Need advice on assembling attractive Scarlet Rental package with DIT

[Rob T]

Hey everyone!

I am looking to assemble a Scarlet package that will look very attractive to people making feature films. I got into this business because I just love making movies, and after buying the Scarlet, I really want to be a part of making great films, wherever they may be.

Here is a list of equipment I have.

RED Scarlet Canon AL Mount
1x RED 5" Touch LCD
1x RED Handle
3x 64GB Redmag SSD
2x Anton Bauer D-90 batteries, w/ charger
4x Redvolt Batteries, w/ charger
1x RED Station USB 3.0
1x Redrock Follow Focus
1x RED top plate
1x WC LW 15mm Rod system
1x Miller DS-25 Tripod

Lenses
Canon 24-70mm L
Canon 70-200mm L
Canon 100mm Macro L
Tokina 11-16mm


My services would also be a part of the package. Because my goal is to make films, I would like to serve in any capacity, whether it be DIT, 2nd, 1st, or DP. So I was wondering you opinions on how to price this package.

When pricing, should I have just one price, which would include the package and my services, or should I have a rental price, and mention the cost of travel, room & board. I guess in another words, I'm renting out my package, and it comes with free service (but would need to cover travel expenses).

Also, would it be a good idea to have some sort of commission for people that help me complete a booking?

Some of you might be wondering why so aggressive? Well, my scarlet's been collecting dust for some time, and I've been really thinking about why I bought it in the first place. For me, this whole thing isn't about making money. It's all about making movies.

If I could afford to do it for free, I would, but I ended up spending my life's saving on everything, and only sustaining myself with a small job on the side, which barely makes enough to get by. What I really want is to meet some awesome filmmakers and make great movies together.

So if there is any advice on how to price this package and get connected with filmmakers making films, I would be incredibly grateful.

Happy filming!
Rob

 

[Brett Harrison]

Hey Rob,

Just go out and shoot something, anything, preferably in sight of a lot of people. Make it spectacular. Events, shows, offer to document for people. Just being seen out with your camera is a nice form of general marketing; it demonstrates your initiative and love of the work. Even if nothing comes of it you will still be building up your reel and collecting nice shots, not to mention experience.

Shoot something every other day, even if it's just your friends, family or pets. Be fully ready for that one contact.

 

[Ryan De Franco]

Everything Brett suggested is about 10,000 times more helpful than marketing at universities, websites, etc. Every job I've found I have because someone either met me on a previous job or found my work. Frankly you don't want the kind of clients who are looking for the cheapest cheapest cheapest possible package, trolling craigslist for DP WITH RED CAM.

I've been there.

It was a fun year or two. It is totally worthwhile to do those gigs as a DP because you have to know what shit smells like, you have to shoot a scene and think 'god what a terrible looking scene' so you know exactly what you like and don't like. It is easy to say "I love Roger Deakins and tungsten and muslin I can light anything" it is another entirely to do it for very little money on a very short schedule with a crazy director who's had too many red bulls. That incredible circus ride builds character, just as documentary, assisting, and writing asshole presumptuous posts like mine right here sorta do. (kidding, only not).

The truth is serious rentals are not interested in a package with three 64G cards and two 90Wh batteries and some redvolts. Do you want to AC or DIT for someone who wants a bargain basement kit? Or do you want to provide camera to a filmmaker with no money but big dreams and a decent script? If you've decided you want friends and comrades in arms, not clients, you've made a choice that suits your camera I think. Seems like you're looking for a person who is dying to get their movie made, who is excited to work with one of the best cameras in the industry, who hopefully digs Canon glass. I would not waste time trying to rent the camera as a hot ticket rental item because surely there are other people with more accessories and necessaries (cards and power) willing to rent for your rate. (Incidentally, what is your market?)

There are a couple strategies you could take. No matter what you do, shoot every other day. Go out and film strange things, go to public places and record the shadows people and their dogs make in the park, 60% of people will give you funny looks 20% will put themselves between your lens and their children and the other 20 will ogglle your camera and maybe come over. one out of those 20 could be an incredible filmmaker. Brett said it better, shorter: go out and shoot and find that one in 20.