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November, 2024

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Film price

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screamin_seamen
Posts: 619 - Karma: 551
Shooting a Interview next week in seattle. Not sure exactly what to charge. Im getting a light kit and everything from my school. Shooting should take a couple hours max
May 18 2011 5:53PM
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.cam.
Posts: 1852 - Karma: 48
25 or more an hour depending on your equipment plus the cost to edit
May 18 2011 5:59PM
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kootenayklaus
Posts: 3914 - Karma: 2,179
I charge 100 dollars per minute of edited video. A little steep, but companies eat that shit up because it's still cheaper than professionals with near quality. I've done like 4-5 promotional vids, and they have all been a success.

Tip: Don't mooch off companies by trying to lengthen the video time. The shorter, more well edited video will get them very pleased, and they will often refer you to other companies, compensating for the loss from that video.
May 18 2011 7:50PM
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.cam.
Posts: 1852 - Karma: 48
I meant that price just for filming because when I do an interview it is generally I set the camera up for the shot, do the lighting, then just led it record. I also mix up the angles and stuff.
May 18 2011 8:05PM
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horner
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 1,578
I hate to say this, but sack up and just give them a price that you see fit. Asking on a forum isn't the way to go. If you're getting hired for a job, you should figure out what to charge on your own, as mean as that sounds.
May 18 2011 10:40PM
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kootenayklaus
Posts: 3914 - Karma: 2,179
...or, find out what other freelance videographers in your area are charging, and charge less, but make sure to acquire near the quality of their work.
May 18 2011 10:50PM
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goodiepocket
Posts: 950 - Karma: 641
I'd have to agree, although it is brutally honest. It took me a few jobs to figure out what to consider my 'rate' was going to be. That means it was some trial and error, charged to little a few times haha research of your general area with freelance cinematographers will help you find that ballpark range, however it is going to come down to what you value your work and your equipment as being worth. it's a hard thing to do..
May 18 2011 10:54PM
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kootenayklaus
Posts: 3914 - Karma: 2,179
It also sucks... For we, as the people shooting, feel our work is great, but putting a price on it really just takes down that self worth..
May 18 2011 10:58PM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
That's pretty lame, this sounds like a great way to guarantee to turn out work that's not your personal best, and slowly depreciate the value of your business.

Charge what your worth, and what it will cost to get your best. If they can't afford your best, make sure they know that they aren't getting it when you negotiate down.
May 18 2011 11:01PM
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kootenayklaus
Posts: 3914 - Karma: 2,179
Well, I put all effort into any piece of work that I do, and my customers are satisfied and refer me to other people. By charging slightly less than the others, but still spitting out great quality work, you become the go to guy. I wouldn't dare try to depreciate the business in my area.
May 18 2011 11:05PM
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goodiepocket
Posts: 950 - Karma: 641
this is a really hard subject figure out, I feel like a lot of it depends on your situation as a filmmaker. for example, have you created a name for yourself (have you established yourself in the community, are you known?). In my case, I unfortunately undercut myself on a few different projects, but that didn't mean I was going to try any less than if I had been making more money because I knew that it would be these first pieces that would potentially be what leads to finding new customers you know?
in hindsight, I would say don't undercut yourself too much (like I did) because it will be a lot more stressful than it is ultimately worth, but realize it will take some trial and error to find that price and become comfortable with standing by it.

(I hope this is helping haha)
May 18 2011 11:10PM
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Coalescent
Posts: 4871 - Karma: 2,063
I recently charged $500 for a wedding. 4 hours of shoot time + editing time. Definitely not worth it. I will be charging more next shoot.
May 18 2011 11:14PM
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kootenayklaus
Posts: 3914 - Karma: 2,179
Wow, personally, I'd be amazed if someone offered me 500 dollars for a wedding... I guess it's just low expectations from my customers I guess...
May 18 2011 11:18PM
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.cam.
Posts: 1852 - Karma: 48
Ya I learned my lesson the hard way. Me and another nser did a batmitzvah and by the end of it we had 8 full hours of footage to go through. We also only got payed $300 total.
May 18 2011 11:23PM
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canterbury
Posts: 2382 - Karma: 55
hahaha, that sucks
May 19 2011 12:52AM
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