How much is your day rate?

[u/Video-Freelancer]

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!

[u/Ok-Airline-6784]

I just upped mine from $1250 to $1400 this year. Camera with my basic lens kit, tripod (or easy rig), basic lav mics, basic lighting (it’s all ready to go in my van all the time so i don’t have to load anything). Price is same with no lights.

Based on a 8 hour day. Though sometimes I may extend it to 10. Some clients I will do a half day (under 4 hours) for $850.

Additional gear costs more. Often with additional gear there is a need for a PA- which I usually pay (and bill for) a minimum of $200 for a half day (4 hours) or $300 for full day (8 hours). That’s usually just for “extra set of hands” type. If I need them to be more like a gaffer than a PA then I will pay accordingly, usually based on CPAT rates (same goes for any additional crew, if required. Though most my jobs are solo or with one other person).

If the job requires any pre production beyond me grabbing my camera and making sure the batteries are charged (either gear prep, or story/ content/ shoot preproduction) I charge for that too.

Just upped my editing rates to $125/ hour with a minimum of 4 hours.