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Should I charge for video?

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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,395
Hey guys, I recently came across that thread ''How much to charge for producing video?''
and thought to myself, should I start charging for videos?

I mean I hate to do it, but how will I buy camera gear?
I dont want to but it has come to the point where I need money for equipment, travel costs, etc.
When I think about it all that comes to mind is;
are my videos good enough?
will people hate me?
will less people want to film with me?

Hands down for weddings or similar stuff I would charge but Im talking generally about ski/skate filming.

What do you guys think about it.
Let me know.
Jun 9 2011 10:00PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
like charging your buddies, or what? i'm not following
Jun 9 2011 10:09PM
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.jr
Posts: 5313 - Karma: 356
The way I see it, if they are gaining something through your video, you should as well. So weddings and shit, charge. Someone you don't really know trying to get sponsored, charge. A weekend with your buddies out riding the local pad, na. Its rather awkward stepping into the paid realm. I haven't really done it myself yet because of a few reasons (for photo not video). Just know that if opt to charge, your taking away your right to screw up.. No one will be pleased paying you if you miss the shot.
Jun 9 2011 10:11PM
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goodiepocket
Posts: 950 - Karma: 641
get a job?
Jun 9 2011 10:12PM
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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,395
I have a job, but I mean, I am using my equipment to film them then If I want something new I have to work for it when I already worked to make them an edit for free.
Jun 9 2011 10:16PM
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NickSki.
Posts: 2009 - Karma: 61
Not trying to be a dick but I don't think any will take you that serious being 13 and all if they dont look at any of your work.
Jun 9 2011 10:23PM
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goodiepocket
Posts: 950 - Karma: 641
you are making it sound like you don't enjoy just going out and filming with your buddies...there is a big difference once things become paying jobs.
How do you get new equipment? you save your money. Up until this point in my life I have always had a full time/part-time job along with filming. Yes, you made them an edit for 'free', but how else do you expect to get better and to get practice and to have fun? It's not like they are forcing you to make an edit, you should want to go make an edit...that's how I see it.
Jun 9 2011 10:25PM
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DG.3
Posts: 794 - Karma: 288
that will not work at 14
Jun 9 2011 10:32PM
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TaranItUp
Posts: 1313 - Karma: 802
What I am going to do is the people i film, if my video gets them sponsored then they have to get me something from that company. If that makes sense.
Jun 9 2011 10:34PM
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DIX~
Posts: 4695 - Karma: 6,502
No.
Jun 9 2011 10:40PM
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lukewalnuts
Posts: 2730 - Karma: 152
.
Jun 9 2011 10:41PM
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.Max.
Posts: 2930 - Karma: 701
Completely agree with goodiepocket. It's absurd to even consider charging your friends for an edit. You're having fun making it, they're having fun seeing it. Everyone wins. Don't think about it like a chore, and if it seems like that to you, maybe you shouldn't film. Equipment is expensive, but that's your problem to deal with, not your friends. The only thing that will come from you charging them is disgust and resentment.

It's about what makes you happy, not what makes you money.
Jun 9 2011 10:46PM
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ChucklesNorman.
Posts: 1197 - Karma: 719
I don't even know what to say to this. If you want to make money or at least break even through video do some real free lance work. Time spent filming with friends and re-living those memories through editing should be the reason you do what you do, not money.

To answer you questions.
will people hate me? Yes, everyone will hate you and won't you within 100 feet of them.

will less people want to film with me? Not even a question, People are cheap, not many people will film with someone who is charging $$.


Bottom line is please don't charge for filming skiing unless it's some rich family who wants a video of there kid making his first turns.
Jun 9 2011 10:53PM
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panojibber
Posts: 3382 - Karma: 216
I've always been under the impression that as an amateur filmer you make the video for free, publish it, and then it gets you attention and adds to your portfolio. The skiers invest something into it too, because they have to throw down whenever you happen to be filming. I know you're from whis, so its probably different there, but there's not an abundance of really good riders everywhere. IMO you're probably fairly lucky to get to film such good skiers, it really adds to the popularity of your edits. Maybe ask them to send like $20 your way or something if they're really needing an edit? I wouldn't charge my friends for something that gets me so much attention too... Seems like a mutual skier/filmer effort to me.

Really enjoy your work BTW, keep killin it. Your edit with Simon Dartois is ill, always saw him around whis and had no clue who he was haha.
Jun 9 2011 10:54PM
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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,395
Guys I never mentioned charging my friends? I just said charging in general, the problem is that when friends demand edits and and get upset if I do not make it . Especially when it's for them to receive something that I get nothing of, cause it's like they are getting an edit plus whatever else there sponsor is giving them. I think it just sucks when they demand it. Of course I would never charge my friends for "fun" edits. I just don't want them to be telling me what to do.
Jun 9 2011 10:54PM
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TaranItUp
Posts: 1313 - Karma: 802
Well put, charge all of them texans.
Jun 9 2011 10:55PM
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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,395
I was aiming more at people I don't really know but kind of know. ie. Kids that come to camps.
Jun 9 2011 10:57PM
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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,395
Bottom line o would not charge my friends unless they are willing to pay me and want to pay me
Jun 9 2011 10:58PM
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s.erickson
Posts: 504 - Karma: 992
just express what you just said to them
Jun 9 2011 11:00PM
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ChucklesNorman.
Posts: 1197 - Karma: 719
Sounds like you have very unappreciative "friends". When I make edit every one it just stoked to have shots.


As for camp kids, If you advertise that you are filming as your job and they know from the start that they are going to pay for the edit then I don't really see anything wrong with it.
Jun 9 2011 11:07PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,687
There are a few situations

You are filming with your friends, obviously you don't charge them, you guys are just doing what you do as friends. Now if your friends are sponsored, and giving their sponsors the edits/shots you make, then charge the sponsor. Don't put a single logo in the edit until you get cash from the owner of that logo. Your buddies don't put the companies logo on their stuff for free so why should you?

You become known for making sicknastydelicioussweetdope edits/filming and some kid asks you to make a promo video for him. Fuck ya charge him.

You develop a working relationship with some talented skiers, who's handlers want videos for promotional purposes, don't charge the skiers, charge their sponsors, and give a kick back to the skier, they are the ones putting themselves in danger, you are just pointing a lense in the right direction.
Jun 9 2011 11:12PM
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kalum.ko
Posts: 585 - Karma: 1,672
If someone is benefiting from your work, charge them (Obviously not a friend) But if you follow around a random person you never met and then are spending a bunch of time, making an edit for them, I dont see any problem with charging them a bit.
Jun 9 2011 11:20PM
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Jacuse
Posts: 1792 - Karma: 1,549
That seems fair to me. Kids are already paying a lot for camp, i'm sure there would be a few who wouldn't mind dishing out a little more for a quality edit. Wouldn't charge much at all though, maybe something like $50 for a day of filming and editing. I know it doesn't seem like much, but I don't think people would pay much more than that.
Jun 9 2011 11:40PM
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PJS.
Posts: 11943 - Karma: 895
this. for sure.
Jun 9 2011 11:45PM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
If your friends get upset over you not making an edit in a timely manner, tell them to chill out and threaten to not even make the edit. Your the one filming them; if they're being brats about it, they don't deserve to get their name put up online.

As for charging, sure. Depending on the clientele, I'd say no more than $20 if its just some kids looking for you to put something together for them. If it's an actual company, I'd try and charge at most $50. That being said though... if you charge people, they will have higher expectations of your quality of your product(should be fine) and the timeliness in which it's produced.
Jun 9 2011 11:48PM
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Jakx~
Posts: 653 - Karma: 503

I think i'm understanding more of what your saying. People you don't know requesting your work, charge. But if you're just making it for fun and with friends don't charge. But one occasion would be if their presuring you, then charge. Like if you have to go out of your way and their demanding it by a certain time. Obviously camps and stuff charge unless your making it for yourself. I understand where your coming from, basically if you're going at their request then charge. 

Jun 9 2011 11:57PM
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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,395
thank you, I really appreciate all your inputs.

I will for sure send a bill to the company next time I make an edit for a sponsored athlete.
Thanks guys.
Jun 10 2011 12:48AM
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goodiepocket
Posts: 950 - Karma: 641
be careful with this...sometimes doing free work is much more beneficial than slapping a company with a bill because they may not even want to use the footage/edit once they realize they suddenly have to pay for it. Doing free work may open doors and lead to future, actually contracted, work with them...
Jun 10 2011 12:56AM
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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,395
Perfect example right here,
friend wants me to make season edit.
I will make his season edit for free cause hes a good friend.
hes sponsored by K2
I can choose wether to put there logo in the video or not.
should I contact K2 and ask for skis?
What should I do.
Its not like they have contacted me in the past asking for work, and k2 is a company Id rather not deal with in the future.

What should I do
Jun 10 2011 1:01AM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
Might as well ask, worst case scenario they tell you no.
Jun 10 2011 1:03AM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
I put in company logos for my sponsored friends without asking for anything in return. I like my buddies, and I like the reps for the companies. It's not like it takes extra work to toss in a logo, and I film skiing because I like filming skiing.
Jun 10 2011 1:39AM
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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,395
yea man I feel the same way but it annoys me how I put all this effort into making something for a buddy who's sponsored and they dont even have the decency to at least say thanks after I drop a logo in and make an edit for one of there team riders.
Jun 10 2011 1:59AM
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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,395
the company does not have the decency*
Jun 10 2011 2:00AM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
The way I see it is that you're making the logo for a buddy who's sponsored, not for the company itself. If they had not been sponsored, would you not film with them? Of course not, and I'm sure your friends appreciate the work that you do. Think of the logo as something you are putting in for your friend, not for the company. Besides, the edit is going to be full of shots of K2 skis being thrown around the Whistler Park. Like it or not, you're providing advertising regardless of adding a logo.
Jun 10 2011 2:06AM
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Scott0_robot0
Posts: 3291 - Karma: 212
you have been putting out some good stuff talk to some companies and see what they say about compensation for filming editing.
Jun 10 2011 3:55AM
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DG.3
Posts: 794 - Karma: 288
just be like yo k2 im making an edit for your rider _____, and at my level camera gear is getting pretty expensive, so if i made a point of showing your logo and repping you in the edit alot, would you help me you and send a little cash/discounts/skis/ my way?
Jun 10 2011 9:45AM
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Bryan*
Posts: 1818 - Karma: 115
if you are trying to make some money and you said you are "filming kids at summer camps" why dont you ask the camp to sponser you and have them pay for a little or help you out somewhere.
Jun 10 2011 10:52AM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,246
this. It wouldn't hurt to be like

"Hey my name is Zach, I've been filming your team rider, _______, this past season. I'd love to continue filming for him and also providing you with videos with your logo included. However, the price of camera gear and my time has become more and more valuable and I'm thinking about charging for my time. Would you guys consider providing me with some compensation for the videos I've produced of _______? We could work out a deal for x amount of compensation for x minutes of video, with __________ company's logo included in the video for you."
Jun 10 2011 11:48AM
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Keyjibbs
Posts: 1542 - Karma: 96
There's some really bad advice in this thread. First off don't ask for gear! This only devalues your work and it will make it less likely for you to get paid in the future. Secondly don't put how much camera gear costs in your proposal they don't give a shit. If they're a respectable company that has paid for video in the past they'll know what's a good price to pay you for you work. Don't just email them asking for money either, write up a professional invoice with everything that was done (hours editing/filming, travel costs, other expenses, etc. but not camera costs). Remember this is the action sports industry, so not matter how big the company, they'll probably try to find some way to not pay you or lowball the fuck out of you. Don't accept any offer either, know what your work is worth and don't accept less because it will only come back to hurt you .
Jun 10 2011 1:12PM
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goodiepocket
Posts: 950 - Karma: 641
and you said there was bad advice earlier in this thread... haha
Jun 10 2011 1:31PM
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Keyjibbs
Posts: 1542 - Karma: 96
This is my experience from working as a freelance photographer and a little bit of video work. As well as working at a action sports company that pays for edits. What part of my advice would you consider "bad"?
Jun 10 2011 2:38PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273

Jun 10 2011 6:03PM
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50in07
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 1,471
If you're looking to make money off of filming in the fututre. A really good way is to offer your friends to film and edit their school projects. I had three groups offer me $30 to make their videos. May not be a ton but school videos are easy as shit to make.
Jun 10 2011 7:13PM
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.spaghetticat.
Posts: 4283 - Karma: 890
only charge for DVDS and Movies like good sized movies
Jun 10 2011 7:24PM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
Your example - the friend who rides for K2....

DO NOT put K2 logos or other sponsor logos on your videos if the sponsors are not giving you something. DO NOT allow sponsors of kids to put their promo videos on their websites without getting something from it. That's free advertising, and it leads companies to expect shit for free, which is part of the reason why so many people constantly talk about how there's not much money in the ski industry.

However, if you want to do your friend a solid and make him a season edit, do it, and put your name all over it. If a company puts it online, and you feel like they should be compensating you, kindly ask them to take it offline until you reach some sort of a use agreement (even if you feel like a link to your vimeo or website is all that's appropriate). For a company like k2 though, you should at LEAST get some swag.

And lastly, if a kid asks you to make an edit, and gets pissed off that you aren't, tell him to stop being a bitch. Plain and simple. It's a big investment of your time, kids don't get that.
Jun 10 2011 7:28PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Funny sidestory: Line kept using my friend's music without his permisson, so he sent some legal vultures their way and shook over a grand out of 'em. Moral of the story: expect to get raped in the ski industry.
Jun 10 2011 7:32PM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
Having to get vultures involved is always fun. Ski industry dealings can be so annoying
Jun 10 2011 7:34PM
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mmallender.
Posts: 5805 - Karma: 936
also, if youre friends are getting hooked up by a company for your edits, and theyre asking for season edits, why not ask to get hooked up with some of the things they have been given from said companies? more likely than not if you hadnt been making the edits they may not have sponsors to hook them up
Jun 10 2011 9:21PM
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207
Posts: 8969 - Karma: 3,846
do it to some people that aren't exactly your buddies. You make dope edits, you're a skilled videographer you should benefit from it.
Jun 11 2011 12:45AM
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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,395
thanks again for all of your inputs!
Jun 11 2011 2:14AM
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goodiepocket
Posts: 950 - Karma: 641
I didn't mean to sound rude btw, I think when I read your comment, I read it with a different scenario in mind than I think you were referring to. When I read your initial post, I thought of him making a video, posting their logo and then just send the kids sponsor a bill. What was missing, and why I posted what I did, was because you left out that key piece that TWoods brought up: if you see them using it or they show interest in using the edit then yes, everything you said I fully agree with. I kinda jumped to that comment, I just had a different scenario in my head when I read it haha
Jun 11 2011 2:27AM
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