Help with estimate of editing hours?

M

missmay

Member
Hi,

I'm going to bid on a project that involves editing an hour of AVC-HD footage down to 5 mins. for fundraising purposes.

The footage was shot by someone else, and I won't be able to see it until I get the job. Final format will be DVD and web files. My sense is they expect it fairly quickly and without a lot of bells and whistles. They'll supply a logo or two, and I would probably add some stock music.

I am guessing it was a one camera shoot.

What's a reasonable estimate/range for how long a project like this might take?

Thanks
 
I guess it depends on expectations, but could be in the 5-8 hour range. Finishing such as color corrections, titles and stuff could add a few hours.

Michael
 
Thanks Michael. I'm also wondering if I should put an estimate for each particular aspect, like audio sweetening, and a fee based on an hourly rate x what I guestimate I'd spend on that task. Or, do you think it'd be better to give a blanket day fee and estimate of days... this is such a wide open job and a new potential client.
 
Once you break it up into each aspect then a client that has little production experience will ask for no color correction or audio sweetening in an attempt to get the price down. Based on the limited info you provided I would charge for 2 full days. You know they are going to want tweaks billing for slightly more then actual time lets you get paid for work they think is included.
 
Thanks kgimedia. I had the same sense, the client won't want to pay for the fine-tuning, but I wouldn't want to turn in a project without it! So, I'll do what you suggest, charge for 2 days. Should I show my day fee, do you think, or just give a lump sum? Thanks again for your thoughts.
 
I always include my day rate when giving a quote- helps clients compare bids on a more even basis. You should also mention that your bid includes 2 rounds of client changes (if that is what you're including).

My general process when giving a quote is:

Estimate the amount of time you think it will take.
Add 30%.
Add time for 2 rounds of client revisions.
Finally add at least 20% more time as a buffer.



This last 20% is only needed about half the time, but since you'll be held to your quote (or you should hold to your quote even if it isn't insisted) unless the scope of the project changes this protects you on projects that go long, and for projects that come in on schedule, you become the hero who completed the work early and under budget.
 
Thanks Dave, I appreciate your feedback.

The additional estimations of time are a good idea. I hesitate to do enough of that for fear of raising the price too high, but it is the prudent thing to do, and I'll include the double estimations next time. As you say, if you need that additional 20% you're covered, if not everyone's happy because you finish early.

Are two rounds of revisions the norm? I only put in one at no charge.
 
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