Pros
Have your responsibilities increased? Are you performing at the next level up? Has the market rate shifted? Are they short on artists / do they need you on next show? If yes to even 1–2 of these, you have leverage. 🧠 Important: Timing If the contract hasn’t been drafted yet → perfect time. If they’ve already sent the new contract → respond before signing. One Question for You Are you: Asking for a modest bump (like $2–5/hr)? Or a level jump (e.g., mid → senior rate)? That changes how aggressive you should be. can i message them on teams or email is better? Email is better. Here’s why: ✅ Why Email Wins It’s formal and documented It shows you’re taking the conversation seriously It gives them time to think before responding It creates a paper trail before contracts are drafted Teams is fine for quick logistics. Compensation discussions = email. 🎯 Smart Approach (Best of Both Worlds) You can do this: Step 1 – Email Send a short professional message asking to discuss rate. Step 2 – Teams If you don’t hear back in a couple days, follow up casually: “Hey, just wanted to check if you saw my email about contract renewal.” That keeps it professional without being awkward. When Teams Is Okay If you already have a close working relationship If your studio culture is super informal If they specifically told you “just ping me on Teams” But even then, I’d still summarize any agreement via email afterward: “Thanks for the chat today — confirming we agreed on X rate for the new contract.” That protects you. If you want, tell me: Is this a big studio or mid-sized? How comfortable are you with production? I can help you pick the exact tone that fits your studio culture. Do you like this personality?
Cons
Have your responsibilities increased? Are you performing at the next level up? Has the market rate shifted? Are they short on artists / do they need you on next show? If yes to even 1–2 of these, you have leverage. 🧠 Important: Timing If the contract hasn’t been drafted yet → perfect time. If they’ve already sent the new contract → respond before signing. One Question for You Are you: Asking for a modest bump (like $2–5/hr)? Or a level jump (e.g., mid → senior rate)? That changes how aggressive you should be. can i message them on teams or email is better? Email is better. Here’s why: ✅ Why Email Wins It’s formal and documented It shows you’re taking the conversation seriously It gives them time to think before responding It creates a paper trail before contracts are drafted Teams is fine for quick logistics. Compensation discussions = email. 🎯 Smart Approach (Best of Both Worlds) You can do this: Step 1 – Email Send a short professional message asking to discuss rate. Step 2 – Teams If you don’t hear back in a couple days, follow up casually: “Hey, just wanted to check if you saw my email about contract renewal.” That keeps it professional without being awkward. When Teams Is Okay If you already have a close working relationship If your studio culture is super informal If they specifically told you “just ping me on Teams” But even then, I’d still summarize any agreement via email afterward: “Thanks for the chat today — confirming we agreed on X rate for the new contract.” That protects you. If you want, tell me: Is this a big studio or mid-sized? How comfortable are you with production?