Video Production Rate Card – How Much Do Video Production Companies Charge and what is the rate card?

What is the video production rate card?

A “rate card” in the video production world is a document or list that outlines the costs of various services and equipment that a video production company or professional offers. It usually includes details on hourly or daily rates for services such as camera operators, lighting technicians, audio engineers, editors, and other crew members. The rate card may also include equipment rental fees, such as camera and lighting gear, and any other expenses that may be associated with the production, such as location fees or travel expenses.

Sometimes they are more basic – or bundled based on the most common services so people can get an idea of where pricing starts at. 

Having a rate card helps video production companies and clients to get transparent and consistent pricing. It can also help clients to understand the costs involved in a video production project and to budget accordingly. However, it’s important to note that rates may vary depending on the specific requirements of a project, so the rate card should be used as a starting point for discussion rather than a fixed price list.

Here is a sample video production rate card for a production company in the Minneapolis MN USA.

It’s quite old – as you can tell by the Canon C100 and Canon 6d, but hopefully it gives you a starting point to design your video pricing for a solo operator with gear. 

Here are some common questions people may have about rate cards:

1. What is included in a rate card?
2. How are the rates determined on a rate card?
3. Are the rates negotiable?
4. Can the rates vary based on the type of project?
5. Is there a minimum budget for video projects?
6. Are there any additional fees beyond the rates listed on the rate card?
7. Are there any discounts for long-term or recurring projects?
8. How can I compare rate cards from different video production companies?
9. How can I ensure that the rates on the rate card are fair and competitive?
10. Can the rate card be customized to fit the specific needs of my project?

Why would you need a rate card?

When you’re working with agencies and corporate clients, or any business client for that matter, they need your pricing at-a-glance when they’re pricing out and planning their video projects and considering hiring your video services.

They can look at your pre-production rates, production rates, and post production rates (and use their experience on past projects) to roughly calculate how much their project may cost.

If this helps you, feel free and consider sharing it with others.

Note – the one above is an old rate card from when we were starting out with less experience, less gear. 

1. What is included in a rate card?

   A rate card for camera crews typically includes the rates for various crew positions involved in a video production. Here are some of the crew positions that may be listed on a rate card for camera crews:

   1. Director of Photography (DP)
   2. Camera operator
   3. First Assistant Camera (1st AC)
   4. Second Assistant Camera (2nd AC)
   5. Digital Imaging Technician (DIT)
   6. Camera Production Assistant (PA)

   The rates for these positions may be listed as hourly, half-day, or full-day rates. In addition to crew rates, a camera crew rate card may also include equipment rental fees, such as camera bodies, lenses, tripods, lighting equipment, and any other gear that may be needed for the shoot.

   The rates on the rate card may vary depending on the level of experience of the crew members, the complexity of the shoot, the type of equipment being used, and other factors.

2. How are the rates determined on a rate card?

   The rates on a rate card for a camera crew are typically determined by a variety of factors, including the level of experience of the crew members, the complexity of the shoot, the type of equipment being used, the location of the shoot, and the duration of the project. Here are some of the factors that may be taken into consideration when determining the rates for a camera crew:

   1. Level of experience: Crew members with more experience and specialized skills may command higher rates than those who are just starting out in the industry.

   2. Complexity of the shoot: If a shoot involves complex shots or requires specialized equipment or techniques, the rates may be higher to reflect the additional skill and expertise required.

   3. Type of equipment: Rates may vary depending on the type of equipment being used, with higher rates typically charged for more advanced or specialized gear.

   4. Location of the shoot: Rates may be higher for shoots in more remote or difficult-to-access locations that require additional travel or accommodations for the crew.

   5. Duration of the project: Longer projects may involve discounted rates or other pricing arrangements to reflect the extended commitment of the crew.

3. Are the rates negotiable?

   Yes, the rates listed on a rate card for camera crews are typically negotiable. While a rate card provides a standard pricing guide for the services provided, it is not set in stone and can be adjusted based on the specific needs of a project.

   Negotiation of rates is common in the video production industry, and many factors can come into play when determining the final rates for a project. For example, if a client is able to provide additional equipment or resources for the project, the crew rates may be adjusted accordingly. Similarly, if the project requires a longer commitment from the crew, there may be room for negotiation on rates.

   It’s always a good idea to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the rates with the video production company or professional you are considering working with. They may be able to offer a customized pricing package that takes into account the specific needs of your project, as well as any budget constraints you may have.

4. Can the rates vary based on the type of project?

   Yes, the rates for a camera crew listed on a rate card can vary based on the type of project. Different types of video projects may require different levels of expertise, equipment, and crew members, and these factors can all impact the rates charged.

   For example, a simple corporate video shoot may require only a single camera operator and basic equipment, while a complex feature film project may require a larger crew with specialized skills and high-end equipment. Rates may also vary depending on the length of the project, the shooting location, and the post-production requirements.

   Video production companies and professionals may have different rates for different types of projects, or they may offer customized pricing packages based on the specific needs of the project. It’s always a good idea to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the rates with the video production company or professional you are considering working with to ensure that you have a clear understanding of their pricing and services.

5. Is there a minimum budget for video projects?

   There is no minimum budget for video projects when booking a professional camera crew, as the rates for camera crews can vary widely depending on a number of factors such as the crew size, experience level, equipment used, and the complexity of the project.

   However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of a professional camera crew is just one aspect of the overall video production budget. Other costs to consider may include location fees, equipment rentals, post-production services, and any necessary permits or licenses.

   Ultimately, the budget for a video project will depend on a variety of factors, including the scope of the project, the desired quality and level of professionalism, and any constraints on time or resources. It’s always a good idea to discuss your project requirements and budget with a video production company or professional to determine the best approach to meet your needs while staying within your budget. They can often offer guidance on how to allocate your resources to achieve the best possible results.

6. Are there any additional fees beyond the rates listed on the rate card?

   There may be additional fees beyond the rates listed on a rate card for a professional and experienced camera crew, depending on the specific needs of the project. Some additional fees that may be incurred include:

   1. Equipment rental fees: If the camera crew needs to rent specialized equipment or gear for the shoot, this may be an additional cost beyond the crew rates listed on the rate card.

   2. Travel expenses: If the camera crew needs to travel to the shooting location, travel expenses such as airfare, lodging, and transportation may be incurred.

   3. Overtime fees: If the project requires longer than expected shooting days, overtime fees may be incurred for the camera crew.

   4. Post-production fees: If the camera crew is providing post-production services, such as editing or color correction, these services may be an additional cost beyond the crew rates listed on the rate card.

   It’s important to discuss any potential additional fees with the video production company or professional you are considering working with to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the costs involved in your project. They can often provide a detailed estimate of the total costs based on the specific needs of your project.

7. Are there any discounts for long-term or recurring projects?

   Yes, it’s possible that there may be discounts available for long-term or recurring projects when working with a professional camera crew. Depending on the specifics of the project and the needs of the client, a video production company or professional may offer discounted rates for ongoing or extended work.

   Discounts may be offered for a variety of reasons, such as:

   1. Volume discounts: If a client has multiple projects or recurring work, a video production company may offer a discounted rate based on the volume of work being done.

   2. Repeat business discounts: If a client has worked with a video production company or professional in the past and is returning for additional work, they may be offered a discount as a repeat customer.

   3. Long-term project discounts: If a project is expected to be ongoing or long-term, a video production company or professional may offer a discounted rate to secure the client’s business over a longer period of time.

   It’s always a good idea to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about discounts with the video production company or professional you are considering working with. They can often provide more information on their pricing and services, as well as any potential discounts or package deals that may be available for your project.

8. How can I compare rate cards from different video production companies?

   When comparing rate cards from different video production companies, it’s important to consider a variety of factors to ensure that you are making an informed decision. Here are some steps you can take to compare rate cards effectively:

   1. Review the scope of services offered: Take a close look at the services offered by each video production company and ensure that they are comparable to one another. Are they offering the same level of expertise and quality of work? Are there any significant differences in the equipment or technology used?

   2. Consider the crew size and experience level: Compare the size and experience level of the camera crews offered by each video production company. Are they staffed with experienced professionals with a track record of delivering high-quality work? Is the crew size appropriate for the scope of your project?

   3. Look for additional fees: Pay attention to any additional fees or charges beyond the base rates listed on the rate card. Do any of the video production companies have significantly higher fees than the others?

   4. Request detailed estimates: Once you have narrowed down your list of potential video production companies, request a detailed estimate for your specific project from each of them. This will give you a better understanding of the total costs involved and allow you to compare pricing more accurately.

   5. Check references and reviews: Finally, check references and online reviews for each video production company you are considering. This will give you a better idea of their reputation, reliability, and level of customer service.

   By taking these steps, you can compare rate cards from different video production companies more effectively and make an informed decision on the best partner for your project.

9. How can I ensure that the rates on the rate card are fair and competitive?

   To ensure that the rates on a rate card are fair and competitive, you can take several steps:

   1. Research the market: Research the market rates for video production services and compare them with the rates on the rate card. This will give you a good sense of whether the rates are in line with industry standards.

   2. Request quotes from multiple vendors: Request quotes from several different video production companies to get an idea of the pricing range in your area. This will help you identify any rates that are significantly higher or lower than average.

   3. Check the company’s reputation: Check the reputation of the video production company to make sure they are known for delivering high-quality work. You can read reviews from previous clients, check their portfolio, and ask for references.

   4. Review the scope of services: Make sure that the scope of services offered by the video production company is comparable to other vendors in terms of equipment, expertise, and quality of work.

   5. Consider additional fees: Pay attention to any additional fees or charges beyond the base rates listed on the rate card. Make sure that you understand what is included in the rates and what additional services or equipment will incur additional fees.

   By taking these steps, you can ensure that the rates on the rate card are fair and competitive, and that you are getting the best value for your money.

10. Can the rate card be customized to fit the specific needs of my project?

    Yes, the rate card for a camera crew can often be customized to fit the specific needs of your project. Professional video production companies or experienced camera crews typically offer a range of services and equipment that can be tailored to meet the needs of different projects.

    For example, if you require additional cameras or specialized equipment for your shoot, the rate card can be adjusted to include these items. Similarly, if you need a larger or smaller crew than what is listed on the rate card, the company may be able to provide a customized quote based on your specific needs.

    It’s always a good idea to discuss your specific project requirements with the video production company or camera crew you are considering working with. They can often provide a customized quote or package deal that is tailored to your specific needs and budget. This can help ensure that you are getting the best possible value for your money, while still receiving high-quality video production services.