Videographer/Editor here. How much should I charge?

S

srdan

Member
New(ish) to the business side of things in this world.

I consider myself to be quite a capable videographer and editor.

Through friends, co-workers, etc, I often receive requests for video work. Things like interviews, events, etc. Sometimes even short films for organizations/schools.

What is a mutually fair rate to use as a basis when and if I'm offered work?

I know this is highly variable depending on my skills/abilities, but lets just say that I'm fairly confident that I am at least adequate. Ie. at least broadcast quality of local TV stations, like Rogers, etc.

Also, my equipment is Panasonic HPX 170 1080p(3 hours recording availability)

Rode NTG2 shotgun mic

Final cut Pro HD editing suite.

Sorry if English is not the best. Thanks for any input
 
Charging clients can be very difficult. The most important thing to keep in mind is that video production has a lot of variables, which gives the client choices to include or exclude. If a client asks how much your rate is, answer with: well, my rate varies depending on factors including: number of shoots, equipment needed, number of days on editing floor, number of people involved... etc. It is a cliche in video that to give a flat-out rate is unprofessional and most-likely inaccurate. It's also a bad idea to shoot too low, as it gives the client the wrong idea as well as not providing you with profits.

Ultimately, if you have a decent reel, sometimes acquired by probono work and networking with other established video productions houses, it will speak for itself, not to mention the great references you'll have with people who have been satisfied with your work. So maybe work on developing a high-end reel, and you'll feel more confident in your prices. I know from experience trying to explain HD differences, etc (the HPX you have is fantastic but try explaining 4:2:2 chroma in 100Mbps to the coordinator of a volunteer agency...) so it's vital that your HD reel speaks for itself. Make it dynamic to present yourself as someone who can handle every situation; however, don't forget appropriateness. If it's for a school you might want to save that beautiful, cinematic but risque short film for another reel. Sorry if this wasn't exactly what you asked for, but hope it helps.
 
I'm also starting up as a freelancer. One thing that has really helped me is going online and finding experienced freelance videographers rate cards. Base your prices off of theirs (they have a lot of exp, you don't, price accordingly as best as you can). I found a google search for "videographer rate card" helped me find some pretty quickly.

Anyway, now that I know how much I feel comfortable charging clients, I feel a lot more confident talking to a client about prices considering what I've seen other people charge, me offering a better price, and if they've hired a videographer/editor before, my work is generally a hell of a lot better than who they've worked with before.

Oh yeah, and start networking like a mother ****er. Sorry for the language.
 
It certainly depends on the project and how many hours/days of work is involved.

Most of my edits are no longer than a few days, so I charge no less than $50/hr. But if the work will be really extensive, then a discount may be in order.
 
We typically charge:


$100/hour for the cameraman
$100/hour for the audio specialist (boom mic)
$75/hour for editing
$75/hour for sfx (animations, animated titles, intro's and motion graphics)
$75/hour for encoding

But as ChrisFig mentioned, it depends on the project/workload. We also offer a non-for-profit discount of 15%


AllAroundFilmLV said:
Anyway, now that I know how much I feel comfortable charging clients, I feel a lot more confident talking to a client about prices considering what I've seen other people charge, me offering a better price, and if they've hired a videographer/editor before, my work is generally a hell of a lot better than who they've worked with before.

Oh yeah, and start networking like a mother poo pooer. Sorry for the language.
Click to expand...

+1, Charge what you feel comfortable with and also bear in mind that a lot of people do not realise how much work goes into post.

Also, don't undercharge for the sake of it, it has been my experience that clients may not take you seriously if you do.

Good luck!
 
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