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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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Dr.NS
Posts: 640 - Karma: 19
I'll keep my opinions on your work aside for this, but definitely at your level I would start with the camp idea- you already have strong ties to Momentum or COC from what I gather, so I'd start by contacting them, asking if they'd be ok with you working to film campers for personal edits, and then asking if you can use their networking to spread your message. Charge an hourly rate to film that isn't crazy (10-15$/hr) and then a flat rate for editing for say, a 3-5 minute edit.

as for sponsors and rider edits- If they post your edit on their site/use your work, contact them and inform them you didn't give permission, but don't do it like a jackass. I'd basically say this one's on the house, next one isn't free, let me know how it does for you guys and if it gets attention, call me up and we can work on stuff in the future.

never hesitate to tell a company they can't use your work (though doing that vs. doing what I just said above is retarded- I don't care if you don't like K2, you're 14 years old and if you're getting paid to freelance, you should be happy as fuck) and try contacting them before you use a logo. makes things simpler and establishes dialogue between you two.
Jun 24 2011 1:08AM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
why would u expect that of a company? its not like its there obligation to thank you

you do it, and maybe the company says something, if not too bad, if so cool

and my input is why charge now? even for if its for a kid you dont really know, your having fun, once your a super big film company producer then u can do it
Jun 28 2011 7:02PM
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WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
and this is the problem.



if he's producing content that's on par if not better than what a lot of older ski filmers are producing (i personally think moxley's stabilizer shots are on another level, similar to steen), then why shouldn't he have some leverage? he can do what a lot of older filmers get paid to do, only better, yet he doesn't get paid as well, if at all. why? because people think 'oh he's good for his age,he should be happy to be getting recognized at all.' while he is good for his age, he's also good period. and that should earn him something
Jun 28 2011 7:13PM
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Brock.
Posts: 5698 - Karma: 1,332
Solid post! Play your cards right and you could be looking at a full time career at 18.

I think you really need to take your age into consideration though, you have a VERY LONG TIME to build up portfolio (your videos are better than most 20 year old's videos) so I would take it one step at a time in terms of building clientele.
Jun 28 2011 8:54PM
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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,395
thank you will.
Jun 29 2011 4:05PM
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screamin_seamen
Posts: 619 - Karma: 551
Set some standards with you "sponsored" rider that you are filming, does he actually get more than one free pair os sticks for the season? Clothing? outerwear? etc.... If hes the kid that gets a shirt or two and claims hes fully on there than say chill the fuck out but if its a rider thats about to be doing this full time for a living make him sign something (if hes sketch) saying he will give you X amount of product for a well produced edit.

If that makes since?
Jun 29 2011 7:24PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Bad advice. First rule of freelancing is to never ask for product in the place of money.
Jun 30 2011 2:54AM
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eheath
Posts: 61604 - Karma: 123,113
From the rider? No. If anyone should be paying for an edit, it should be the company, not the rider.

I agree starting out with product is okay, but moving onto money is always nice.
Jun 30 2011 3:27AM
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Freshbakedbread
Posts: 949 - Karma: 483
I make music videos and I charge $100 a video, it's not much money but you gota start somewhere. Don't be afraid to charge people for your services, If they want them, they'll pay for them, and when that happens its a great feeling! I'm only 17 btw

you can watch some of them there
Jun 30 2011 11:16PM
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Brock.
Posts: 5698 - Karma: 1,332
Those are ill dude! How did you get the jobs though? Do you know any of them personally?
Jul 1 2011 12:48AM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,400
the Joey Spencer ones are fucking incredible, kenyon labs makes some real nice stuff
Jul 1 2011 12:50AM
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Downtofilm
Posts: 6896 - Karma: 20,395
agreed, i wish I would use it more. I havent been using it as much as I would like lately
Jul 1 2011 2:23AM
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screamin_seamen
Posts: 619 - Karma: 551
Hows it bad advice? "Freelancing" in general of course that rule makes complete sense. In most cases riders have no money to throw out, but they due have a shit load of gear they can let go of. Depending on the status. If you want to do freelance work for the actually company itself thats a whole other topic.
Jul 1 2011 7:01PM
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