Filming for Broadcast quality...

P

Paul_Maxe

Active member
Hey guys,

Anyone done any broadcast work with the DVX? I have been approached by a small business owner to shoot a 30 second and a 10 second spot for his business. He wants to be able to air it on a local TV channel. What is the standard format for broadcast? Should I shoot 60I or 24p and how do I get it transfered over to be able to be broadcast? Any ideas?
 
Re: Filming for Broadcast quality...

I've done local and regional commercials and local television shows on the DVX. It's perfectly appropriate for making broadcast television. All were shot in 24P, but 60i is appropriate as well if you want the "video" look.

The "standard format for broadcast" depends on the station you'll be airing it on. Most stations take BetaSP, some take DV, some even take DVD's. Ask the stations who will be airing the spots what format they need. If they need BetaSP, you'll probably have to take it to a dub house (or a larger production company who has a BetaSP deck) to get it transferred, should cost under $35 or so for a 30-second spot including tape stock.
 
Re: Filming for Broadcast quality...

Any comments on a fee structure? I am not sure what to charge people and I don't want to scare them away...
 
Re: Filming for Broadcast quality...

I shoot a weekly broadcast show for tv with the DVX100a. I shot parts of three different commercials today with it as well. I shoot in 30P because I like the look. As far as charges, there are a lot of variables. Are you just shooting...or are they expecting you to light, shoot, run audio, direct, produce, grip and provide craft services???
If you are shooting and providing equipment for the spots, charge your day rate plus rates for the equipment. Figure what they would have to pay to rent a camera, lights, audio, support and perhaps provide them with a better 'deal' for using your package. Be fair to yourself.
 
Re: Filming for Broadcast quality...

Determining what to charge is tough. I've worked on 30-second commercials with budgets as low as $1000, and as high as $100,000. It all depends on the kind of spot you're doing, what the client expects, and what they have budgeted. If he's budgeting $5000 and you go in and bid $350, he'll tell you to get lost (someone shopping for a Mercedes is not going to buy a Hyundai just because it's less expensive, y'know?) If he's budgeting $350 and you go in and bid $5000, he'll tell you to get lost.

So ask him what he has budgeted for the spot. Be aware that the TV stations are your worst enemy in this, and they'll do spots for as low as $100, so that may be all he's expecting to pay.

You also have to factor in your skill set. Can you honestly deliver a $300,000 commercial? If not, don't take the job if that's what it calls for. The average cost for a national car commercial in this country is about $330,000. The average cost for a "local TV" car dealer commercial is more like $1500. The average cost for a wave-the-camera-around-the-store-and-narrate local commercial, such as the stations do, is down around $200-$300.
 
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