How much to charge to teach editing?

[David W. Richardson]

Okay, I know this is a lot like asking "How big is a rock?" But any guidance would be appreciated.

A friend has asked me to teach him editing, starting with the basics. He asked how much I would charge to teach him, and I don't have a ready answer.

He would be coming to my house, learning on my editing computer. I use Sony Vegas Pro.

I know that one answer is 'Charge the max he can afford to pay'. But casting that notion aside, what seems reasonable as an hourly rate? Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

 

[galbach]

What is your editing hourly rate? are you teaching him theory and the mechanics of editing? How good are you? That all factors in... somewhere between $25 to $500 an hour...

 

[ZazaCast]

If he's a friend....why wouldn't you do it just to help him out? Then, somewhere down the line, maybe he can return the favor and help you out.

 

[David W. Richardson]

Galbach - I've never actually edited for pay for anyone, other than a short film I did ages ago. My editing has generally been for my own projects.

Not teaching theory, just mechanics.

How good am I? Better than he is.

 

[David W. Richardson]

If he's a friend....why wouldn't you do it just to help him out? Then, somewhere down the line, maybe he can return the favor and help you out.

Several reasons. First off, 'friend' is just a convenient term. It's easier than saying 'this guy I know'.

Second, I have very little free time, and would have to take time away from other projects.

Third, I need the money.

He approached me by saying, "How much would you charge me to teach me some editing?"

 

[tom_wise]

Several reasons. First off, 'friend' is just a convenient term. It's easier than saying 'this guy I know'.

Second, I have very little free time, and would have to take time away from other projects.

Third, I need the money.

He approached me by saying, "How much would you charge me to teach me some editing?"

So ask him how much he has in mind. from all the way back in my mechanic days to the here and now folks have approached me and asked similar questions. And "I" was amazed how they thought they could learn it all in one day!

 

[ZazaCast]

Several reasons. First off, 'friend' is just a convenient term. It's easier than saying 'this guy I know'.

Second, I have very little free time, and would have to take time away from other projects.

Third, I need the money.

He approached me by saying, "How much would you charge me to teach me some editing?"

I see. Approach it like teaching a musical instrument, $25-$40/hr. Send him off with a task each lesson...and see how he does. Could turn into a long-term thing.
Maybe let him 'shadow' you as you work on a project? Just ideas.

 

[David W. Richardson]

I see. Approach it like teaching a musical instrument, $25-$40/hr. Send him off with a task each lesson...and see how he does. Could turn into a long-term thing.
Maybe let him 'shadow' you as you work on a project? Just ideas.

Very good suggestions Zaza! Thank you!

FWIW, he takes a filmmaking class at the local community college. He told me recently that he's learned more about filmmaking from talking to me than he has from his class. Gotta love that!

 

[tom_wise]

Very good suggestions Zaza! Thank you!

FWIW, he takes a filmmaking class at the local community college. He told me recently that he's learned more about filmmaking from talking to me than he has from his class. Gotta love that!

Oooh! Ouch! Whenever I read such as this or figure it out from listening to folks, I often tell them to go get their money back!

He's fortunate to have you then!