Do You Offer Clients High End Cameras? at DVinfo.net

Brock Burwell · December 23rd, 2016, 04:35 PM

I currently own with a GH4 so anything I shoot obviously is shot on that.

I haven't been doing corporate work for very long, but I got to thinking the other day. Let's say a client contacts me and wants a commercial done for them. Would anyone think it wise to quote them for the current camera I have and perhaps a "premium" package for something more high end (ie C300)? Anyone here do that?

Edward Carlson · December 23rd, 2016, 05:11 PM

If a client insists on a specific camera I will quote them a rate that includes the rental. If the GH4 doesn't work for your specific shoot, then quote with the rental that includes the correct camera. If you feel like the GH4 won't do it, or the final product could be better with a different camera, then quote with a different camera.

If you propose 3 quotes (low, medium, and high) the client will usually go for the medium one.

Brock Burwell · December 24th, 2016, 08:30 AM

So low, medium, high

GH4, C300 and a Red Epic? haha

Jim Feeley · December 24th, 2016, 03:17 PM

Usually, I have a chat with the client, figure out their needs and expectations, then talk about budget.

If we need more crew and kit (gaffer, truck, specific camera, etc), that's part of the budget proposal. Yep, they pay for it. Regular clients mostly trust me to suggest the minimum needed to totally deliver what they need on their schedule, and with minimal disruption to their biz (ie- four-six of us in their office & using up employees time for a day is better than OMB in their office for three days...).

RED and ARRI gets the warm fuzzies...and sometimes clients are willing to pay for it. And when we're doing ARRI or RED, I'm not operating...I'm OK but others are better so I hire them...

GH4, C300/FS5, and RED/Amira sounds like a reasonable breakdown...but the pitch it that the extra expense will give them better images and require less disruption of their world.

Hope this helps...

December 23rd, 2016, 04:35 PM	#1
Brock Burwell Major Player Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Charleston, WV Posts: 385	Do You Offer Clients High End Cameras? I currently own with a GH4 so anything I shoot obviously is shot on that. I haven't been doing corporate work for very long, but I got to thinking the other day. Let's say a client contacts me and wants a commercial done for them. Would anyone think it wise to quote them for the current camera I have and perhaps a "premium" package for something more high end (ie C300)? Anyone here do that?

December 23rd, 2016, 05:11 PM	#2
Edward Carlson Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: North Hollywood, CA, United States Posts: 807	Re: Do You Offer Clients High End Cameras? If a client insists on a specific camera I will quote them a rate that includes the rental. If the GH4 doesn't work for your specific shoot, then quote with the rental that includes the correct camera. If you feel like the GH4 won't do it, or the final product could be better with a different camera, then quote with a different camera. If you propose 3 quotes (low, medium, and high) the client will usually go for the medium one.

December 24th, 2016, 08:30 AM	#3
Brock Burwell Major Player Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Charleston, WV Posts: 385	Re: Do You Offer Clients High End Cameras? So low, medium, high GH4, C300 and a Red Epic? haha

December 24th, 2016, 03:17 PM	#4
Jim Feeley Supports LPFM Radio Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Northern California USA Posts: 170	Re: Do You Offer Clients High End Cameras? Usually, I have a chat with the client, figure out their needs and expectations, then talk about budget. If we need more crew and kit (gaffer, truck, specific camera, etc), that's part of the budget proposal. Yep, they pay for it. Regular clients mostly trust me to suggest the minimum needed to totally deliver what they need on their schedule, and with minimal disruption to their biz (ie- four-six of us in their office & using up employees time for a day is better than OMB in their office for three days...). RED and ARRI gets the warm fuzzies...and sometimes clients are willing to pay for it. And when we're doing ARRI or RED, I'm not operating...I'm OK but others are better so I hire them... GH4, C300/FS5, and RED/Amira sounds like a reasonable breakdown...but the pitch it that the extra expense will give them better images and require less disruption of their world. Hope this helps...