$$$ PAL > NTSC $$$

MichaelS wrote on 1/3/2006, 1:15 PM
I really hate this kind of question, but I'm gonna ask anyway!

How do you bill for Mini DV (PAL) to Mini DV (NTSC) conversions? I've just successfully finished my first batch for a customer. It obviously took longer than it should (since I had to figure a few things out, download a few drivers and such). Is it advisable to charge by the converted minute + tapes, etc. or by an hourly rate for my work. Most all of the conversion (rendering) was done overnight.

How do you do it?

Thank a bundle!

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 1/3/2006, 1:25 PM
This is mostly a hands-off project, and as such it's probably not appropriate to bill for your time. As you noted, you spent more time than you should have since this was a first run. Presumably you will be more efficient for future runs and the client shouldn't have to pay for your inefficiency this time around. Indeed, billing for your time gives you an incentive to make mistakes and have to fix them rather than getting it right in the first place!

I would bill by the minute of footage, with a certain minimum amount to cover materials and setup. Maybe something along the lines of $20 for the first 10 minutes, $25 for each half-hour, $40 for each hour, whichever is less. Obviously you should choose your own prices that make it worthwhile for both you and the client.
MichaelS wrote on 1/3/2006, 1:59 PM
It often helps to get another opinion to jump start an idea. That was just what I needed.

Thanks!
johnmeyer wrote on 1/3/2006, 4:19 PM
Google yields lots of ideas:

ntsc pal format conversion cost