I have been asked this question in a few different forms many times over; usually by clients when asked to give them a quote. I am almost afraid to charge what I am worth sometimes because from time to time I myself forget why video is so darn expensive?
When a client comes to me and asks me to make their hopes and dreams come to life on screen they probably don't stop to consider what that actually entails; they probably imagine pointing a camera at an actor with a microphone and maybe some lights if they don't have the delusion that natural light is sufficient, then they may even imagine an editor sitting in a dimly lit room cutting footage for a few hours and wallah their dream magically comes to life. When a client is relaying their vision to me what goes through my mind is all the different facets, all the things that will make their dream come to life on the screen. As I consider I am keeping a mental total for what it will cost me in time and the difficulty of the project I don't want to have to go back to the client and say I'm sorry, I am out of money we can't finish your project without X. That would make both of us feel terrible.
When a client uses my services they aren't just paying me to pump out a product that meets expectations that I can take to the next person who might be interested in this thing we have developed. They are paying me for love and attention to detail to make a work of art, so that others can experience a piece of the client. What they are really getting when you get down to it is not just me working for a paycheck, but my equipment, my years of experience and practice, skilled craftsmanship, artistic input, and so much more. Even just taking that from a financial standpoint; I have spent several thousand dollars on equipment (including; computers, cameras, audio, lighting, and more) which when using my services they have access to. I have spent countless hours studying video, TV shows, and movies. I have invested time in learning my equipment and how to use it to tell a compelling story that is also visually appealing.
Don't get me wrong I love what I do most days, but sometimes when I am asked to do free or very cheap work it hurts like my clients don't see the value in what I do, how hard I have worked to bring them the level of quality they think just anyone can pick up and do. This post is not meant to be a soapbox for me to vent my frustrations and feelings, but rather to educate. So the next time you or I offer video services or share a dream that needs to be made, I hope you will remember what I have said; value your dream enough to pay for it: or in other words "put your money where your mouth is"
Keep making dreams
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