High school graduation -- what's the going rate?

[vroom]

I know you all love these "How much should I charge?" questions... :grin:

Last year I taped my high school graduation. I also produced a picture video of the seniors, which was shown during the ceremony. I don't recall exactly how much I was paid up front for actually doing it (probably $100-200), but I believe I sold DVD copies of the ceremony for $10 and DVD copies of the picture video for $15. At any rate, my gear has gotten more sophisticated. A year ago I used a Sony Digital 8 camcorder, tripod, and on-camera mic. Now I have access to two DVX-100s, tripods, and audio equipment.

Anyway...

They contacted me tonight about taping this year's graduation. I'll be hearing back in a few days with their offer, but I'd like to say I did some research. I'm familiar with wedding video prices, but this is a bit different.

I'm wondering what some of you guys and/or companies would charge for a graduation. This isn't a big school-- I'm betting the graduating class is no larger than 50 people. But it is a private Christian school. The families there have money (unfortunately, much more than mine did and do).

Thanks!

 

[Owen]

$40 - $50 per DVD easily. Too bad the class size is so small. I would offer everything on a single disc... but that's just me.

If you can get them to pay you for doing the shoot, all the better!

EDIT: And if the picture video thing is your cup of tea then throw in a flyer with your DVDs. Mom and Dad will be itching to throw more money your way if you'll put pictures of the son/daughter on another DVD before the little tyke leaves home for college!

 

[vroom]

$40 - $50 per DVD easily. Too bad the class size is so small. I would offer everything on a single disc... but that's just me.

If you can get them to pay you for doing the shoot, all the better!

EDIT: And if the picture video thing is your cup of tea then throw in a flyer with your DVDs. Mom and Dad will be itching to throw more money your way if you'll put pictures of the son/daughter on another DVD before the little tyke leaves home for college!

Regarding the flyer, that is precisely what I did last year. :laugh:

Hmm... so I could raise the prices for the parents and not rely so heavily on the school's contribution. Not bad. But I'll certainly try to get as much out of the school as I can-- that place stole years off my life!

That is a good idea about putting it all on one DVD and charging more. Then they have no choice. I'll just have to hype up the production values and make sure I look good at the shoot. That school loves me, though. They passed out order forms during classes and put in a good word during the commencement speech.