Lets be honest here.. first big paid gig

D

DDirector

Veteran
Being completely honest. This is my first paid gig, and it sounds to be pretty big. Is it really? - I will find out this Monday.

I was shooting a video for someone's band when the producer of the event came up to me and asked for my contact. Earlier today he contacted me saying he knows a band that wants to get a Music Video done. "How much will you charge?" (No editing involved) -- I would be both the Director of Photography and Camera Operator.
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I have been shooting videos (music videos, short films, etc) for myself and other people (mostly for friends). They have all been free services. (To build up experience and a resume) But, I do get something in return. Not money though.

I've done a couple of music videos before. I am currently working on one for a good friend (for free)
Although I am a film student, I know what I am doing inside and out. Better than everyone in my course as I do have more experience than anyone else. I study how to be a 'good' cinematographer day and night because this what I want to do.

Before working on a rate for the gig, what should I ask the producer to know about this gig?

I highly doubt this is gig is going to be something that will change my future. He said if I do this gig, he may have a few more jobs for me in the future.

I doubt the producer is some very rich guy. I am not expecting him to tell me the band want to shoot a music video with a budget of 10K. - Yes, not a lot, but by comparing other events he produced for, I cant really see him stepping up his game so quickly. But, you never know. Just to keep in mind though.

How would I know how much I am worth?

Because this is my actual first paid gig, I'm not expecting to be charging semi-professional rates. I'm also not looking at just getting minimum wage. (About $15/hr) as I can find a retail job and do less work and get paid the same about.

My gear? - Look at my signature. What you see is what you get. Nothing is missing.

*Yes, I have been searching the forums for related topics. And I am still browsing them.
 
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Well, I guess the big question is -- what is the job worth to you? It doesn't really matter what the guy wants to pay, what matters is -- at what number do you say yes, and below what number do you say no?

Before you can determine that, you really do need to know the scope of the work, and what you're expected to be budgeting for. Is he handling all the casting and extras and props, and you're only being asked to DP and bring your gear? If so, that makes it infinitely easier. Who's directing? How many days do they have planned for this? Are you supposed to do post? How many days of post? You really need to know what the full scope of the work is.

If they're just asking you to show up, shoot a day, turn over the cards and walk away and they do all post, that's an infinitely easier job to quote, than if it's a full production with you expected to handle pre-pro and post-prod all on your own.

And, like I said, what is it worth to you? The promise of future gigs is a no-win trap. If you do a great job, there will be future gigs because you were great. If you slash your rate because you need to get this one, then you're locking yourself in as the cheapo guy and there may be more cheap gigs, but would you want them?

So -- determine what it's worth to you. We have guys on this forum who wouldn't get out of bed for under $2500/day. We have guys on this forum who would leap at the chance to do it all for a hundred bucks. At your level of experience, you can't expect top dollar. Minimum wage is sixty bucks a day. Fifteen bucks an hour is $120/day (assuming an 8-hour day). So -- you're not establishing an entire career here, you're not locking yourself into anything other than this one gig, so really it's kind of hard to go wrong. You'll either get paid, or you'll get a ton of experience, and either one is quite valuable. And there's a chance you might get both.

There are lots of guys out there willing to do work like this in LA for $150/day. I think that's extreme low-balling, a decent rate is $300 to $500/day, but that also depends on experience and quality, and right now you can't expect to command top dollar.

So -- find out what his budget is, find out what the scope of the work is, estimate how many days it'll take you, and estimate how much you need to get in order for it to be worth it to you, and then you'll have your answer.
 
A student with a bare bones kit like that, maybe $200/day in L.A. If you can get more, great.
Just know your limitations, don't over-promise and under deliver. Ask a lot of questions up front and try to play to your strengths by making suggestions when appropriate.

Like Barry said, rates vary on experience and other factors.

Also, what is the crew situation? Can you bring in anyone to help or are you one-man-banding it? That's a huge factor.
 
Have any links to some of your work? Is the producer from Toronto? I do some work for artists in Toronto, but to be perfectly honest it varies greatly. Its always hard to price for your first paid gig. Shoot me a PM with some links and details of the band/producer and I'll try to help you as best as I can to determine a price point.

Kegan
 
If I were you, (and this is basially how I got into the business) quote yourself at about $500, and $200 for gear. Use the 200 to rent some extra lights and make it look good. This way, you give em a great product, ur still making decent money, and u get a reel piece. DONOT be the cheap guy. Plus $700 is a good deal for a dp/gear/lights whenur starting out. I got lucky cause I got reffered by a another producer and quoted me at a rediculously high rate for a guy just starting out. So I got fasttracked to a higher pay bracket. But try to make that happen for yourself. Use the 500 u make to buy another light. This way next time More of the 700 goes into ypur pocket. Or you can pull the same trick and rent a good lens, or effects filter, add something to give the shoot some extra oomph. Eventually, u will have a good kit, and be commanding good money. Take adantage of the time in your life when u have low living expenses to accumulate gear and a reputation for high quality work.
 
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