A Question For Those Of You Doing Pro Work

[Prospero]

Simple really, how much do you charge? I've started doing some DVD work on the side, and am wondering what to charge people. I figure a graduated scale depending on what kind of disk I make, but where to start? How about hourly for field work? What few examples I have found on line, are for larger companies. There is no way I can match their rates ($30 per hour of video). So far I've been doing about $100 per disk, with no motion menus or editing.

[Jerry Jones]

Here in the Boise market, video production averages about $1,000 per finished video minute.

But even that is just a general statement as rates vary depending on the type of project.

Public relations consultants with whom I am acquainted bill out at between $75 to $125 per hour.

But they don't always get a steady flow of work.

So it's not like they're always getting 40 hours per week.

http://www.dv123.com is an example of a business that specializes in volume DVD production.

I think the real rule of thumb isn't so much to compare to what they're doing, but instead charge what the market will bear.

Jerry Jones

http://www.jonesgroup.net

[KRSESQ]

Important question: What clientel are you shooting for? Jerrold is referring, I believe, to high calibur, professional level video production. If you're shooting mainly wedding videos and Scout jamborees, you'll want to use a very different scale.

Say, $500 - $1000 for a finished one hour video, depending on how much pre and post production is required and how many changes your client demands.

If you're just starting, you may want to lower that a little until you get yourself known.

And be sure you get 1/2 your fee up front and the rest on delivery. That way you're motivated to get it done without running the risk of getting stiffed.

Kevin

[Prospero]

The market I'm targeting is home movie transfer. It's possible I might get into actually shooting video later, but not now. Strangely enough, I'm spending as much time working on clients home theaters as doing transfers. The company I'm starting with two other people, is an off shoot of a business networking and custom programing outfit. A lot of our business is cross over work. Thanks for the help. I finally found some local companies to check prices on. Looks like I can start things around $75 for a two hour disk, straight transfer with no menu or chapters. The scale goes up from there, with a full mastered linear edit hitting $150. Custom editing work at $50 an hour.

We aren't drawing any salary or dividend, for six months to build up the company. All of us have other jobs, so we want to take our time with this startup. Hopefully it will be successful and last.

[Ted222]

How much do you charge for extra DVD copies?

Ted

[Prospero]

How much do you charge for extra DVD copies?

$25 is what I had in mind.