Comments

TheHappyFriar wrote on 6/5/2006, 8:57 PM
the local video house charges $35 per hour. THat's per hour of their working. I charge on a per-project basis.
ushere wrote on 6/6/2006, 12:24 AM
depends on what the project is. you can't really set a fixed hourly rate on a doco unless you're simply editing it together for the client (eg. from an already prepared edl), and know you can knockout around 2 > 5 minutes an hour. of course, this does NOT include creating graphics, sound mix, etc.,

for editing i charge $55 hr

for being an editor $75 hr

for projects i'm familiar with - i charge by the project

for long form doco i negotiate - with people who are honest and know what they're talking about!!!!! VERY IMPORTANT

for 30' tvc - how long is a piece of string? i try to sus out all i can about what's needed, and quote both an hourly rate AND a project fee. the latter is usually on the conservative side.

most my clients are old friends by now, so we're comfortable knowing what's wanted, and how much it's going to cost.

if i've learnt anything in 30+ years, it's that i trust an old fart more than a bright young star, and it's infinely better to have a regular clientele with repeat business than fishing for glamourous, highly paid one offs....

and for those of you who've never visited my website, there follows some words of wisdom:


top ten lies of editors

1 It only shifts in preview

10 It's out of safe. you won't see it on air.

11 It won't really look like that.

100 I'll fill out the paperwork tomorrow.

101 I really don't mind working on sunday.

110 oh no... don't go by THAT monitor!

111 It works better as a cut.

1000 It's on the source tape like that.

1001 I'll be home soon...

1010 I think it looks just fine.


top ten lies of producers / directors

1 It's simple. it should only take you an hour or so.

2 I only need a few dubs...

3 Budget? oh don't worry about that.

4 Feel free to be creative with this.

5 I'll be there no later than...

6 The client will love it. they won't make any changes.

7 I'm positive i got that shot on THIS tape...

8 Never had a problem anywhere else i've edited.

9 Could you preview that just one more time?

10 Oh... just paintbox it out...



top ten questions asked by directors

I Would it have been quicker if it'd been logged first?

II Do you mind staying back for a meeting?

III Have you got enough to go on with?

IV Do you think you'll finish it in time?

V Have you got a spare vhs tape?

VI Did you mean it to look like that?

VII Do you need me here for this?

VIII Can i use your phone?

IX Why is it taking so long?

X Should i just shut up?

leslie