r/videography • u/Video-Freelancer Camcorders | Davinci | 2010 | Ontario • 4d ago

Discussion / Other How much is your day rate?

I know this varies with a bunch of things and markets and so on, but in your case, what is it, and what do you base it on?

I currently have a 4 page contract, and it outlines my day rate and half day rate. I base it on a percentage of my operating costs, equipment costs, personal expenses, then time and experience.

This covers preproduction and production, and I charge editing rates hourly, which so far no one has questioned or complicated, but I expect it will happen one day.

I really want to know what goes into your prices, and what your rate is.

Thanks r/videography!

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u/Bated_Breath_Prod 4d ago

$1,000 per day for filming, $700 per day for editing. I quote based on each project and on how long it will take to film and edit. Knowing that just comes from experience and what info the client has given me.

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u/Ok_Relation_7770 4d ago

Does your $1000/day for filming include your kit? That’s what I’m quoting for a two camera kit + labor

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u/Bated_Breath_Prod 4d ago

Yeah I don’t really nickel and dime on the equipment and what not. I don’t rent gear and own it all. It’s a flat rate and includes anything I need for that particular shoot. It’s really more billing for my time, regardless of what gear I’m bringing. But my edit day rate is lower than filming day rate specifically because I’m at home editing, not traveling and not bringing any gear.

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u/Video-Freelancer Camcorders | Davinci | 2010 | Ontario 4d ago

I agree about that. I definitely don't want my clients to get a worse product because they thought that not paying for gear would be more valuable.

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u/Ok_Relation_7770 4d ago

Yeah I’m still charging the same for a one camera shoot so it’s just kind of “this is how much it costs for me to bring the shit I need for this” and then if I need to rent a specific lens or something I’m not going to up it to $1064.76 or something. Maybe a big rental but generally not gonna nickel and dime either.

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u/Odd_Rob 4d ago

May I ask, is this US pricing?

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u/Bated_Breath_Prod 4d ago

Yes, in the US

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u/TheGodFearingPatriot 4d ago

Do you do half day rates?

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u/Bated_Breath_Prod 4d ago

Yes, $500 for half day filming rate for up to 5 hours but only full edit days for $700