OT: How much to charge?

corug7 wrote on 1/28/2004, 7:56 AM

Looking for some input. I recently worked on a multi-cam shoot and since I'm new to freelancing, I'm not sure what a reasonable fee is. I was told I could charge anything "within reason." I work in a fairly big midwestern city (Grand Rapids, MI). Does $25.00 an hour sound reasonable, or should I charge a flat daily rate? I worked 7 hours.

Comments

AlanC wrote on 1/28/2004, 8:02 AM

You didn't mention what part you played in the shoot but I bet the tea boy was paid more than $25.00 an hour.

winrockpost wrote on 1/28/2004, 8:06 AM

..........I recently worked on a multi-cam shoot

doing what ? shooting, or editing.in either case 25 an hr is very, very, low,

Id like to think your skills warrant you as least as much as your plumber.

corug7 wrote on 1/28/2004, 8:13 AM

I worked as a camera operator. I also helped with teardown. Please keep in mind that I would like to be asked to work with these guys again. By the way, I try to do most of my own plumbing :).

Thanks for the replies!

corug7 wrote on 1/28/2004, 8:16 AM

By the way, if you are replying to this thread, please list the general region you work in and what you feel might be a reasonable amount in that area, and how long you have worked there. Thanks everyone.

videoman69 wrote on 1/28/2004, 8:21 AM

In Dallas most experienced Camera Ops will get between $300-$400 per
10 hour day.
DP's might get $700-$2000 per day
Gaffers $400-$600
Grips $250-$350
Sound $500-$700 (with equipment)
Make-Up $250-$500

Of course all these ranges are based on experience but as a producer
this is typically what I have paid.

MKS

winrockpost wrote on 1/28/2004, 8:48 AM

Charlotte NC
Videographers 350 per day (5.5 to 10 hours ) not including camera.
mini DV cam xl1, pd150 -- 200 per day
beta sp 500 per day
digi beta 650

plumber 75.00 per hr

Lanzaedit wrote on 1/28/2004, 8:56 AM

First I'll say that $50/hr is what I would expect to pay/recieve here in Middle Tennessee. Most freelancers work on a half-day/full day rate, so the $50/hr is just a rough average.

I'm surprised that you're negotiating pay after the fact.
I would expect the rate to be established beforehand, not after the job is done.

John

corug7 wrote on 1/28/2004, 9:03 AM

John,
Like I said, I'm new to the freelance business. I figured I'd get paid a flat rate, and when I was told to submit an invoice, my jaw just kind of dropped, and of course, no one wanted to put a number on the job, know what I mean?

RafalK wrote on 1/28/2004, 10:13 AM

We just had a thread on this, Yes B&H seems to have the best reputation but follow this link to more info in case you're interested.
http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=246194

Chanimal wrote on 1/28/2004, 10:40 AM

I guess I might be the exception, I've been charging $100 an hour for any paying project. Of course, most of mine are corporate videos for GE (9 so far), Motorola (2) and others.

I thought my prices were cheap. I've paid $15 - $30k for a corporate video (script, directing, filming, editing, music, etc.), while I've been able to complete the process in 20-30 hours, costing them just $2-$3k.

Videos for show at www.TheVideomaker.com