First professional shoot and don't know what to charge at DVinfo.net

Paul Vilchur · July 26th, 2007, 01:27 PM

I just got word through a friend that a professional music video is being shot in HD this weekend and he's recommended me to the producers and they're interested in having me operate the second camera, which will be my own camera(Canon XH-A1). The thing is, they're asking me for what I want to charge, and as a student, this is my first professional job in the industry and I'm clueless as to what I should charge.

Does anyone have experience in this realm who could shed me some light on what rate is comfortable for me to offer to them in exchange for being the second camera operator and them using my camera in the shoot? I'd greatly appreciate some insight.

Douglas Villalba · July 26th, 2007, 01:39 PM

If you have never done professional work (getting paid) before of this kind, I would do it just for the experience and to truly say next time that I have experience in Music videos.

I have been doing videos for over 25 years and occasionally I do some free or very low pay work to gain experience in a field that I have no experience.

How mush would you pay to learn what a pro has been learning for years in one day?

Don Bloom · July 26th, 2007, 03:04 PM

as much as I HATE doing anything for no charge I have to agree with Douglas on this one.
Perhaps they can cover expenses, tapes maybe $100 for editing stuff like that - but to charge a full rate when you have neot done that kind of work and are new to the business might not go over so well and could actually cost you the job.

Don

Adam Hoggatt · July 26th, 2007, 03:25 PM

I agree with Don, I wouldn't expect this to be a real money-making job but they are obviously willing to pay something so at least take something.

Mike Oveson · July 26th, 2007, 04:30 PM

Agreed. They wouldn't have asked for your rate if they weren't willing to pay you something. You'll learn a lot by doing this, so that in itself is another form of payment.

Gary Hanna · July 26th, 2007, 04:49 PM

If you know your camera well and have done other shoots that you can show them that are quality - I'd say go for an acceptable price - wouldn't do it for free as they're willing to pay, just be cautious of being cocky.

IMO $250 for a day rate is minimum wage and is commonly paid to students - wouldn't be too humble as HD cameras can be a pain to look for cameraman on a budget at times.

If your fearful of overcharging or having them walk - I would say if they aren't willing to pay $200 or above, then you really haven't lost an important contact.

I would say present it like this..

"Well a common rental price for this camera is $XXX.XX (look it up) - is that acceptable for you as it comes with an operator and not just the camera?

Paul Vilchur · July 27th, 2007, 05:55 PM

Thanks for the replies. Looks like the gig is dead in the water though as I was told I'd get a call about it today and the shoot is on Saturday, and so far nothing and they left me no contact numbers. :/ Oh well.

Thanks for all the suggestions, they'll definitley help me out the next time around.

Gary Hanna · July 27th, 2007, 06:50 PM

Honestly - you're probably better off LOL - other people's narrative/music videos etc - drop in the water for your career, lo-pay, and most importantly,
you have no guarantee it'll EVER be completed or any good.

Career wise, you're best doing every corporate/documentary/live event gig you can find or pass off as a class project, put it online and do your best, so you have something practical to show.

July 26th, 2007, 01:27 PM	#1
Paul Vilchur New Boot Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 9	First professional shoot and don't know what to charge I just got word through a friend that a professional music video is being shot in HD this weekend and he's recommended me to the producers and they're interested in having me operate the second camera, which will be my own camera(Canon XH-A1). The thing is, they're asking me for what I want to charge, and as a student, this is my first professional job in the industry and I'm clueless as to what I should charge. Does anyone have experience in this realm who could shed me some light on what rate is comfortable for me to offer to them in exchange for being the second camera operator and them using my camera in the shoot? I'd greatly appreciate some insight.

July 26th, 2007, 01:39 PM	#2
Douglas Villalba Major Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Miami, Florida, USA Posts: 479	If you have never done professional work (getting paid) before of this kind, I would do it just for the experience and to truly say next time that I have experience in Music videos. I have been doing videos for over 25 years and occasionally I do some free or very low pay work to gain experience in a field that I have no experience. How mush would you pay to learn what a pro has been learning for years in one day? __________________ Douglas Villalba - director/cinematographer/editor Miami, Florida, USA - www.DVtvPRODUCTIONS.com

July 26th, 2007, 04:30 PM	#5
Mike Oveson Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ogden, UT Posts: 349	Agreed. They wouldn't have asked for your rate if they weren't willing to pay you something. You'll learn a lot by doing this, so that in itself is another form of payment. __________________ Endless Images

July 26th, 2007, 03:04 PM	#3
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	as much as I HATE doing anything for no charge I have to agree with Douglas on this one. Perhaps they can cover expenses, tapes maybe $100 for editing stuff like that - but to charge a full rate when you have neot done that kind of work and are new to the business might not go over so well and could actually cost you the job. Don

July 26th, 2007, 03:25 PM	#4
Adam Hoggatt Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 126	I agree with Don, I wouldn't expect this to be a real money-making job but they are obviously willing to pay something so at least take something.

July 26th, 2007, 04:49 PM	#6
Gary Hanna Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: United States Posts: 137	If you know your camera well and have done other shoots that you can show them that are quality - I'd say go for an acceptable price - wouldn't do it for free as they're willing to pay, just be cautious of being cocky. IMO $250 for a day rate is minimum wage and is commonly paid to students - wouldn't be too humble as HD cameras can be a pain to look for cameraman on a budget at times. If your fearful of overcharging or having them walk - I would say if they aren't willing to pay $200 or above, then you really haven't lost an important contact. I would say present it like this.. "Well a common rental price for this camera is $XXX.XX (look it up) - is that acceptable for you as it comes with an operator and not just the camera?

July 27th, 2007, 05:55 PM	#7
Paul Vilchur New Boot Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 9	Thanks for the replies. Looks like the gig is dead in the water though as I was told I'd get a call about it today and the shoot is on Saturday, and so far nothing and they left me no contact numbers. :/ Oh well. Thanks for all the suggestions, they'll definitley help me out the next time around.

July 27th, 2007, 06:50 PM	#8
Gary Hanna Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: United States Posts: 137	Honestly - you're probably better off LOL - other people's narrative/music videos etc - drop in the water for your career, lo-pay, and most importantly, you have no guarantee it'll EVER be completed or any good. Career wise, you're best doing every corporate/documentary/live event gig you can find or pass off as a class project, put it online and do your best, so you have something practical to show.