What to charge for special equipment

J

Jokerswild

Well-known member
I have a day rate for camera and operator, tripod and lights. It's close to $2000/day here in the Northeast. I just invested in a real nice jib crane and a Steadicam device. Should I be charging more to take these devices on location and set them up and use them? I am guessing yes. Would charging an additional $600 a day above and beyond my day rate seem fair for the use of these expensive pieces of equipment?

p.s. I am talking about commercial and training films here, also some events. Not weddings. Thanks for the input. Shooting HD with the Canon XH-A1.
 
I think it's totally fair and expected for you to charge extra for extra gear - but as far as the details, it depends.

Are you saying $600 a day for both, or each?
It also all depends on what jib and Steadicam device you're talking about.

I can tell you that a standard jib (maybe 8' boom) can go anywhere from 100 - 250 a day where I am, depending on the specific model.
And as far as steadicams...the only thing I know is our local rental house has a steadicam flyer for $300 a week.

But, it all depends on your specific market.
Not being in the Northeast, I can't really give you a specific idea.
 
Yes, charge extra for both the additional gear, and the skills to operate them.

As Luis said, how much will depend on what gear, and how much experience ( = total investment in time & money) you have.

- Mikko
 
Thanks folks. I am using the Glidecam Smooth Shooter with a 4000 Pro and the Advanta jib which has the 10 foot option, full camera rotation. Takes a little time to setup and some practice to operate. I realize that each market is different. I was thinking on the $600/day (extra) above and beyond my day rate for the jib crane. I haven't fully thought thru how much extra to charge for the Glidecam. Yes they can be rented for perhaps $300 a week (Glidecam only, don't think vest) but it also involves the intricate balancing and monitor etc. etc. and knowing how to use it all. Maybe that should be $300 a day extra for it's use.

I am coming from a 30 year still photography background. (check website if interested www.sjbaraophoto.com) and I have this little sign on all my computer monitors that says: "It didn't take me 25 minutes to take the shot, it took me 25 years" I will apply the same philosophy to the video production as well.

I don't mean to be arrogant by having that sign but with all clients, I think there is a certain amount of education that has to take place.
 
Our remote head jib has 15' lens height, and, depending on camera configuration, goes out for $300 / day, plus operator (between $500 and $750, depending on who we get).

What the market will bear for a non-remote jib will vary from market to market - how many other operators and systems live in the market as a for instance.

For a non-Steadi system, regardless of your skill with the sled, my guess is that you're going to have a hard time booking professional shows. That's just the opinion of one operator who knows lots of Steadi operators who aren't working as regularly as they should be - even though they have MK systems and so-forth.

e
 
Crane Cost

Crane Cost

Erik Olson said:
Our remote head jib has 15' lens height, and, depending on camera configuration, goes out for $300 / day, plus operator (between $500 and $750, depending on who we get).

What the market will bear for a non-remote jib will vary from market to market - how many other operators and systems live in the market as a for instance.

For a non-Steadi system, regardless of your skill with the sled, my guess is that you're going to have a hard time booking professional shows. That's just the opinion of one operator who knows lots of Steadi operators who aren't working as regularly as they should be - even though they have MK systems and so-forth.

e
Click to expand...

So Erik am I reading you correctly, $300 for the crane (gear itself) plus between $500-$750 for the operator? Not alluding that it is high or low just curious.
 
MPB said:
$2k/day with an xh-a1 package?i'm moving to Massachusetts.
Click to expand...
I was thinking the same thing. If you are getting 2 grand a day for an XH-A1 then more power to ya. If you think your market and client base will support you charging more for the new items, then go for it! In my market things are so tight right now that I charge an hourly or day fee which includes any and all gear I might own based on what is needed for the shoot. Clients pay for my expertise, the gear comes with me.
 
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