Editing an indie feature..

C

crazycatz

Well-known member
Hello everyone,

I need some advice..

I was asked today for a quote for how much I would charge to edit an indie feature.
The job would include;
syncing all the footage with the audio,
a rough cut to the script
and doing a final edit with the director.
The script is around 100 pages. It was shot on the RED.


Having never edited a feature before, I am not sure how much I should be charging for this. It's an indie feature, I am not sure of their budget, but I also don't want to feel like i'm being ripped off either.

Can you fine folks help me out, and give me some advice?

Thank You.
 
If you are just synching sound and doing a picture cut (no audio post, color grading, compositing, titles, mixing, scoring, etc), I would guess you are looking at anywhere from 6 to 16 weeks of work. That is, assuming you are familiar with Red workflow, which can add some time it you are used to regular HD or SD footage.

What's that worth to you? Because that's full time. Even at 10 bucks an hour (not that I'm saying that's all your worth), for six weeks, that's 2400 bucks. For 16 weeks that would be 6400 dollars. I'm just using that as an arbitrary figure. That the starting salary for an untrained, inexperienced employee at Costco.

I'm just bringing that up because they probably can't afford to pay you even that much (although it never hurts to ask)

The flipside is that it may be a good opportunity for you. You should definitely get paid, but sometimes it's worth it to forego your 'standard' rate for the right projects. Have you read the script? Do you know the people involved? Do you have confidence in the project and the business plan (if they have one)?

I'm currently editing a feature, but I own a portion of the project, so that changes things.

The one thing you don't want to do is waste your time. There are 3 reasons to do it:

1) Money. Enough to cover your time, experience and what ever else you might be missing while you are working on this.
2) Credit. If and only if, it is a kick-ass film that you think has legs and that you are absolutely proud to have your name on.
3) Experience. You've never edited a feature before and you want to hone your skills. But if you have bills to pay, this should be in combination with number 1.

Why did they pick you? Is it because they thought you would do it cheap (or free) for the 'privilege' of working on it? Or is it because they know and respect your skills?

I know I am giving you more questions than answers. But questions are a better place to start.
 
Hi,

I'll try to fill you in on the project the best I can.

Their DOP recommended me, as I have worked with him several times before on other projects. I have experience editing music videos, short films, and corporate works, as well as know the red workflow.


what I know about the project is this;
this is the directors first real project, who doesn't have very much, if any film experience before this, which could be a challenge to work with(?)
When they mean editor, I think what they really mean is editor, compositor, titles, output control... the DOP will be grading the film, and they do have a sound person for scoring and mixing, but I think everything else will be with me..

I have not read the script, I will definitely ask to do that before I commit to the project, I'm sure its very tough editing a feature for 16 weeks whose story doesn't interest you..
I worked on the production for a few days, and from what I saw, the project may go somewhere, but most likely will not... But that is just judging from the few days I spent on set.

I agree with you that my time is valuable, and I do not want to waste it, and understand that and indie project maybe doesn't have the money to pay a full rate, which is why I have come here looking for advice from you, the more experienced crowd.

Thank You.
 
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