location-sound Fair Day Rates?

[Michael Bilker]

I've been location sound mixing for microbudget indie and student productions for close to 10 years, and just recently I was finally able to invest in my own kit. No more rented gear, hallelujah! For those who've been working professionally for a while, what would you say is a fair starting rate for a location sound mixer who comes with his own kit?

 

[directorik]

I don't know what the going rate in your area is.

Here in Los Angeles you're looking at $300/day for low budget and $450 for anything above $750,000.

You know your area; what's the going rate there? And how much lower can you quote and still make it worthwhile?

 

[indietalk]

You also know what you were charging before, you can start with that plus your kit rental fee absorbed into it as one number to get going on the smaller projects again.