Going rate for a Dp

Depends on the DP, and on the project (union feature film? TV commercial? no-budget indie? Destined for straight-to-video, or for theatrical?) It all makes a difference. Most professional cinematographers I've worked with charge anywhere from $800 to $2500/day for general decent-budget production work. But I've known of stellar DPs that would cut their rate to $1000/week for an indie feature if they really believed in it and wanted to do it.

ASC isn't a union, IATSE is the union. ASC is a professional invitation-only society.
 
Thanks Barry. I always thought ASC was a union, having ASC is priceless. How does a Dp get ASC, if he or she creates a work of art that is so distinctive that it deserves those infamous letters?
 
To get an ASC designation you must have a recognized high quality body of work and they are the ones who will invite you to be a member because of it, (American Society of Cinematographers).
 
Right -- it's an invitation-only society, and it is a high honor among cinematographers, one of the highest that they can grant to one of their fellows. Only an existing ASC member can nominate someone for consideration, and then the body of the ASC votes on whether to allow them in. Being granted membership basically means that the best cinematographers in the world think you're good enough and your body of work is brilliant enough that you deserve that recognition.
 
I charge 400$ to show up. ( corporate money) More if equpitment is involved, but like barry said, if a project rocks i'll do it for free if i REALLLY like it.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top