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Home: Video University Forums: Filmmakers & Screenwriters:
Documentary Cost

Speedcamera
New User

Mar 20, 2006, 10:23 AM

Post #1 of 7 (3436 views)
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Documentary Cost	Can't Post

Hi All:

I've been asked to produce a documentary within a one week period with more than 10 interviews any suugestions on what is a fair price? It will be under 30 minutes editing. My cost was $2,500.00. Is this to low or does anyone know the going rate? Thank you in advance!

hlanden
The Dean / Moderator

Mar 20, 2006, 11:41 AM

Post #2 of 7 (3432 views)
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Re: [Speedcamera] Documentary Cost [In reply to]	Can't Post

How much time will it take you? When you can estimate that for the three phases - preproduction (scripting and planning), production and post - then you can apply your hourly rates for those three activities. If you just give a flat rate, you and your client are taking a big risk.

See my "Letters of Agreement"
http://videouniversity.com/contofer.htm

You will find that this approach make your more money, is more fair, and removes the risk for both you and your client.

Give me a call if I can help you.

Hal
401 253 2800
Produce Profitable Special Interest Videos

Bill Mecca
Novice

Mar 21, 2006, 5:22 PM

Post #3 of 7 (3409 views)
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Re: [Speedcamera] Documentary Cost [In reply to]	Can't Post

There's a good sign hanging in my friends recording studio, it's a triangle at the top it says Good, the left lower point says Cheap, the right says Fast. Underneath it says, pick two.

30 minutes editing? or finished product,? Any B-roll or is it all just talking heads (snore)

10 interviews of any length would take at least a half hour just to capture to the edit system. Then unless I am just setting in and out points and slapping it on the time line, with no B-roll, it would take longer than a half hour, and I'm pretty quick (TV news background).

All I'm saying is be realistic in the time it will take, the quality or lack thereof that will result, and don't sell yourself short. Cool

_________________________________________________

Great Voice/Great Price
http://www.voiceover-talent.net

ppatton
User

Mar 23, 2006, 8:07 AM

Post #4 of 7 (3389 views)
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Re: [Speedcamera] Documentary Cost [In reply to]	Can't Post

I just finished a project where there were 8 interviews each one was between 9 min and 34 min recorded time. never mind capture time and editing. total project initially was to be 15 min in length. No way this was possible, and still be able to show what they wanted. I probably had close to 200hrs. total time involved in a 25 min. production. You will also need b-roll footage, stills, background music, possibly voiceover. and until all interviews are done its hard to actually know what b-roll footage is needed. The project I did was not preped for on the front end at all. which made things a little difficult.

paul

BrianMacKenzie
User

Apr 7, 2006, 1:03 PM

Post #5 of 7 (3092 views)
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Re: [hlanden] Documentary Cost [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

See my "Letters of Agreement"
http://videouniversity.com/contofer.htm

Hal

seen, and ordered!

.
Unicycling Glidecam-ist
Balance Productions
http://www.balanceproductions.ca

Filming on a unicycle through the streets of Manhattan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck8bM97Hh3I

hlanden
The Dean / Moderator

Apr 7, 2006, 1:30 PM

Post #6 of 7 (3088 views)
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Re: [BrianMacKenzie] Documentary Cost [In reply to]	Can't Post

Post:

In Reply To

See my "Letters of Agreement"
http://videouniversity.com/contofer.htm

Hal

seen, and ordered!

.
Extreme Unicycling DVD
Training Wheel Not Required
http://www.LBMmultimedia.com/videos/TWNR.wmv

Thanks, Brian. The Letters of Agreement are on their way to you. I can even email them if you prefer.

Produce Profitable Special Interest Videos

baxbetter
New User

Apr 9, 2006, 10:02 PM

Post #7 of 7 (3035 views)
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Re: [Speedcamera] Documentary Cost [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi all - after an extended hospital stay, I'm back (pun). Three stage back surgery is never fun - and I've got two films to complete ... yikes, I'm going to be a busy boy.

Anyway - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE remember this - if you shoot too low on your cost you hurt the entire industry.

Whatever you decide to do, don't be the 'economy' guy. It will only eventually lead to your demise, the whole amateur industry suffers.

Good luck, hope those docs work out great !!!

(2) Canon GL2-s, audio/lighting equipment up the ying-yang, great home made dolly and swivel-cam apparatus. Paint it all black and it looks professional.