What does your day rate include?

[channel70productions]

When you quote a day rate or half-day rate, exactly what is included for that figure?

[birdcat]

Contrary to many folks here, I will quote a day rate more often than not. Mine is a VERY reasonable number but does not include advanced things like color correction or lighting – Those will cost more. My standard go-out-and-get-it rate (up to two hours of recording, simple editing & simple titles) is about $350 with extras bringing it up to around $600.

And I am considered low-ball.

[voodeux]

Depends on what is required. Minimum to leave the house with a single camera is $600. That would be the most basic of options (camera, wired/wireless mics, one light).

If it’s a shoot that requires more elaborate setup (advanced lighting, multiple audio sources, mixer, etc) then minimum rate goes up to $800. This covers the pre-production consultation, setup, first 2 hours of shoot, and breakdown.

Might not be the cheapest rate, but I’ve got over $45K worth of equipment, 25 years of experience (including broadcast television).

[Woody]

I don’t think your “Low balling” it Birdcat. Depends on all involved. If I get a real estate call I’m on the road 15-30 min, at the house 30 min and on the road 15-30 min again then a 30min editing for a base line of 250, extras add more.

If I get a interview call its 600 a half day and I’m toting a lighting kit. If I get a fishing Pro call there is no half day. I’m hooking up my boat, mounting the boom in the back and heading out for lakes that may be a half day away, they get 4-6 hours of film time but the over all cost is 2,000 without editing and if I have to stay over night somewhere, they get that added as well and that does not include editing. I’ll be at the boat ramp a half hour before you and leave later for sure. Hunting trips are about the same as fishing, Duck hunters I cut a break to. They cater to you, feed you haul you around and you just have to bring your gear. They will cook you a breakfast that will nock your socks off in the blind.

I also do water birding tours for bird watchers. That’s very rewarding to take others out to film or photograph birds in the late winter around NC. I only charge 200 a person for that for the day and kids are free but its a 250 minimum to cover gas.

It all depends on what you have invested in the day I guess and what you get out of it.

[backpackr]

Since I just started and have minimal equipment (consumer HDVs, Sony Vegasetc) I have a $200 deposit due at signing then charge $25 per hour for shooting and editing. There are other guys in town that charge waaay more. I figure for the price I charge, my clientele won’t mind I got my cameras at Best Buy. Here’s my latest work.

[voodeux]

Michael, I would take a lesson from the famous painters. Nobody asks them about the cost of their brushes, paints or canvas. When a painter or photographer is commissioned, they are being valued for their art, their eye, their skill. Equipment is secondary. Obviously, you want the gear that serves you best and doesn’t hold you back…but beyond that, you’re selling your talent.

There are market factors that are often beyond our control. So if the going rate is X and you want to charge 4X, you better be able to justify it. But don’t be in a rush to ‘race to the bottom’. A super-low bid hurts the entire industry and devalues the work that we do.

From a consumer perspective, it’s a perceived-value proposition. Charge too little, and the consumer equates your product as a budget or generic brand. Want proof? Look to any Starbucks. Before they came along, most people would have cringed at the thought of a $4 cup of coffee.

My rant has ended. I go in peace.

[Woody]

Good advise Oren

[Woody]

Good advise Oren

[Woody]

Good advise Oren

[Woody]

Good advise Oren

[Woody]

Good advise Oren

[Woody]

Good advise Oren

[EarlC]

My DAY rate for shooting is based on 4-6 hours and 8-10 hours. In addition are meal, gas/trip mileage fees and/or any other support such as audio specialist, lights, location fees and/or props, etc. as well as rental fees plus a percentage over rent costs for special equipment (if any) needed.

To “show up and shoot” using my stuff and working alone or with an associate, a half-day is $600; full day, $850.

Editing is $70 per hour. I provide an estimated number of hours to edit/deliver, based on experience and desired method of delivery, plus costs of any materials or supplies, and postage/delivery fees, if any. I offer NO discount for editing but usually come in under my quote as a rule of thumb, but not always. After I estimate the total number of hours required to edit/produce, I usually add 15-to-20-percent for contingency.

[Author]

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