What does a DP cost?

[Randall_Oelerich]

What would a DP cost if I were to produce a feature? (and for that matter a line producer, sound director, director) Let's say I want a DP with at least a few shorts on her/his resume that show proper and creative lighting. I am just in the thought stage so please don't email me or reply asking for a job. I am writing some screenplays, and as dismal as the market might be for getting a feature screenplay made into a film for theater or direct to DVD, it has me thinking about having my script produced indie style on the cheap, in the vein of "Open Water", "Once", etc. But I would not handle the stress of doing it all, wearing all the hats-- I don't have it in me to be a Robert Rodriguez; I would raise the money, have the script (a great script, o/w I would not risk the project with my money and the time of others), but get a DP, sound director, probably even a director, and most importantly a line producer. But this is all several years off if I were to do this.

Any thoughts appreciated, thank you in advance.
Randall Oelerich

 

[emretufekci]

Unfortunately if you are not working a union job it is a little vague. With a union you have your Local 600 rate and that’s it.

For Non-union jobs the rule is: You get what you pay for.

I would approach the subject by considering the experience and duties you would expect from your DoP to achieve you project.

-Once you determine you criteria you need to start looking at their reels.

-Then you need to talk with them to see how much they can back up what they present.

- References are good but, never ask for references up front as experienced companies/individuals will submit their references (client lists) to unknown entities. This comes after you have seen their reel and you have decided they are capable of taking on the job.

-Then ask what they can bring to the table? Do they have a set crew they work with? Do they have good relations with rentals houses? How well they know the post houses and their workflows in your area.

-Personality if of course very important, when you meet them for the first time do they appear to be a person who can have grace under pressure, or are they trying too hard to impress you and look nervous? You want problem solvers and strong personalities they can look at the bigger picture and run the set for you (or your director).

-How smart is your DoP with a budget? Can he work out in his mind the cost difference between renting a generator to lights an exterior set versus lighting with reflected light and flags. ex: Genny costs $800 a day, $200 for fuel, $400 for the operator, 2*12K HMI=650 =$2050. Silks overheads rental=$350, 6 people to man it all and adjust every 6 min for changing light $300*6=$1800. Total =$2150. Clouds go by, with a genny you still have a sun.

This list goes on and on. Think very carefully before you give your job to the lowest bidder. Get somebody who had been there, done that. With their experience they will end up saving you money.

I can quote you my rate but it would not help as my experience/knowledge is not the same a John Doe who will do it for half or double my rate. Start with the Union rates and work from there.

Hope this helps.

 

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Just hire people based on how attractive they are, like everybody else in the real world. Jeez. Why must you complicate?

:beer:

 

[GageFX]

With a union you have your Local 600 rate and that’s it.

That's not "it". That's the minimum. Just like actors anywhere from SAG minimum to $25+M a film, same with DPs.

But, if you are shooting non-union, use the union minimum as your max.



But I agree with Ryan. And, if your budget cant support hiring attractive people, you can always get ugly ones for much cheaper.

 

[emretufekci]

That's not "it". That's the minimum. Just like actors anywhere from SAG minimum to $25+M a film, same with DPs.

But, if you are shooting non-union, use the union minimum as your max.



But I agree with Ryan. And, if your budget cant support hiring attractive people, you can always get ugly ones for much cheaper.

You're correct, additionally you can expect lot of OT+golden time as you regular day will run around 14-16 hours. Very few quailified DoP's Camera Op's DIT's....etc will actually will go for union rate. That is a base.