Did i get ripped off?

L

Loren Simons

DVXuser Sponsor
So i shot an actor running lines, i used my A1+Redrock combo. They said it would be $100, and 30 mins to set up 1 hour shooting time. Well it took about 4 hours, and i still took the $100, plus, guess what. I have to edit it as well! I'm only fifteen so i really take all the work i can get, my friend (in video business) and my dad (broadcast) both say i got ripped off. So well... what do you guys think??
 
a little bit, i always make understandings before hand, or would make understandings before hand whats cool and whats not. everyones looking out for number 1, and you have to do the same. dont let people charm or muscle there way to free stuff like that, even if your 15, and maybe theres no choice sometimes, its basically being taken advantage of. dont make a habit of it in the long run.
 
Always have a contract listing what you do and don't do and for what price. I charge $250. Look at my site http://www.tcmech.com and click on Video Services. I have everything listed flat out so no one can come back later and say they wanted this or that or thought something was included that wasn't. You may want to consider something like this especially starting out. I charge a day rate and only shoot. Editing is another charge.

-Nate
 
Well, it's still more than the average salary, and you're doing something you (hopefully) really enjoy doing.

I see none ripped off here, but perhaps you should state clerly without being rude that you charge per hour, and if it takes 4 hours, its gonna cost more, you know? ;)

That's just what I think.
 
If both your father and a friend work in broadcast/video-production this gig might not be your only way "into the business"? Whether you are fifteen or not at the end of the day the only thing that should matter is the quality of the product you deliver, not your age. Don't let people belittle you or your work and don't undersell yourself. If you're not sure about the quality ask your dad and/or your friend to have a look and give their opinion.

The guys that hired you wanted you for 1,5h and they got 4 hours instead so no reasons to complain (unless it took so long because of you :happy: ). Now if they want you to edit that's a 'new job' and will cost money as well. Be polite and calmly explain that the deal was for shooting only, if they require an edit (obviously they do..) it will cost an additional xxx$.

On the other hand if you think this client will have more work aka 'become a regular', you might have to bite the bullet and finish this gig like they want it to be. But be sure to clearly state that this isn't what a 100$ will buy them next time and YOU are doing THEM a favour and taking the (financial)hit this time. Also on delivery you might want to give them an invoice with the real costs and name the excess (the bits they didn't pay for) a discount or etc.

Just a quick example of what I mean: (change the rates to whatever you would charge)
+100$ 1,5hrs shooting + setup
+180$ 2,5hrs 'overtime'
+120$ 2,0hrs editing
+050$ Equipment rental

-350$ Discount

100$ Total

My last advice is: Never ever take another job without drawing up some sort of contract that clearly states what they are paying for and what they are entitled to after it's done.


Good luck on your endeavors.
 
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dude you're fifteen and making money shooting and editing. you didn't get ripped off. you got paid to learn a valuable lesson. just listen to what everyone else above said and mark this one as a win.
 
yeah, i was hoping this would open a new door for me, so i didnt take it to hard. Of course the client is going to new york, but the actual guy who hired me is still here. So im keeping an open mind and hoping that this will open other doors=]
 
that's the attitude. and just remember, a lot of people on these boards wish they could have made the same "mistakes" when they were 15. count me on that list.
 
Yes and no. First, your 15, so you're making a lot more than any of your friends, doing something a lot more fun/interesting than working at McDonalds. Second, your building a portfolio... good luck getting much work without one. Third, you got a foot in the door. Fourth, you learned some lessons.

The lessons: make a contract before hand. Don't be afraid to lay down what your stipulations are. People WILL try and take advantage of you because you are young and inexperienced, and because young people will work for dirt cheap on top of that. You need to set clear boundaries.

When I was 16 I said I would do a basketball highlight video for my school for $400, and they tried to get me to go to every game, and I made up on the spot "well its a 4 game limit" - which was still way underpaid. The point is, I was learning as I went, and you will, too.

Now you know - set crystal clear boundaries. Make up your own pricing for what you feel is fair - you will NOT be able to charge what a 30 year old professional is charging, but it doesn't mean you need to sell yourself short. IE:

$100 for a BASIC editing (specify: cut bad footage, simple titles, burn to DVD)
$100 for camera setup, line shooting, tear down, gas/travel (if close) - max 2 hours on set
$30 per additional hour. You are not responsible if they go over.

50% due on shooting, 50% due on final product delivery.

Signed, dated.


Just a rough example - you will need to make up your pricing plan, hours, details, etc. It wasn't fair of them to take advantage of you like that, but even "good" people can and will do it all the time. The important thing is you got some cash, a demo piece, some word of mouth, and an important lesson out of it.
 
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