Question for small production companies:

(I am a solo owner/operator/video production agency)

What have you found to be the simplest, best way to bill clients for producing a video? Do you charge a separate billing for gear? I am using a black magic cc6k, rode lavalier wireless mics, zoom 6 portable recorder, GoPro, and iPhones to record an interview for a documentary. Or how do you determine how much to add to the bill for use of gear?

Thanks for your insight and experiences!

18 Comments

Comments (1-10)

I quote the project to cover the cost of the gear I'll provide, either from my kit or rental.  So my project price includes all the gear - but I don't break it out for the client.  Depending on the client/project, my SOW may list what I'm bringing (2 cameras, field audio and lighting package, etc.), but I never get into the nitty gritty of brands or models, since clients won't understand or care.  Now, if you're bidding with a creative agency or other production company, they'll want gear details - but that's not necessary for client-direct work, IMO.

I charge$175 per hour to shoot and $100 per hour to edit.  That way I don't get abused for the add-ons and changes that inevitably come.

I normally bill a half day or full day rate for "Professional Videography Session" which includes camera/light/sound. I make that appear to be a comprehensive package so the big number doesn't seem that big. The only thing that I add-on is Teleprompter or 2nd camera or drone or an additional P.A. if there is a need for reflectors. In my opinion, breaking your gear down and charging by item seems too nickle-and-dimey. 

I'm not a video creator, however, I know in my professional - my gear factors in to what I refer to a session fee.  Then the cost of the time / media and lastly useage.  A bit different, but, as a voiceover talent, using a usb mic vs a top end mic in a proper studio - warrants a different fee and a higher quality product.  I hope that helps in some way


I never list gear as line items. Some clients assume that they can go out and buy the same gear and save money by doing it themselves. I have lost count on the number of occasions a client asks during a shoot "so how much is that camera?"
I avoid the answer buy saying, I have spent more than the basic cost of the camera on lenses, batteries, memory card or Ninja recorder and audio field recorder, microphones, lights, tripods or gimbals etc.. When I start to say all my gear is insured for over 20k they shut up and give up on the thought of buying their own camera.
Also, I still charge extra for 4k production. It takes more time and drive space so I'm not doing it without charging more. Some have asked to rent my gear and I flat out refuse. Lost or damaged gear will cost me more to replace than just the cost of the gear, it's my time that I'm losing and I'd prefer to not deal with rental.

All of the above comments are valid for you to consider. You need to decide which methods best suit your particular business and your market. There are lots of variables. I personally have set up an hourly fee for shooting (4 hour minimum) and an hourly fee for editing (no minimum). The shooting fee changes if I am also lighting (some shoots only involve natural light) or if there is more than one camera. Multi-day or larger shoots will often be bid as a set price (not hourly) which I am able to project based on previous hourly based productions. If you are just starting you can plan that these methods may change as your business grows and changes. It is YOUR business, so fortunately you get to make those changes as you see fit. Good luck!