Hello everyone, I advertised myself as an event videographer looking to build his portfolio on craigslist, and I was contacted by a woman who wanted me to shoot some presentations for her. She asks how much I would charge in an email and I didn't respond yet. If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and here is a video link she gave me of what she is presenting: YouTube - Diane Buffalin Demo - Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DdPNNfhVlM)

By the way I use a Canon HV30 with a lot of accessories and I have a Canon Rebel T1i for extra video. Thanks in advance!

For simple presentations, I use the following formula:

Time on site X hourly rate X 2.

If her presentation is 60 minutes, and it takes me 60 minutes to set up and tear down, my formula would be 2x75x2=$300. I double the shoot time to account for transfer, simple editing and burning to DVD.

Depending on current workload, the odds are good I'd pass on any sub-$1,000 projects unless they were a good solid client.

I'd also throw in the cost of consumables such as tape, DVDs, cases etc. as I've found that a lot of folks thinks that DVDs grow on trees and that if you've promised them ONE, ten more should be free as well because "they don't cost that much".

Also remember to include location parking costs if not free.

...and also take into account any travelling time and costs!!! One job might be just down the road but the other might be miles away or thru heavy traffic so it takes you an hour to get there and an hour home!!!

With commercial type jobs I find it's better to get them to book your either for a half day or full day. By the time you have gathered and checked your gear, travelled to the site and shot the footage and got home ..even a hour shoot can absorb an entire morning or afternoon!!

Chris

Use Excel or the Google spreadsheet and use some of the suggestions posted previously.

If you are going to be doing a lot of projects, it'll save you time and help ensure consistency in your pricing.

Kyle

Use Excel or the Google spreadsheet and use some of the suggestions posted previously.

If you are going to be doing a lot of projects, it'll save you time and help ensure consistency in your pricing.

Kyle

Here on DVInfo is another thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/wedding-event-videography-techniques/167681-work-out-your-cost-excel-job-costing-tool.html) that someone posted a job calculation spreadsheet. I have not used it, but it is worth a shot if you have no experience in job costing & estimation.

Thanks for all the help guys!!!