How much should I charge?

Jon Starr

Jon Starr

Veteran
I just got an e-mail from someone interested in hiring me as an editor for a small simple job. To put together a 60 second promo video for an online site. He knows I'm not an experienced editor (at least I hope so, he has my CV and saw my site), but he asked me what I rate I would charge. He also promised future jobs as well.

Now I feel fairly confident I could do the job, but I've never charged anyone for an editing job. I don't want to charge him too much, but I have no clue what rates are like out there.

How much do you guys charge? How much do you guys think I should charge with my limited experience and considering the job itself? Do you charge by the amount of content edited or by the hour, or by the job itself?

Any info would be great.
 
Need more information.

Format:

Distribution:

Programs you would edit in:



Usually (in my experience) there is an estimate of how many hours the editor will work on a project. From there a flat-rate figure is calculated.
 
Format: I believe it is Standard Mini DV, although he has not specified

Distribution: It's a promotional video only for online use to draw in more people to the site

Programs: I would be using Adobe Premiere Pro
 
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Well thanks for responding at least.

Hmm, well thinking about it, 25$ seems a bit high considering my skill level and for what they're asking for.

Thinking about it, if I were to compare it to my Production Assistant Job, I got paid 15 bucks an hour... I know for PA's and Actors, the standard lowest rate is around 10...

So I think I'll ask for about that.
 
Don't do hourly. Estimate how long it'll take you and quote them a flat rate.

If you're just doing the editing (not shooting), it depends on how much footage he has to give you.

If it's just one or two mini dv tape's, you should be able to do that in one day. Being new at it, and sounding like they don't have a lot to work with (money wise), go for $200 or so.

Anything less is up to you... but if it were me, I'd charge in the 3-5 range.
 
Actually, I searched for some old topics, and some advice was to ask them their budget first. I should have searched first, duh. :P

Thanks for the help.

EDIT:

I asked them a few questions first before determining a rate. But good idea on the flat rate.
 
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Yeah, budget could affect it...but you have to look at it as a contracted job. It's like builder asking carpenter how much to put in some stairs. Cost depends on how many floors, material, etc.

You may have to capture footage, log it, whatever...that is like an assistant's job on big project, but is everyday thing for small editor gigs, so you might just want to come up with a round number per hour, or break it down by task. Once you can estimate the time it will take, and the work involved, then you'll have an idea.

If it is only going to take you a day, and you are providing the editing facility, quote $250. If they are ok with it, then you know you have been fair to yourself and them. if they are extremely pleased, then you know for future that you can probably charge a bit more. If they have tight budget , you can always work something out.
 
Don't fall into the habit of comparing your rate to what other people will make in their jobs. For instance don't compare your $25 an hour to lets say a manager at a retail chain. The reason being is that their employer pays for things like employment tax, Workers Comp insurance , health insurance, Etc which goes into what they pay them. I have found that if you estimate that all your editing jobs will be at least 20 hours you're at a good start
 
I would factor in what I think I'm worth before worrying about their budget. I think editors just starting out get like $15/hr in most facilities. What I also do when working with new clients, I am more inclined to be a little more flexible with negotiating price especially if I know they have more work for me. But I would let them know "x" amount is what I'm really worth and I am lowering my standards to build a relationship. And thats a one time thing.
 
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