How much should I charge?

[BeanCrayons]

Hey guys. Pretty new to the forum. Sorry if I seem ignorant.

So this guy I know through friends is making an instructional video for his business. Originally he asked to rent out my equipment (Sony HDV 1000U and some studio lights). I told him I'd be willing to rent out my services instead. I said I'd be willing to film and edit to his specifications. I have a basic knowledge of making these sorts of videos and will probably be doing quite a bit more research, though it is definitely not the way I'd usually use my camera. A little change in my pocket does sound enticing though. Any suggestions on how much I should charge the guy? He seems nice enough and I really don't want to rip him off. I just don't even know what would be fair.

Thanks!

 

[directorik]

He seems nice enough and I really don't want to rip him off.

You do not charge based on how nice the guy is. You charge
based on what you feel you are worth and what the local
market will bear. And in general, the client will want to pay
as little as possible and you will want to get as much as you
can.

So what is fair?

Figure out how many hours you will spend and charge the
local minimum wage; X-hours times X-dollars an hour. If you
feel you are worth more than minimum wage, charge what
you feel you are worth per hour. Then take into account how
much you will be paying your small crew and the actors. If
the people in the instructional video are his current employees
they should be paid their hourly wage.

If all you're looking for is "a little change" in you pocket then
you can charge him a flat fee. What were you going to rent
your equipment for? Add a little to that number.

In your case that might be the best option. I get the impression
this will be your first project like this so you will get a lot out of it
and you may take much longer than someone with experience.

How about 200% above what you would have charged to rent
your equipment? So if you were going to rent the camera and lights
for $200 - charge him $600. Will you be using (and paying) a small
crew and actors? Don't forget to pay them.

 

[dlevanchuk]

nvmd, directoik got it.

 

[Gonzo_Entertainment]

It's indeed all about the market and your reputation (or lack othereof).

I am about to shoot my first real music video. I'm charging the guy $400 for a one day shoot and a basic edit. That's shot with my minimal gear (5D, shoulder rig, tripod, and just enugh lights to get by). Anything "extra" he wants is charged at cost. For example he wants some stuff shot in front of a cyc wall. So he is paying the charge for that rental.

This is my "get my foot in the door" rate. I'm using it to have some music video work to show. This guy is a well known (locally) hip hop guy. If I deliver him a good product I am going to get a LOT of business from it. So, as I said, the $400 is a cut rate, get my foot in the door price. My full rate going forward would probably be at least twice that and more likely three times.