Concerns Over Dubbing Fees
In a recent interview, Vyacheslav Khostikoyev, a Ukrainian actor working in theater, film, and dubbing, raised alarm over the meager compensation in Ukraine’s dubbing industry. He pointed out that a single line of dubbed dialogue pays just 15 to 20 hryvnias—a stark contrast to international rates, where voicing a one-hour lecture can earn up to 400 euros. Khostikoyev emphasized that such low pay forces many actors to juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
Born on June 26, 1996, in Kyiv to a family of performers, Khostikoyev is the son of People’s Artists of Ukraine Anatoliy Khostikoyev and Nataliya Sumska. His lineage includes other notable figures: his grandfather, Vyacheslav Sumsky, was an actor, and his aunt is Olha Sumska. He graduated from the Ivan Karpenko-Karyi National University of Theater, Film and Television in 2017 and currently works as an actor at the National Academic Drama Theater named after Ivan Franko.
Struggles in Dubbing and Theater Work
The cost of dubbing in Ukraine remains a pressing issue. 'It’s 15 to 18, up to 20 hryvnias,' Khostikoyev said, describing the fees Ukrainian actors receive. 'Abroad, it’s different—much higher.' He cited an example of foreign work: 'Voicing a one-hour lecture by some mentor—400 euros.' In Ukraine, the same effort might earn only 'one to two thousand hryvnias.'
According to the actor, theater salaries hover around 20,000 hryvnias, which is also insufficient for financial stability. 'That’s why I say it’s very resource-intensive. We try to do voiceovers here, dubbing there, and other things,' he explained, highlighting the challenges actors face in the dubbing field.
Khostikoyev also touched on the concept of a 'star fee,' noting that well-known actors can command higher pay than standard specialists. 'I also try to charge more for commercials or using my voice, because I have a huge schedule now,' he added.
Overall, the situation with dubbing fees in Ukraine remains difficult, and Ukrainian actors like Vyacheslav Khostikoyev continue to seek ways to combine different types of work to secure a decent living.
The issue of low dubbing fees is a key part of the broader discussion about the state of Ukraine’s cultural industry. It reflects not only the economic challenges actors face but also the overall level of investment in creative professions. In an era of globalization and competition from international markets, Ukrainian artists may need greater financial incentives to retain talent and attract new specialists to the field.
As the conversation around fair compensation in the arts continues, it's interesting to note how other performers are navigating similar challenges. For instance, Valery Leontiev has recently increased his concert fees for Russian audiences, highlighting the stark differences in earning potential across the entertainment industry. This situation raises important questions about the sustainability of creative careers in various regions and the value placed on artistic work.