video production rates

Every project is unique in it’s artistic vision, resources required to manifest that vision and ultimately, the cost to produce it.

I an effort to paint a picture of the costs involved with video production, the rates I use to calculate project costs are listed below:

Pre-Production

$50 per hour

Pre-production is planning out the video production process. This step is crucial to make sure that we work efficiently towards visually realizing the core concept of your project. Pre-production can include script writing, shot listing, storyboarding, location scouting, casting and production design.

Production

$500 per half day (up to 5 hours)

$950 per full day (up to 10 hours)

This is the part where make your film. My standard video production rates include a Canon C200 4K Cinema Camera package, LED light package and Audio Package. Equipment available at additional cost include additional cameras, high-end lens packages, wireless director’s monitor, three axis motorized gimbal, motorized slider, teleprompter, advanced lighting and grip etc. For more details head over to my equipment list.

post-production

$70 per hour

After all footage has been shot, we enter the post-production phase which includes professional video editing, color grading, sound design and motion graphics if needed. Additional costs can appear in the form of royalty-free music, stock footage, motion graphics templates and graphic design.

travel

I consider anything within a 60-mile radius of Brevard, NC to be ‘local’ and waive travel charges. For anything further, I use the latest IRS rate ($0.57/mile) to calculate mileage costs. Additionally, for lodging and meals I use the latest GSA rates for NC ($96 for lodging & $55 for meals and incidentals per diem).

Though I typically operate as a single-person crew, some projects require additional expertise. If necessary to help maintain high production quality and efficiency, I hire professionals such as additional camera operators, a sound recordist, gaffer, grips, a make-up artist, production assistants and photographers.

To take an idea from concept to creation is no small feat. The first order of business, is for me to understand your project needs. Once I am confident I can address that, I create a project outline/proposal sharing my creative vision, an abbreviated production plan, and the dollar amount it will take to make it happen.