videographer rates

[Justin Armstrong]

For 2 days, for an estimated 3 hours a day, I'm going to be shooting house tours and interviews for some newly build "greener" houses.

The location is about an hour drive so I'll have to make the round trip twice.

It is just myself and one camera, maybe my steadicam.
The real issue for me is figuring out a rate. I'm already figuring in $40 for gas to get out to the site.

The client was really badgering me for a price last night (when I really had no clue), so I threw out $300 for both days. He wasn't being straight forward with me about whether I would be editing the footage myself or not, so it's sort of a 'safety net' just in case that is what he expects.
I also want to use any footage I shoot towards a reel to get future projects.
Would I need any thing in writing from the client to use it, or would it technically be mine to use(for reel material only)?

Any thoughts or suggests appreciated.

 

[R. Schorman]

If you are saying $300 total, that is really low. $300 per day is better.

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

70/hour to shoot
and then a camera rental.. 200 for 3 hours

 

[Paul Hazlett]

not technically, in fact that footge is the clients. But no one has ever said to me no you cant use that footage for your own promotion...just don't try to sell it.

On the matter of rate, there are many websites that can give you an insight to the going rate of such things depending on your area and what resources are readily available, but i would say 300 for you if your just starting out and at least 250 for an hvx or ex3 type of rig per day

 

[Meryem Ersoz]

you need a contract. make one, and then you will have all the boilerplate stuff covered, like footage rights. modify it for specific situations. add to it as you learn what kinds of questions your clients will have (like, who is responsible for obtaining location permits? you or the client? if these houses belong to owners other than your client, you better obtain these...that kind of thing...)

you don't need a lawyer, though it would be nice to have one, just some simple terms of agreement. it's a big help to both you and your future clients to have the obvious details on a piece of paper.

 

[Justin Armstrong]

Thank you for all your advice. It has been very helpful.
My only interest in the footage was for use in my reel to show future clients.

I am just outside of the Detroit area and my rig includes a 5D Mk2, Glidecam v-8, a crane (if needed), and all of my audio & lighting equipment.