What to Charge For Your Video Work | Tomorrow's Filmmakers

[@samuelanderson9416]

I should get into the tree cutting business instead

[@Drrezzin]

Yeah, that's a bit more realistic, then video work! There's way too many guys out there who under-charge and clients don't care about quality...it's all about price today and who has the cheapest one!

[@NoraGermain]

No. We need trees! lol

[@IMKEVPACK]

LOOOL IKKRRRR

[@AlexPizarro]

How about them TREES 🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@thegallery219]

Sam Anderson 😂🤣😂😭

[@RonTelevison]

This is a great video for beginners..seriously great stuff here...but how come nobody ever adds in the cost of the CREATIVE, or the WRITING..the IDEAS...especially for spots or ads! I've been doing this stuff for over 20 years...and in the last few years, most middle and lower end clients think ideas are free. Ideas are not free. The idea IS EVERYTHING!

[@mohdvideos1]

EXACTLY BROTHER 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Digital_Act1vist]

that would go into the "experience" category

[@herodot86]

I determine the preproduction everytime. Pricing is Preproduction --> Production --> Post production

[@CodyPyper]

I’ve seen a lot of videos on how to price yourself, and this is by far the best one. Thanks for this content!

[@Brian-RidgeRunner]

For once, a well thought out, honest, straight-forward video covering this topic. I've been doing this for about a decade and you are so right. Thanks for taking the time to do this & keep up the great work!

[@josephsmilepaul3542]

Seriously. He so enunciated everything. I can't wait to have people like this on my Podcast. Just straight to point with so much information.

[@ribe3434]

Clients rarely say they have a budget.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Yea, they usually want to weasel a quote out of you instead of telling you how much money they have.

[@_rhapsodist]

true story

[@chosenideahandle]

Speak for yourself. I've found it to be one of the first things they say with the word "small" in front of "budget" (right after "we want something amazing"). What that budget actually is only comes out after my first quote, and then we start eliminating what they can't afford.

[@jakepollen6839]

Exactly it’s the rule of price negotiation

[@krystiannaja8675]

(typical conversation I use with 90% success).. (after the discovery process). client: i dont have a budget, just need to know how much will it cost? me: do we need to close the streets, rent a chopper, hire top models, actors (use your imagination - has to be related to their ideas for video, but think hollywood) client: no, no... no way, its small project, we dont have that kind of money me: so whats your budget? client: (says the budget).

[@Vijaypall_96]

I did that. When I asked for the budget and they're the price was amazing. My first big client and I was shocked they paid that much. I was so happy dancing on the way out of the meeting. Proving to myself it can be done. Just need to keep it sustainable.

[@the-digitalrevolution]

Great jump off point for something most, often struggle with. I would also add to not forget to add a fee (without mentioning) to your budget for overhead and income. Take the cost of your day and editing time and add in 20-40% additional for actual profit for your business. That money goes toward things like insurance, business fees, marketing, transportation, etc. and actual PROFIT.

[@vividcolourfilms1276]

On the budget point, I have been a marketing director for 20 years, most clients will not give you their budget as they assume you will just use all of it when you can do the job cheaper. Also, a good sales practice is to create the value of your service before you even talk costs. For a videographer that is starting out and working on smaller projects, most your clients will not know exactly what they want and they gear you use will make no sense to them.

[@KwantumKitty]

Great point.

[@ScottWitte]

Overall great guide with one BIG caveat: "You are still making $58 per hour." Well... only if every hour is spent filming and editing. In the real world, there has to be time spent marketing, meeting with clients and prospective clients, testing, education, doing the back office part of running a business and so more. If half of your hours are billable you are doing really, really well. How staff and agents affect the picture is another topic. You should absolutely ask about the budget upfront. My personal experience is that mostly those with a good background or experience contracting videos will have any idea that relates to reality. And many of those will be reluctant to give a budget fearing they might pay more than they have to. (This could be a regional thing.) One technique that helps is to ask for a range, maybe from the least they expect to pay to the most they possibly could. And one last note: If the client is more than a mom and pop business, pricing too low in an effort to get the job could be what causes you to lose it. "If he is charging that little, he can't be any good!"

[@ProdigiousMediaGroup]

I love the way you put that, Scott. Great input!

[@seriousjoke99]

Well put! Couldn't agree more

[@TimGanderPhotographer]

...or she ;-)

[@theadventurebiker]

Not sure how or why this video showed up in my KZbin recommended but it is exactly what I needed. I am somewhat new in the business and did a series of videos for a client earlier this year and had no idea how (or what) to actually charge them. I knew all along that I greatly undercharged them (I think they know this too), but I didn't have much of a clue as to what I should've actually charged. Thank you so much for this - it is truly helpful and insightful. next time around, I'll be better prepared etc. Cheers

[@shauncloud4724]

Every new person in our industry needs to view this so they can learn to charge what they're worth and not allow themselves to be taken advantage of. The reason it's so hard for new, talented people to come into our industry is because they don't understand the significant value that they bring and, therefore, they give their skills away for next to nothing. They don't stand a chance of being able to support themselves, support a family, or pursue a career in this business if they don't understand their own value and what it's truly worth. This video did a great job bringing some clarification to this. The one thing I would add is to factor in time for pre-production. If a client is depending on you to bring your ideas to the table and you're involved in doing creative thinking, coordinating production details, finding VO talent, ETC... those things add major value as well and your time for doing those things needs to be accounted for and billed accordingly.

[@JJohnson313]

This is probably the question I see asked the most and this is the first time I've heard an answer that I can actually use. Thank you for this.

[@beMOTIONdESIGN]

Good stuff! You should also be prepared for when the client asks "What do I get for my money?" So, it's also important to know how you're going to answer that question because it will come. Be clear about any revisions or deliverables that the client may require.

[@JingShenKuoshu]

Possibly one of the most educational videos for this subject on the internet. Amazing man

[@mattbrodersen9567]

I can't believe I used to Charge $300 for a wedding video, with a 2 person crew + Editing!!! LOL.. Well said my friend, this needs to be told.

[@YoussefHallouly]

How much do you charge now?

[@KevasWorld]

I've struggled for years figuring out what to charge and of all the videos I've seen yours was BY far the most helpful. Thanks so much 🙏

[@res3054]

Bless you my friend that was the most concise description of how to charge for Video services I've ever heard!

[@ivanmadethis]

All of a sudden I have this urge to send out quotes to clients :D I've come back to this video a couple of times now. It's how I've been pricing my projects for many years and it's worked out great for me so far. I'm glad to see other videographers out there who value their time and have transparent pricing models!

[@robertharker]

Don't forget the paperwork. A written quote listing number of days filming and hours editing along with the equipment you will be providing. Most importantly a written contract signed by the client with actual dollar amounts and payment terms. Without a contract you are out of luck if the client decides to stiff you.

[@RemayPesca]

This is a great source of information. I would like to add that our service is not limited only to the mentioned ones, but also the concept creation, the preparation of scripts, interviewing and selection of talents, music selection, all these must be charged by the hour spent, in case it is not provided by the client. Overall a great video, thanks for sharing.

[@VinnieChu]

Wow, finally a straightforward video on this topic of estimating your rates, with actual numbers and examples. Great content!

[@CrivRex]

The BEST KZbin video that explains videography pricing! Thank you!!! Straight to the point and all the info I needed. Wow. 🎉

[@kr5746]

God bless you guys for all these videos you make for the rest of us!!! Hence why your continued success! Stay safe 🙏

[@darb0836]

Biggest thing missing here is the client revisions. I have quoted very accurately many times and clients see the delivered project and start changing their minds on several things, sometimes completely changing the original idea. So I would also suggest adding revisions into the contract, and that's not just editing but also correspondence, because just the time to talk on the phone or email starts to pile up.

[@carsonnimmo2]

Absolutely. Great point on revisions. I have come to expect the client to ask for changes. It's important to tell the client your hourly rate for revisions before you start the project so they don't assume it's built in to your quote.

[@ronihernandez6049]

What about licensing ?

[@thesleepione247]

I think packages can work depending on how you structure them. If you give a package and let them know what it is limited to in terms of gear, hours shooting, limited locations & length of the final product. Eg Package A is $800 (1 location, shooting for 4 hours, no additional lighting for a 30 second product)

[@mikemiville3009]

Man, I wish you would have put this out about 5 years ago. I basically charge the same way, but it took a lot of trial and error to get there. Great video!

[@sighlus]

One point you made, which to me is key, is to time yourself editing. Once I did that, I had a complete understanding of my average per project type. Of course you get a curve ball now and then, but the more you do the more you can expect those things to arise.

[@NarutoUzamakys]

I am so blessed by your videos. I have this overwhelming ambition to have a huge presence in social media to share laughs with the world and lead people to the Lord.

[@MrHawker50]

Makes good business sense. Seen so many creative entrepreneurs fail because they do not break down their chargeable content.

[@iamjkiing114]

Really informative and to the point. God Bless you guys! Good stuff..

[@HubLocationSound]

Another tip... Don't "include" your equipment in your Day Rate. Equipment Rentals are often taxed at a lower rate than labor, so why claim it all as labor and pay higher taxes on your income? Separate your Labor day-rate (remember, no such thing as half-days) and the Equipment Rental (also billed per day) as 2 (or more) different line items on your invoice. This also makes sense because you're collecting state sales/use tax on the Rental Equipment portion of the bill, (just like the rental houses do), right?

[@GCHUSTLEHAWAII]

Straight up asking your client what is your budget usually triggers a negative response. I had a few clients respond back with "so you know how much you can get out of me".

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Explain why you need to know.

[@ObliviousInferno]

You just need to know how to navigate it. I need to know your budget, because as a company we can scale our production to the budget. I can make a commercial for $2500, but I can also make a commercial for $25000, but the end product and what is involved to make each one are vastly different. I'd also explain the difference of what each product would look like, and the value each would have.

[@chosenideahandle]

If they can't tell you their budget and they start dancing with combative remarks like that, you might want to move onto another possible client. You want to work for/with clients that intend to find common ground on stuff, including their budget. If you're not worried about building a long term relationship with a client (weddings for example) then maybe that's different. I agree with Dylan and OneEyedPhotographer on providing some explanation with the question. I hear you though, and I'm not one to want to make anyone uncomfortable myself. I absolutely hate the money part of the business (I'm primarily a 3D animator that does some video and photography, and it's the same thing quoting that work).

[@LumecriStudio]

Not being willing to give a budget is the same as going to a car mall and saying, “I need a car. How much will that cost me?” It’s fair to ask what the budget is or at least the needs... do you want a Honda Civic or a Range Rover? You want to sell them what they’re expecting. Or you want to find out if you’re a good match. It’s no good if they’re off on either end of the spectrum: too low and not worth your time; or their budget is $100k and you’ve never done anything over $5k... you know you’re in over your head.

[@TECHDRONEMEDIA]

This video is second to none. I'm doing drone footage for a client, and my last one I was almost ashamed about the money I asked it. But the customer paid without comments :-)

[@jeanluccarbonel5655]

The most underrated video tutorial I’ve ever seen, you should get more more views guys. Thanks a lot I’m learning a lot with your videos.

[@josephsmilepaul3542]

Oh my, this is one of the richest explanations I have gotten on this matter. Thanks a bunch. GOD bless you (I love your T-Shirt).

[@sky173]

A lot of clients think that because you fly a drone for a living, that your pay is flying because it's 'so much fun' lol

[@aifoSFilms]

This video taught me about my half/full rate. I hadn’t thought about that. I do ask clients about their budget, but this is a touchy subject because you might get a young kid who’s asking you to shoot a music video and they tell you that their budget is $600. When you say no they beg and plea with you. It’s awful. Pricing is always an issue. They want quality, but not pay the price.

[@Seactor]

great stuff pal. Have made several vids for people..all seem to go viral and I never seem to be paid well enough..this makes things a bit clearer. I especially appreciate your lck of rambling intros and waffle, Concise. To the point. Bonus points. See ya in Ireland some day.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

These are awesome ideas. But, finding a client that's actually willing to tell you a specific budget amount is extremely rare.

[@_rhapsodist]

true story

[@Mr.Clean7]

Sometimes when they don't answer i respond with the reason I ask is because what I have found is that it always costs more than you we think. So if I have range or an amount then that will help me to come up with the best plan for your project,. If they still refuse, depending on what it is... I'll say the last project I did like this cost 10k.... then they're like whooa whooa.... well we were only looking at $3000... that's what I thought... thank you. lol

[@BruceCarbonLakeriver]

@@Mr.Clean7 Hahaha a great one. But actually it helps both parties to be straight to make a deal. I can't get that secrecy stuff of the mysterical budget -.-

[@Mr.Clean7]

@@BruceCarbonLakeriver Very true, I am being straight hahaha. You've never a job for 10k that someone wants you to do for 3K? I have. So I'm always honest. But I need to know upfront if I want to entertain this person before I start taking the time to work the creative... Thinking they have the money to spend.

[@Dragan_Luxury]

But what is the point of asking the client what is their budget if the guy already has his half and a full day price???

[@tonybp]

Finally a video that does it with numbers and examples... so many other videos about pricing just beat around the bush. I will say that clients are becoming more annoying and demanding by the day and rarely do they say what's their budget. There's always the "why so much?, my neighbor's kid says he can do it for much less", or "I can always get a cheap editor at Fiverr you should be thankful I'm considering you", etc.

[@jdjones7065]

Thanx so much, your video was very helpful in my decision making process, I've done still photography for over 30 years and didn't want to go back into the business but I may do so with videography, I have almost everything I need equipment wise anyway, to start, lighting, cameras, camera dolly track, and sliders and video editing software, wish me the best. JD from toledo.

[@raredreamfootage]

4:37 - On the idea of packages, some clients shop this way. So I would argue that the pre-packaged pricing is targeting a different consumer than the custom packages. There is a reason why people by pre-packaged combos such as baskets of assorted chocolates.

[@Blackmagictim]

Love the last few videos you posted. I don’t have to keep repeating this to people who ask why I’m always working and they have a red package. 😀 i want my associates to win and be employed the more work they get the more spillage I get too when they are double booked and have to call me for a fill in. Strong networks with consistent people are the life blood of success. 👏

[@Andrew-yt6pf]

Thanks for a useful video. In addition to the day rate and editing rate, I also have a pre-prod and wrap rate. There's always a certain amount of project management and planning involved and also work at the end to archive etc. The choice I guess you have is to either build this into your shooting day rate and editing rate or separate them out. I prefer to separate them out as it appears more transparent and also clients then appreciate all the aspects of work and time involved. Pre-prod rate is similar to my editing rate.

[@ivanmadethis]

I do the exact same!

[@19NineteenProductions]

This is the best pricing breakdown I've seen so far. The hardest part for me is determining the hourly editing costs and time.

[@Provocateurofendtimes]

We charge hourly and 10 hr block time

[@joshzaring]

Wow, one of the most helpful videos in this subject ever. I’m definitely not charging enough.

[@Jknold955]

You video was so helpful! You got right to information I wanted to hear. It’s a good watch! Thank you

[@micahcrews]

Good for freelance. Also, consider overhead (insurance, rent, gasoline, marketing, sales), pre-production (creative, design, writing, hiring crew, hiring talent), post production (music, editing revisions, gear), and production (gear rental for your own gear or others gear, parking, travel, food, consumables). Work into the estimate the entire cost of the production.

[@myuw91]

Thanks for sharing. That's interesting. As a client I don't entertain freelancers or agencies that talk about budget first. In fact I'm currently working with freelancers that I'm paying way more than the others who quoted me less, only because we discussed about solving my business problems and form the quotation around the solution. Clients rarely will be honest about available budget and sometimes budget can be stretched if the solution is justified. So I would advise freelancers to approach prospects as a problem solver and build a good relationship with them. Budget is always negotiable and rarely the real problem. I care less about skills or your past client portfolio, and more about paying someone who cares about solving my problems.

[@redotfilms]

MAN ... This was EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you so much!.

[@ETeedProductions]

This really was helpful on pricing yourself! I actually now feel more confident that what Im charging clients is fair for where I'm at, but also could use this info to charge more depending on projects and as I move up

[@CurtNaZ]

I used to determine my pricing based on your methods... but that has changed a bit... Now, because I have Reds, F55s and a 3 ton grip truck, I have to add in the price of equipment insurance, workman's comp insurance, vehicle insurance, UAV insurance, health insurance, my office rental, utilities, payroll tax fees, book keeping/accountant fees, software (i.e. Adobe) fees, sales tax, income tax, and many other things. There is a "cost of doing business." That's what you need to figure out... what's your TOTAL cost per year, month, day to DO business... then you can figure out what to charge. You'll HAVE to cover those charges... then, you HOPE to make a 35% profit margin... and don't forget to ALWAYS add in a 20% contingency fee... that will save you in the long run, believe me!

[@DeanHarringtonimages]

I have to agree with comments by others here. It's difficult to get a budget from a client. Most clients are looking for the least expensive production. Charge for your equipment ... one day, probably sooner than later, you will need to upgrade ... take that into consideration. Now, there is a general market price in each region and country for production. You can get a general idea from other shooters ... if they wish to tell you ... preferably someone you are not in competition with or from someone who works in a PR firm, again, if they are willing to tell you. In general, you have helped people getting started with good suggestions thanks!

[@ohitslalo]

Very direct and helpful. After watching tons of videos on this subject, yours has been the most helpful. Thanks! Much love from San Diego!

[@PeterV]

Dude! This has been the best easiest to consume breakdown of what I should charge! I've been trying to determine my worth for so long! This video really is gonna help me determine what to charge! You got a new sub for sure!

[@topside2]

If you’re making social media content for clients you ALWAYS give the rate and don’t wait for the budget. Most companies feel social media cost so much less so they’re budget is EXTREMELY low compared to linear or film. And it’s best to have a set price for a shoot and edit. It’s 80% of my business and I’ve been doing it for 2 years now. I’ve tried everything and found out the hard way! And for linear/commercial/documentary shoots when people say full day, they mean 10hours. At least I’m California, Louisiana, and Georgia!

[@johnleighdesigns]

super helpful I always struggle with quotes and how best to base them I like your approaches here - A current potential project client has a budget of £300 in London and es expecting to have 8 staff interviews at 3 locations plus staff photoshoots for that - their budget is unrealistic and I advised them the same and made a counter offer of one location only and 1 minute video of 3 people max plus 5 photographic shots of each staff member - its still underpriced but may help get a foothold start in their projects

[@PardeMalas]

Amazing video, I’ve watched a ton of videos on the topic and that is by far the best one!

[@RosemaryAbang]

This is fantastic. Simple and straight to the point. Best video I have watched on this topic!

[@rigalmedia]

Justus... thanks for making this video. I have been struggling with pricing for my video work. So again THANKS A MILLION!!

[@itsmeericb]

Great video! This really helped me in getting my pricing together for video projects. I am definitely hurting myself by under pricing. Real estate videography can be a tricky animal because of the market from one town/state to another. I was filming luxury homes in one state then I moved to another and I can’t charge nearly the amount I used to charge for the market in my current location.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Great video. Thanks, was just looking for an answer

[@cdmikelis]

OMG I love your video it confirms so many rights I did over the years. All my colleagues on my country have packages. But I endured on per hour/project pricing. Exacty I said to them numerous time: How you can know what specifics that client will have? Also to clients expecting some one line offer for the project: HOW can others do you one number offer if they do not know you?

[@LifeofDray]

Bro I love you for this you are dead on. I have a customer that refuse to tell me her budget she want me to tell her how much for recording a church service, audio and uploading to KZbin.

[@ross1ful]

Thank you for sharing this information! By far the best pricing video I’ve come across on KZbin! God Bless!!

[@tim.dunlap]

Perfectly on point. I took some courses that I paid hundreds for and in some of the business sections this is exactly what they teach! Great info for those out there wondering.

[@Texasphotoguy]

Absolutely the most informative video I have seen on this topic. Thank you so much, and I will be checking out your programs.

[@bendelaughter]

6 hours to edit a wedding?!?!? I could not even imagine lol

[@JamesDBuzzard]

I my mentor here in chicago edits during dinner time... my mind was blown first time I saw it. He edits 175+ weddings a year. 💰

[@capturingfreedom]

@@JamesDBuzzard wtf!!!! 175 a year???? He is FAST!

[@brmoogma]

I edit with my feed on my laptop while i am filming...Ok at least thats what the clients want me to do :)

[@bendelaughter]

@@JamesDBuzzard I'm sorry, but if he is editing that all himself, I have a really hard time believing it's high quality work. Not because I can't do that, but because a wedding film done right, does take time. Even if you are an amazingly fast editor, that means you crank out a wedding film every other day and do nothing else with your life. Not trying to be negative, but I just don't see that working well. But I'm also over here looking for more than 5 weddings for next year, so there's that 😂

[@Jskipper11]

It's a normal thing here in the Philippines. We shoot from the preparation, ceremony to reception. And after dinner, a 4-7 minute SDE (Same-Day Edit) video will be showed to everyone through a projector or a LED Wall screen. It's very exhausting esp. to the editor lol

[@JohnnyHurcomb]

This is actually super informative and definitely helped out.

[@VE3NMW]

Thanks, Justus for your honest info regarding this well kept secret on the internet. It seems like a lot of filmmakers don't want to talk about this. Again, Kudos!

[@josephfriedman614]

As a cinematographer, I often say that my full day rate, with gear (camera, lighting, sound) is $1250 to $1500 depending on what level of project I am being asked to shoot. I've gone lower if the project, in my estimation, calls for less or the client asks to pay a specific amount less than my fee. It's a judgment call if you want to work for lower than your ideal fee. I am curious what you pay for 1 additional person. I sometimes have an assistant who knows my gear and can help me set up lighting, etc. He gets $300-350/day.

[@motionblues]

Best video I've seen on how to price your work, it's just amazing, thanks!

[@thanosjackson]

You guys need to post more. I love it all so much.

[@TomorrowsFilmmakers]

Hey Marco! We post new videos just like this on our website every single weekm You should check it out. www.TomorrowsFilmmakers.com

[@firefighter5559]

Ya gotta check out the website man! It's pretty great.

[@EvilChicken25]

I can't thank you enough for this video! I am a very small-time videographer, and I'm always struggling with what to charge for what I see is entry-level skill. This was a very straight-forward video that perfectly put into perspective how to view what exactly it is I'm charging for. Thank you so much!

[@saneauto]

I've been a successful businessman since 1992. I was a terrible amateur for 10 years before then. Almost all my businesses have been service based with a crew of 4-10. I video a lot of cars and car repairs as a hobby. That's one of the reasons why I enjoy Tomorrow Filmmakers so much. There are many other reasons I like T Filmmakers. However, I believe all the pricing mentioned here is for a student & or amateur filmmaker just starting out, or a subcontractor. $55 an hour per person is about half what any legit business needs if they are going to pay a helper and actually pay all the taxes and other hidden expenses of running a business. Once you get to the point where you can produce competent competitive work. You need to figure at least 80-90 per hour X the number of people on your crew. It's a lot safer to figure $100-$125 per person. This is why a crew of 5 tree workers spends all day cutting a tree for $2000 and wonders why they are still broke. Do the math, $2000-5 = $400-8 hours = $50 per hour. Someone as experienced and knowledgeable as the man in this video should be charging at least $200 per hour per person. That doesn't mean the person watching the video should charge that much. I still film Children's charity car shows and some other things for free just to get practice and experience.

[@emmanuelomotoyinbo1964]

I feel blessed by the way and manner you carried through this sessions. Am grateful

[@SharinganReborn]

Truly the best video on this subject matter!!

[@FrancescoPaggiaro]

I really find interesting this video. I am a photographer and videomaker in italy, so we have really different prices (lower than USA) but I think that choose the half day, full day and hourly editing cost is very useful and help people to undestand better if the price for the client is corrent. Thanks for sharing it :)

[@blertonsaraci]

Thanks for being so opened man. Absolutely mind opening. Respect.

[@Jonasdelrey]

Best video on the topic hands down!

[@kennethtaylor7315]

Awesome Video... I also Enjoyed your 1 hour training and will be signing up for the complete training..Thanks!!!!!

[@thedavidjscott_]

Based on all that, I just quoted a guy I've been talking to the last couple of months. Thanks!

[@JD-ik4gw]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for actually making this easier than literally every other KZbinr.

[@LetsGoBJONES]

As a model, when I get direct messages from clients I also do this. As what the budget is. And have general half day, full day, and Hourly/OT rates. But if it's wrong a agency not much negotiation. Glad to know I am on the right path. Great video!

[@trollimusprime8521]

Great process! Selling your self to clients who have budgets is a huge part of it too. I’ve charged over $10k for 60 second videos because the company is making hundreds of thousands off running the vid as an ad.

[@Karisu00]

I've been trying to understand this concept and the visuals help SO much. Thank you!

[@theeditorrestrial]

Good breakdown, BUT don't forget a travel rate. Some co's will pay or ask what your travel rate is if you have to fly or drive over 2 hours or so. The other good point ya made is definitely clock your editing. I use a real basic app for mac called time tracker and I've clocked -start to finish- edits of all kinds for over a period of years so I can pretty well guess how long it will take to edit various projects so if you are pinned down to a flat rate you can best guesstimate a flat rate based on what you believe your time will be but then always add extra time for whatever revisions you limit client to.

[@MitchSummers]

Great Info, thank you! What about the preproduction? The idea for the video/ad, the script, the marketing of it? That’s where I’ve been pushing my value over someone who’s a guy with camera. Any ideas on a base for these? Or what do you charge?

[@FreddyGMedia]

That's pretty much how I price my clients now. Definitely wish this video was available a couple years ago 🤣 but you live and learn! You gotta fail a few times and get a thousand "no's" first but as long as you don't give up and continue learning, you'll be amazed at how far you can go and the jobs you'll start getting! AWESOME video bro, I subscribed. Looking forward to checking out your other stuff 🤟🏼

[@TheSeanBampton]

I have a serious need to learn how to do wedding videos. After spending 30 years in the military I'm looking for a 2nd career and this really intrigues me. I've shot quite a bit with a GoPro (yes, I know it's different) and I can edit quite well with FCPx. Thank you for posting this video (yes, I know I'm not worth $1500/day but it's something to aim for if I get started).

[@papschmoo]

They have the most amazing course at Tomorrow's Filmakers for $97 with Weddding, Photography, Lighting, Cinematography etc. courses all for that price. I am learning so much!

[@LiveMusicOntario]

I don't think I'm ever going to forget what my first serious mentor for commercial video told me. If one of the first two questions out of the potential client's mouth is "How much for a video?" You answer: "How much is a taxi ride?" See if they can think on that.

[@Angelux31]

Then what are you expected for them to reply and what do you reply back? serious question

[@MiguelCruz-oz7km]

One aspect that I would like to see covered is the role demand plays in this process. If you're starting out you have next to zero reputation. No one knows who you are or the quality of work you can deliver for the price you are quoting. How much of your business in your cheaper days was you hustling vs referrals and how that compares to now?

[@ernestallen4904]

It's always cheap or free in the beginning. One way you can jump start is to help 2 or 3 of your friends who have businesses that you know would benefit from your services. See if they'd be willing to let you make them something for free. Put your heart and soul into those projects and then use that as your leverage with getting business. You can ask them to not tell anyone you did it for free so other people don't expect that. You'd be surprised how much people are willing to help. One mindset I take with me into projects is "How can I make this project look expensive even though I don't have the budget"

[@Kenny-Ross]

Can’t believe I never left a comment. This was extremely helpful. Thank you so much!

[@AlexBeaverProductions]

So I have watched a few other videos on pricing but I think the way you explained it was the best one. I am definitely going to sub. Thanks for the helpful tips.

[@CarlosGarcia-yz4ym]

One of the most useful videos I’ve seen in a long time. Thank you.

[@ErnestoPossiSpanishVoiceOver]

Great video!!! Voice overs talents we also have the same question all the time. And it is difficult to determine a price for each job. That is why it is important to analyze the market and see the price charged by the pros. Also see what level of career you are, the experience and what equipment you have......

[@caelintredoux2249]

This video was very concise! Thanks for this man, very helpful

[@GerritSchulze]

Thanks for this great video. Especially the #1 truth made my day. Unfortunately, here in Germany asking for the budget never, ever worked or will work. You'll get no answer. A client expects you to spit out a number and a low number, please. Cutting down trees is much more valued by society than creatve video artwork. I had to cut down a dangerous huge tree once (15-20 meters tall, 1 m diameter) costs 5500 EUR = 2 days, 3 woodworkers involved. I've never made that much in two days video assistant and boom operator included.

[@lxrproductions]

HONEST QUESTION .... what about clients that want to make a bunch of TikToks or KZbin videos/shorts? Would you go and film them in one half or full day shoot, then add this to editing charges? I LOVE This model you're presenting, it resonates, just wondering how that would boil down to a client wanting several , or even ONGOING , social media videos delivered? how would you guys price this? THANKS ALL!

[@j1jh002]

This was so helpful! Thank you very much! I've recently decided to become a filmmaker myself. Thank you for sharing this information, it is more helpful than you think. God bless!