Charging for Camera Rental??

J

JPUSC

Active member
I have a small question. I've been asked to direct a short film and they are paying me a small fee. If they were to ask me for the use of my own camera, would it be appropriate to charge a rental fee or is it understood that my director's fee includes the use of my camera?

Thanks!
 
JPUSC said:
I have a small question. I've been asked to direct a short film and they are paying me a small fee. If they were to ask me for the use of my own camera, would it be appropriate to charge a rental fee or is it understood that my director's fee includes the use of my camera?

Thanks!
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That would depend on your situation. Did they hire you as a director counting on your lending the camera to the show or is that entirely coincidental. And what sort of camera is it? If it's a relatively inexpensive one like say a DVX, I'd just go ahead and throw it again. Not too many paid directing gigs to be had at this level so might as well give yourself a little job security. If they don't like you're directing you can take your ball and go home. Make sure they insure it though...

Noah
 
Hi Noah,

They hired me based on my previous work, but they are aware I have my own gear and equipment. We are having a meeting tomorrow, so I was wondering what is the standard for this type of situation.

I am planning on using a Canon XL1-S, but there is a possibility I will use a HVX200A if I decide purchase the camera at this point (I'm buying it for a film I'm shooting in the Fall).

Thanks for the heads-up on the insurance, I was also concerned about that too!.
 
THere is no "standard" at the "small fee" level. It's good to hear that you will be meeting with them first. You can just ask them "so...that small fee, were you thinking that included my gear or was that just for me?" Then see what they say. I know that a lot of times people get hired in the indie world as much for their gear as for their skills.
 
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