I've got a gig, i've got the gear, and i've got a client-Now I need a price

A

atlcHEROKEE

Member
Folks-
I know this is a totally arbitrary issue depending on where you go, what market you are in, etc, but after a year of doing some things pro bono to build up the reel, I’ve gotten a paid gig. At last. My only problem, is I’ve got to generate a quote for the client, and at this point, I’m not terribly sure what range I need to begin in. It’s essentially an electronic press kit/bio video for a relatively new band, who do not have the benefit of a huge wallet or massive budgets-They do have some resources, but since all of them have day jobs, there’s a significant dropoff between them and major national acts. The actual shooting I don’t think will take more than a day, with myself and my production partner, and the end result being a 4 minute package of sorts telling the story of them, their music, and the sound. Overhead costs are low (we own all our gear, no rentals needed) We’re in the area where the shoot will be done so there is no travel. To shoot, and edit and turn around and hand this band a fully produced 4/5 minute package about them-I’m really not sure where to start the figures. Thoughts? In the meantime, ill be the weirdo calling all the production houses in the area asking their rates for some “phantom” project I have no details on. Thanks folks…..

Draper
 
atlcHEROKEE said:
Folks-
I know this is a totally arbitrary issue depending on where you go, what market you are in, etc, but after a year of doing some things pro bono to build up the reel, I’ve gotten a paid gig. At last. My only problem, is I’ve got to generate a quote for the client, and at this point, I’m not terribly sure what range I need to begin in. It’s essentially an electronic press kit/bio video for a relatively new band, who do not have the benefit of a huge wallet or massive budgets-They do have some resources, but since all of them have day jobs, there’s a significant dropoff between them and major national acts. The actual shooting I don’t think will take more than a day, with myself and my production partner, and the end result being a 4 minute package of sorts telling the story of them, their music, and the sound. Overhead costs are low (we own all our gear, no rentals needed) We’re in the area where the shoot will be done so there is no travel. To shoot, and edit and turn around and hand this band a fully produced 4/5 minute package about them-I’m really not sure where to start the figures. Thoughts? In the meantime, ill be the weirdo calling all the production houses in the area asking their rates for some “phantom” project I have no details on. Thanks folks…..

Draper
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It sounds like you have a low budget client. I can't quote you a price but you might consider some bartering. If their music is good, think about covering your cost plus a minimal profit in exchange for using their music royalty free.

That can be worth it's weight in gold on a music heavy project in the future.
 
Thanks Peter-Good points. They've certainly got a budget, just not sure where it lies on the spectrum. They've got all kinds of potential, and good people-Looking forward to shooting for them....Thanks for the insight. Gonna barter my way up to their tour bus perhaps, when they have one and all....
 
Calculate what your day rate for shooting is, then your day rate for editing.

1 x (number of operators) x (day rate shooting) + equipment rental + (days anticipated editing) x (day rate editing) = Y
20% x Y = creative/producing fee (X)

X+Y = bid
 
On a very rare occasion, I will cross something I find relatively interesting and I know from the outset they are limited on funds. Generally I dont lowball. But as I said if its a really interesting subject that I want to see / shoot etc I have a strategy for getting 100% of their budget. And believe me this is very rare.

Dont lowball your price. If you go in with a price thats 50% of their budget, you miss out on 50% of what you could have made. And youre worth it right?

So I give them a full price quote, per what I have set up in my accounting software. They usually come back and say:

1/ We cant afford that. - Ok what can you afford? Well we didnt want to spend more than $2000. Let me talk to my partner, as I said Im really interested in doing this, so Ill see what we can do. Is $2000 the max. you could afford? Look we maybe able to stretch another $500.

Call back 5 minutes later - Yes we can do $2500. Lets set a time to meet to discuss it further.

2/ We cant afford that. Whats the lowest you can do the job for? SEE point 1.

3/ Theres no way we can pay that. We were expecting it for a couple of hundred. Yeah sorry, I just could never go that low in price. Have you considered using some students or hobbyists? They may do it cheaper for you.
 
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