Pricing multi-camera 1-2 hour long shoots

Spotlight Media

Spotlight Media

Well-known member
We have been getting more of these shorter 2-camera lecture type shoots and I am curious as to what others are charging for these.
2 cameras & cameramen
1 audio engineer tapping into press box audio
1 hour long, 1.5 hours with setup.
HPX300 & HPX170. So P2 cards. Tripods, 1 Panny 8" HD monitor.

Don't concern yourself with the post, only the shoot
 
I have owned several service businesses over the last 20+ years and here is my take on this regardless of your hourly rate:

How many 4 hour jobs can you do in a day = 2
How many 2 hour jobs can you do in a day = 2

The reality is by the time you start your day, pack your stuff for travel, travel, park, setup, shoot, break down, travel, unpack, and add some depreciation to your gear, I can't imagine charging less than 4 hours for anything. I understand it might be an easy gig for a customer you want, but that doesn't minimize your reality and that of your help. If you help doesn't own any of their gear, you might pay them a 2 hour minimum.


Grant
 
I agree.
With having a half day rate, how do you all handle that half day rate with 2 cameras? Do you double it plain and simple or do you all find a middle ground? I bill a fair rate and I stick to my prices (it is what it is) but the 2nd camera adds a little bit of a grey area, or does it?
 
A good rule of thumb for an hourly rate for an employee is 3-4 x what you pay them. Employee make $20/hr, you charge at least $60/hr for them.

I have usually considered the skill and job description of extra people with regard to how much to charge. If the person is a helper - assistant, I don't charge as much as I would for myself. If we were both at the same skill level, and performing like functions, I would charge the same. And you are providing two cams, so the equipment overhead is still there.

I have always worked hard to provide value to my clients, but I also expect to eat and live indoors. If a client won't gladly pay me a living wage, I'd rather stay home and pet the cat.

Grant
 
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