue to fight for residuals and royalties. The fact that voice actors are often treated as replaceable, despite being an integral part of the entertainment industry, is a travesty. Developers like Night School Studio have acknowledged the importance of voice acting to their games, and voice actors often risk repercussions by speaking out about their working conditions. Public opinion can help voice actors' case, and audiences can support them by raising awareness about working conditions in the games industry and advocating for better pay. Voice actors deserve fair compensation for their work, and it's time we recognize the crucial role they play in bringing games to life.