When a cinematographer is asking for too much $$$

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Belief Pictures

Belief Pictures

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Hey,

As a Producer/Director any ideas on what you do when a DP is asking for too much? I am working on a low budget feature film. Movie will be a family friendly. He is really skilled just is asking for too much.

Ideas? Advice?

Chris
 
Howdy Chris! Good name, btw. As a producer and a director I would tell the DP that his asking price is too much. Obviously I would state it differently, probably by saying "the pay is actually this amount." If he doesn't want to take the pay, it might be a good idea to find someone else.

I have found that being completely honest is always the best approach. Tell him that it's low budget and that you can only afford "x" amount.

Good luck!
 
Everyone with a brain wants 'something' to work

either money or experiecne, references, opportunity to learn develop contacts, try new shots outside commercial pressure, footage rights for reel etc

If your DP only needs the first then I should be reassured if it is a reasonable amount, which could easily be $1000 a day or more, especially if there is kit involved in his package

The DP who wants only a low amount of money (and nothing else) will probably provide a poor product

S
 
If he's asking for too much, (in your opinion or your budget's opinion), there is nothing wrong with saying... "I wish we could pay you that amount, as it is what you deserve, but this is all we can afford". If he takes it, fine. If he doesn't, than it's a free market and his choice.... Unless you're working with IATSE local 600.
Pretty simple.


And to be fair, it's most likely you not being able to pay enough versus him asking for too much. You posted in the cinematography section... what did you expect. I'm going to give the cinematographer the benefit of the doubt.:)












btw, I'll do it for half his price. :happy:
 
One of production companies i shoot for works on a whole range of projects with budgets from pathetic to really good. Sometimes they try to get me to shoot for the projects with pathetic budgets (meaning much lower rates than i usually charge them) - in general i have no interest to make less money than i usually do so often i say "no, thanks" and then a few weeks/months later i see the production they tried to get me on somewhere on their website... and guess what, always and i mean ALWAYS it turns out pathetic.

Truth is skills and experience cost $$, there is just no way around it. If your budget can't afford skills and experience... then go with a less skilled/experience person who will charge less (and deliver less).
 
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Patryk_Rebisz said:
One of production companies i shoot for works on a whole range of projects with budgets from pathetic to really good. Sometimes they try to get me to shoot for the projects with pathetic budgets (meaning much lower rates than i usually charge them) - in general i have no interest to make less money than i usually do so often i say "no, thanks" and then a few weeks/months later i see the production they tried to get me on somewhere on their website... and guess what, always and i mean ALWAYS it turns out pathetic.

Truth is skills and experience cost $$, there is just no way around it. If your budget can't afford skills and experience... then go with a less skilled/experience person who will charge less (and deliver less).
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While true, this is kind of grim.

The OP may simply not have the budget to pay the DP in question. It's hard to judge what "asking too much" means with little information.
 
Paramount thought Robert Duvall asked for too much $$ to be in Godfather Part III, so they went with George Hamilton. I'd imagine they'd pay what Duvall felt he was worth if they had the chance to do it over. Short story, you can't expect to buy a Ferrari for the price of a Datsun.
 
Belief Pictures said:
The DP in question wanted $1000/day which is union rates. Not very realistic.
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As Ryan said this may not be realistic for the budget you have. You can only offer the max you can pay and when he turns you down you thank him for his time and consideration.

He wouldnt ask more because he's trying to be nasty to you. He's asking what he's usually paid most likely. So just accept that you cant use him and move on.
 
If he charges 1000 a day, he could do a longer period for less., eg he might charge 4000 a week or 12000 for 4 weeks, ie the longer you employ him for, the better deal you can get.
 
I like what Ryan said, "Tell him that if you had the budget, you would give him his asking price, but seeing is that you don't, you can only do what you can. Another approach if your dead set on using him, is to trade your sister. Tell him, she cooks, cleans, and makes a hell of a good cup of coffee in the morning.:)
 
I second Futchibon. I know for me, it's A LOT easier to give a reduced rate when there's a long guarantee.

If this is the guy you really want for the project, negotiate with him. Come back to him with an offer - sweeten the pot with whatever you have to offer. If you're going to guarantee a good number of days at a reduced rate, bring that to the table. Points, too.

Ultimately, if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. Don't be discouraged, though. The attitude of "if you don't pay a lot, you'll get crap" is not quite accurate. You surely won't get a veteran D.P. but there are plenty of hungry and talented folks out there who would work for what you offer - you just might need to look a little harder.

Good luck and definitely report back when this situation resolves.

~~Dave
 
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I'd come up to The Sue to shoot if you're doing consecutive days. I've only done low/now buget, but I think I know how to make things look good with limited resources. I've been an amateur DP for 20 years including student films, never turned pro because I didn't want to move to Toronto, and still have dreams of being the hometown indie director. My best stuff, that I've shot for other people is not on-line but I could send out a reel if you are looking for options.

I'm also a licensed electrician which is useful in a pinch.
 
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