cinematography DP budget

[alebris]

The last film I did, I was able to get some really good deals as far as my DP and all my production equipment. Now that I'm planning a longer term project, I'd like to find a DP with equipment (or an indie production company that can supply crew and equipment). What is a realistic daily budget for a DP who provides all equipment? I've heard 600 a day, but I'm wondering if I could find someone for lower.

I'm willing to raise however much money is necessary but, being the person writing the checks, I want to make sure I'm not getting taken advantage of either.


Angie
Actress/Producer
www.WatchGraduated.com

 

[DeJager]

For a DP with own equipment I've paid $1000 a day, which seems pretty normal around here. I've even considered a DP that was $1400 a day (DP + RED) but honestly I think that's too rich for my blood at this point. For feature work, I'm comfortable paying $5000 for 10 days but I live in MN/SD so that may be totally different from CA or NY.

 

[SinEater]

It really depends on what level of equipment you're looking for. There's a big price difference between a T2i and a RED.

 

[DeJager]

It really depends on what level of equipment you're looking for. There's a big price difference between a T2i and a RED.

I agree!! It will more than likely (and rightfully so) cost more to hire a DP and expect he/she to use their own crew and equipment rather than hiring a DP and using your own camera.

 

[alebris]

Well, I'm only doing a webseries so I'm not looking for top of the line equipment. If we make it to a second season, I may be singing to a different tune but for now, I'm comfortable with a basic camera. On my last project I used a RED camera and all equipment for free (we had a labor-exchange agreement), but I don't want to go that route again for this project. So, yea, just someone with a camera, a boom mic and pole, and a basic light set. That's all I need. $1000 dollars a day is really expensive, that's a higher hourly rate than my husband makes and he's a lawyer!

 

[Zensteve]

I'm wondering if I could find someone for lower.

Of course you can.

just someone with a camera, a boom mic and pole, and a basic light set.

In my lo-budget market here, you can get a good DP with decent Camera & kit for $200 daily. Probably less, if you really tried looking.

Add $75-$100 for a boom-operator & $75-$100 for one G&E (assuming you're having different scene setups).

Sounds like you intend the audio to just get plugged into the camera. For $100 a day you can get a sound guy/gal, with adequate gear, and up your quality.

That's $500 max for a crew of 4, daily. You could do it cheaper, with a bit of effort.

Hope you plan on paying your talent, too!

 

[SinEater]

I agree with Zensteve. You should absolutely be going with someone separate for audio with their own equipment. Is your web show a narrative, or is it more of a documentary style? If it's narrative, a DP with a DSLR would be fine. If it's documentary-style where you're recording things as they happen, an actual dedicated video camera would be make things go smoother.

 

[Zensteve]

$1000 dollars a day is really expensive, that's a higher hourly rate than my husband makes and he's a lawyer!

That's not really a valid comparison, btw. How well do lawyers light sets and control image quality?

An expert in any field can (and should) command top dollar, when warranted.

I'm pretty sure Spielberg makes more than your husband, and all he does is say, "Action!", right?

 

[alebris]

I'm pretty sure Spielberg makes more than your husband, and all he does is say, "Action!", right?

Well Steven Spielberg's been doing this kind of thing for a very long time and brings in a lot of revenue to the production companies. Of course he's going to be worth more. LOL. I'm just saying...I don't need a visionary..just a camera operator.

But...SinEater mentioned a DSLR camera. I've considered that but then I would have to have audio completely separate. But that's not a deal breaker, of course. If the web series is going to be a narrative with 75% of the scenes done at a fixed angle (like..on Seinfeld) and the other 25% done in a normal theatrical way, do you think the quality would be the same if I opted for a DSLR.

And yes, I do plan on paying the talent. I'm hoping to do SAG contracts, but will see how well that plays out.

 

[DeJager]

I know it's really expensive but it's almost impossible finding any crews around Sioux Falls, SD and the ones that are here cost a lot. If any of you want to DP on a feature length I'm directing this August, let me know !!

 

[Gonzo_Entertainment]

"In my lo-budget market here, you can get a good DP with decent Camera & kit for $200 daily. Probably less, if you really tried looking."

Same in my part of the world. An HVX200 or a 5D and a basic kit of decent tripod, follow focus, etc... should be obtainable in that range.

 

[Joe Butch]

I have all the needed equipment and would be willing to work a weekend for free but you would need to provide transportation and lodging from Miami. (unless of course you live in South Florida then nothing)