My first paying video job. Feeling apprehensive.

Chris Stearns

Chris Stearns

Well-known member
So after I got my DVX a couple of months ago, I went shopping for a decent shotgun mic at a local music shop. While I was there, I started talking to the owner (a former employer of mine) about what I was up to with video and such.

He was immediately interested when I mentioned the DVX, and he talked about needing a second camera sometimes for weddings and concerts. I gave him my card and told him to give me at least a week's notice before any gigs (I have another job).

Well today he called and asked if I was busy tomorrow afternoon. I told him I had to work my other job, so I couldn't do it, and then he asked if he could "borrow" my DVX.

I don't think he understands that I come attached to the camera.

I mean, I would never let anyone use my DVX without being present myself. Plus, what experience do I gain by lending out gear? I can't put "let so-and-so borrow my camera" on my resume. I don't think I'm being selfish or over-protective, but he was insisting on getting my camera (almost to the point of bullying).

I told him I would call him back. I made some calls and worked out a way to work both jobs.

So, tomorrow I have to gently convey the fact that I'm a freelance videographer and not a rental house.

Any ideas on how to do that without sounding stingy?

Also, what should I charge? It's only for one hour, and I hand the tape off. I was thinking $40-$50.

Thanks for reading...

-Chris
 
To be honest, I'd probabaly tell him you can't do it and that's that. Let him know that your camera isn't available for renatal (is it insured? if not, there's one reason [and you should insure it..]). If a client can't meet reasonable terms, it's not worth it.

Or then charge him your normal rate of $50 (say $30/hour, plus $20 callout fee fee) PLUS a Short notice fee of another $50 at least. How much has it taken to get this all organized? if it took you 2 hours of calling around to line things up, (including moving oher [paid?] work) then charge for those as a short notice fee of $60 (2 x $30/hr) instead.

Also, if they say one hour. It will take you at least 3, garunteed. Keep that in mind.


First clients are important, but don't let them screw you or treat you poorly, they may be your first client, but theya re your first client and dont' start off on the wrong foot.

- Mikko
 
Yeah, I wanted to just say no to the whole thing, but the groom (or the groom's father) is a producer for 'The Amazing Race" on CBS. I thought that it might be a good gig to get my feet wet.

And thanks for the pricing advice as well, Mikko. I need to sit down and compose a "menu" of my services with prices.

This guy has a stellar history around here of being a pushy jerk (the main reason I stopped working for him in the first place), but he's also one of the few doing video in the area. I really need to move to a bigger city.

Tomorrow I'll make it clear to him that my camera is not for rent.
 
Oh, a wedding? Consider doubling your prices - because the hassle involved will be. (I'm not sure how much of that, if any, is a joke)

Don't let them push you around, whoever it is. If you want to say no, keep that gut instinct in mind.

Either way, good luck, - and break a leg if you do shoot tommorrow. :)

- Mikko
 
it wont be an hour.. and $40 for you with camera is kinda an insult.

If you want to do it for the connection do it for free. act like you know what you are doing and be confident. Taking 40 bucks for you and your camera for a wedding even if it truly only ends up being 3 hours is really not cool.

guy sounds like a smuck a little, not to offend you if hes not sorry to say he sounds like one. Dont borrow out your camera, you sound like you need experience so you made the right choice grouping yourself with it.
 
$40?!?! Put a price on EVERYTHING! A DVX rental is like $100... add your service time of $30 PER HOUR and supplies (Tape) for $20. Make sure that if he says 1 hour, that you only stay for exactly 1 hour. Ask him from what time to what time he will be needing you and tell him you will only stay from that time to that time. Once the time runs out, eject your tape and take off. At that point you can also negotiate extended stay fees. If he really needs you, he will pay. He's probably getting 2-3k for a cut wedding video anyways so dont work for pennies. ALSO... ALWAYS HANG ON TO THE TAPE UNTIL YOU GET PAID.

If you didnt want to do it, then dont be afraid to say no. "Sorry, but as I said before, I need 7 days notice in order to even consider filling the position as I usually have 6 days of preplanned obligations." I never rent out my gear because I am over protective of my stuff but you could just say exactly what you said in your post... you are selling your service with equipment, and not the usage of your equipment. A good trick when you're on the phone is that if he keeps on pushing to barrow your gear, say no the first time, and when he asks again, tell him no and say you have to go, then hang up.

BTW: I've done weddings before, and they're no walk in the park.

FINAL TIP: At the end of the shoot, if he tries to pay you less than agreed, which it sounds like something he would do, tell him that the agreement was X amount of dollars period. There was no statement said about lowering pay for shaky camera work, lack of audio equipment, etc etc. If he wants the tape, which he does or else he wouldnt have needed you to begin with, then he will pay you what was agreed.
 
Thanks for the advice everyone.

Video is almost an afterthought for this guy. He rents out/runs PA equipment and usually sets up one camera for the ceremony, if the client wants it. That's it. No cutting, just hand the tape over at the end (after getting paid, of course).

I have to be there at 3:30 this afternoon, the ceremony starts at 4:00, hopefully I'll be done by 5:00. I think as soon as I get there I'll mention my policy and my rates (something I should have done over the phone, before agreeing to do this).

Anyway, I'm off to work on what I'm sure will be a long, hot, but hopefully interesting day. Thanks again for the advice, everybody. -Chris
 
It sounds like you know exactly what to do and are just here looking for confirmation.

fwiw, Just give him your "rate" for the work you're doing. You don't have to pull a complete menu of prices out of your arse for this joker. For instance... $150 for you and your camera. That could be $50/hr if you show up at 3:00 and work through the reception.

Actually, I don't like it when people want to bill me a la carte for each and every little thing on an overly simple project. I'd rather be given an estimate/offer based on their time with a total amount. You don't owe him a complete explanation of your rates, etc. Plus, you may find yourself needing to adjust some of your rates over time to stay competitive while not going broke.

I don't recommend showing up only 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. People will talk with you and slow you down, etc. Make it an hour.
 
Terry is right.. you do sound like you know what is right.. so good, and i think you will learn alot from this one.. so good luck, and let us know how it works out for you.
 
Nothing is ever "an hour". I always hear "I need you to edit a short little demo, it will only take about an hour". I need to talk with you for at least 20 minutes to find out exactly what you want, then capture, then edit. Jeeeezus! Getting to the shoot, let's just say that is 15 minutes, setting up another 15 minutes, waiting for the event to happen 30 minutes to an hour, shooting time (the shadow may know), breaking down equipment 15 minutes. And these are just estimates.

I agree with everyone else about this, you need to charge a decent fee for your service and camera. You have a "production quality " camera and that is why he wants to use it. Charge him!
 
Dude i had an awakening.

I started charging out the a$$ for my time. and the funny hting is people pay it.

I wont leave my house for less than 350$ a day ( even if they only need me for 2 hours). You'd be surprised how quick people are willing to pay it. they know what it costs to get a DVX to rent then they also dont know how to use it. it sin their best interest o hire you. Make sure they know that. Be aggresive but polite. dotn let Noone walk over you. i learned that the hard way. I mean hell, i managed to get a job shooting a commercial just because i was confident in my abilites. I have never been in charge of a big job like that. But i knew i could do it. You can do it too. :)

Also Editing should be at LEAST 35$ an hour.
 
You wont get is starting out but for an experienced pro you can make a lot more. Even a beginner should never make less than $100, double that if you bring your own gear. I make anywhere from $350 for a half day up to $1000 a day if I shoot Varicam with the Cine set-up. My normal rate is $500 a day in town and $650 out of town...


ash =o)
 
Wow, thanks for the support. I just got back from the shoot, and believe it or not, I was there for exactly one hour (things move faster in a small town, I guess). It was outside, in the sun, and the heat index was pushing a hundred degrees, so I think that helped expedite the twenty minute ceremony.

There were two other cameras (an XL1 and a Sony), and we were all hooked up via s-video to a switcher (we were also recording onto tape). We even had headsets! I guess he's expanding his video business. Anyway, we shot the ceremony, I packed up my gear, handed him the tape, and we agreed to settle out next week.

I would have offered to stick around for the reception, but I really just wanted to get the fudge out of there, and he already had his two other cameras shooting. And until I find out what my time, skills, and gear are worth to him, I'm not going out of my way.

So, all in all, it was a good learning experience. But man, it was HOT!
 
Interesting information and story! =) Hope everything works out well with getting him to pay up.

This guy has a stellar history around here of being a pushy jerk (the main reason I stopped working for him in the first place), but he's also one of the few doing video in the area. I really need to move to a bigger city.
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Actually, this is the perfect opportunity. If he is one of very few people doing video work (or the only one in some places I can imagine) then you have a great opportunity to outclass him with customer service and reliability and really get some loyal customers. Once people see that you're a much better person to work with they will most likely be willing to work with you instead - even if you charge more than he does (within reason of course).
 
Sounds like you got off lucky with a nice (and on time!!!) shoot. Good job!

Now be sure to call him at 9:00 on monday morning and get paid. If he's not in or puts you off, then call him at 10:00 and ask again. Don't let the billing slip. :thumbsup:

- Mikko
 
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