Putting low-budget quality expectations in contract?

Shigeta

Shigeta

Well-known member
Hey ladies and gents,

I'm currently writing up a contract for a low budget wedding, but I want to make sure the couple is getting what they pay for so they don't expect a $5000 package when they pay $500. (I'm a student, so I'm cool with low-budget).

I'm using 2x xha1, manfrotto tripods, h4n for audio, etc, so it's a high quality equipment gig, but how can I explain that they aren't to expect a $5000 package with what they pay in the contract?

If there is anything I left out or anything, let me know. Thanks!

-James
 
Charge on the basis of 6 hours and what gear you will use. 1 camera and light usually goes for $1800.00. 8 hours=$2500.

More cameras=more money.
 
Thanks for the input, but I'm not asking how to price something, but how to set expectations for quality for the aforementioned budget.
 
Put in the contract exactly what they can expect, and make sure that they understand what they're getting in terms of what type of equipment and crew you'll be using, how long you'll be there, what you'll be shooting (prep, ceremony, reception, interviews, etc...), what they're going to receive (what kind of editing, titles, graphics they can expect, if any), how many DVDs they will receive. And let them know what would change if their budget changes.

I'd make a list of "packages" you could offer for different prices, the basic being your $500 package. Probably something like:

$500
1 HD camera/operator
HQ audio
Up to 8 hours
Ceremony only
Minimal editing/titles
1 full length DVD with chapters +raw video
 
I have in our contract that the client is that they are placing trust in our creative expertise and that re-editing will be charged at $100/hr. There is a huge difference between someone hiring you for your time and someone hiring you for your talent. I would let them know that they would get a lot more for more money and that it's a basic package without negating the value of your talent.
 
About the only way I've found to manage expectations is to show them a comparable-quality video and say "this is the kind of thing we're talking about doing -- is this the kind of thing you're looking for?" If they agree, then you're good. If they don't agree, then you just saved yourself a world of hurt by finding out what their expectations are beforehand. So find a video that matches what they're looking for and then tell them what it would cost for you to deliver comparable quality.
 
I agree with Barry, I also put in my agreements that the company does not make any warranties or guarantees either implied or expressed, to any particular footage or to meet any particular aesthetic criteria or standards.
 
Barry_Green said:
About the only way I've found to manage expectations is to show them a comparable-quality video and say "this is the kind of thing we're talking about doing...
Click to expand...

What Barry said.

Show them THIS and you are golden.


Whatever you do, it can´t be worse than that. ;-)

Frank
 
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Have you shot a few weddings already for FREE? If you have then you can show them a sample of your work. Then deliver a similar product to that work. So if you ever were to be taken to court you would have something to show a judge

What ctb1010 said is absolutely correct. This clause will save your a** to an extent. If they know you're a student or whatever then you can drop that terminology in your contract as well.

I'm going to PM you about a documentary that is hot off the H.264 presses that deals with some of these cover your a** issues. Basically it's about my year in the judicial system regarding filmmaking and what could have been done differently.
 
ctb1010 said:
I agree with Barry, I also put in my agreements that the company does not make any warranties or guarantees either implied or expressed, to any particular footage or to meet any particular aesthetic criteria or standards.
Click to expand...

That couldn't be said any better. Excellent.
 
This is a snippet from my standard wedding contract. It help a little with setting expectations and helps a lot with CYA.


It is the client's responsibility to secure access to areas for videography. kgi media llc will not be responsible for coverage lost due to access restrictions.

Creative aspects such as shooting and editing style are at the discretion of kgi media llc.

kgi media llc will not be held liable for any production problems beyond our control, e.g. bad weather, accidents, poor acoustics/lighting, interference from guests, etc.
 
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