About “Pricing”
In today’s world, not everyone has a massive budget for video or film production services. Unless you’re coming from a big corporate media department, chances are you don’t need my services, or at least, not video production work. I do offer Steadicam as well as Camera Operator services (call me for rates), but there are a lot of folks out there, new small businesses or someone who has a project in mind, say a band for example that’s new and needs a great sizzle reel.
Me and Southbay Mike
That’s where I come in.
I had a discussion yesterday with one of my fellow video production colleagues. I had told him I did a couple hour shoot for a little less than my half day rate of $650.. well, a lot less, because this was a band who is relatively new, and needed my help. In other words they couldn’t afford $650, and to be honest, I believe in them and what they’re working towards. They’re nice folks and extremely talented, and I want to help them tell their story.
My colleague’s opinion was that I’m one of “those guys” undercutting eveyone else. Okay, it may seem that way, but I’m truly not. If someone doesn’t balk at my rates, then I go forward with that. But in certain cases, when I get that they want something great, and this can turn into a long-term relationship, then I’ll see what I can do to help them, with the hopes there’s more work and eventually they can pay better. It’s not about undercutting my competition, it’s about knowing when to have the heart to help someone. And to be honest, I know some of my colleagues do the same when they want to or have to.
Terry from "“Whisky Bleu” and I, filming at the Helix Brewing Company
It’d be silly to say I’m not in this for the money. But I’m not. I’m in it to do what I love, and if I can make enough to pay the bills etc., then I’m happy. I don’t need to make six figures. I want to be able to select my clients who I feel I get along with, give them something great and doesn’t look like it was done on a shoestring budget, and have something I’m proud of as well.
