What should I charge as an indie cinematographer?

Redstreak

Redstreak

Active member
Hello!

I'm an indie cinematographer who's worked mostly on small projects, often organized by people I know.

I just got an offer to shoot an independent feature in Italy (I speak Italian), they've asked me for a quote, and I'm not sure what to give them.

The approximate budget is 500,000, shooting time 4-5 weeks. This would be the biggest project I've worked on, so I'm pretty excited about taking the job. They've seen my work and like it, and I'm the only DP they've approached so far.

Can someone give me a rough idea of how much an indie cinematographer in this budget range usually makes?
Also, should I ask for a flat fee, or for a cut of profits, or some of both?

Thank you!
- David
 
I've worked for as little as 50 bucks a day on a feature with a budget of about $10K and about 4 years ago on a feature with about a $200K budget, I got around $300/day from what I remember.

A flat fee can work, and I charged $2,500. as DP (with my gear included) on a feature with about a $30K budget about 3 years ago.

What makes it really work (for both sides) is if you have gear you can bring into the mix.

At a budget of $500K, I'd be looking for about $400/$500 per day, depending on how much I wanted to be involved as a contributor to the ultimate success of the film. Don't try to work for points. It's nearly impossible to get any kind of accurate accounting to base that on.

I have also worked for partial deferred pay, so that's something to consider I suppose, but again, who knows?
 
The union minimum rate, I believe, is around $980 for a 12 hour day. But I don't know if you're at that level, especially if you haven't made enough offers to already have a rate established. There's nothing wrong with that, you just have to be realistic on what you're worth. It might be less. It might be four times that (which I have seen). Modify as needed. You'll also need food, per diem if you're traveling and lodging. Take points if they're offered, since the real goal is to get the job however you can, but don't ask for them. Generally the film isn't profitable enough for you to ever actually get something for it later.
 
Redstreak said:
Hello!

I'm an indie cinematographer who's worked mostly on small projects, often organized by people I know.

I just got an offer to shoot an independent feature in Italy (I speak Italian), they've asked me for a quote, and I'm not sure what to give them.

The approximate budget is 500,000, shooting time 4-5 weeks. This would be the biggest project I've worked on, so I'm pretty excited about taking the job. They've seen my work and like it, and I'm the only DP they've approached so far.

Can someone give me a rough idea of how much an indie cinematographer in this budget range usually makes?
Also, should I ask for a flat fee, or for a cut of profits, or some of both?

Thank you!
- David
Click to expand...

Lots of variables here. Travel, lodging, and food I'd assume are going to be a given (it better be). Are you supplying gear? That's going to effect it. You said you mostly work on small productions, do you have feature experience?

I knew a DP with an Epic package that hadn't had much experience and he still managed to swing a $10k from a $50k budget feature. Keep in mind every film is different.

What's your normal day rate?
 
First off, I would really make sure these people are legit, and the real deal. Second, I would make sure you have a good contract in place, one that covers you there. And third, Make sure your travel,lodging, and food are covered. I would hate to go to italy to shoot a film only to find out i'm sleeping on the floor of a PA's cousin that lives in a slum. Without knowing any type of business plan the budget could be eaten up by one single actor. There's a lot of variables here, the plus is you speak the language. Try to find other work these folks have done, and find out if they pay their bills, there's lots and lots that don't. good luck:)
 
You should know what you worth as a cinematographer. Plus, if you bring you're own equipment, you'll have to calculate the use of it. Then, as other said, take in consideration all the details and variables to decide on a price.
 
If they have a budget...they will have budgeted for a DP. ( and gear whose ever it is)

Explain to them your dilemma and that you realise this is an indie film and its a small budget that you want to help make go further

Explain that you really , really want to work on. this film ( you love the script right?) ..and work with them because of the great work they do.

Ask them to make you a fair and genuine offer.

As DP you will need to know and have a lighting / grip package budget anyway ...so ask what that is ...same time.
 
$500-750/day. More if your gear is involved.

That said it's silly on their part to hire someone from abroad if they can get someone local and get their crew gear connections with it - that said though producers often do things that make no sense. So try to get as much $ as possible.
 
I'm not sure where you're based, David, but are you sure you want to use your own gear. Flying it in, customs, carnets etc suggest it would be wise to get everything supplied in country. Walk through customs and they ask you the purpose of your visit, saying business may well mean your equipment, will cost you money to get it into the country without proper planning for it. I'd also suggest that unless you know them, you want the air ticket for the return left open and in your possession.
 
paulears said:
I'm not sure where you're based, David, but are you sure you want to use your own gear. Flying it in, customs, carnets etc suggest it would be wise to get everything supplied in country. Walk through customs and they ask you the purpose of your visit, saying business may well mean your equipment, will cost you money to get it into the country without proper planning for it. I'd also suggest that unless you know them, you want the air ticket for the return left open and in your possession.
Click to expand...
I travel with gear all the time. It's no big deal.
 
When I need to figure out how much I'll take for a job (because I'm terrible at negotiating, so I usually just figure out what I want and either they offer it or they don't), it's a mix of how much I want to do the project and how much I need to cover my monthly budget (and I factor in whether or not they're using any of my gear, but that's part of my monthly budget in a way). This probably isn't the norm, but I don't really care what someone's budget is-- I have a number, you meet it or you don't.

One of the most annoying things that happens all the time (and I can understand why) is when a producer or whomever says "We have a budget for the DP... what's your rate?"
No, no. If you have an amount set aside, and you think I'm worth that amount, then you tell me what it is and we'll go from there. If you don't think I'm worth that amount, why are you talking to me? There's this plague of producers always trying to get the best deal, that I think ultimately just hurts everyone.
 
For something with that budget I'd be looking for at least $15-20k total for the project with no gear attached. Figure that the project will realistically take up 2 months of your life, and at best you can hope to work on decent paid gigs 2/3 of the time, and that works out to $60-80k a year. Not exactly a kings ransom, but a fair living for someone who has enough experience and expertise to play a pivotal role in a half-million dollar production.

That being said, I've done features for $2,500 too. It just all comes down to how much you want/need the job.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top