What is the average daily rate of a Cinematographer. Creating a budget for the first time. Just need some good average numbers or a website that will provide me with those numbers. Personal message if that works better for you
Cinematography : Question about Daily Rates for Cinematographers by Caroline Bucholz
Question about Daily Rates for Cinematographers
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Hi Caroline - I see you've posted a number of queries on Stage 32. I highly recommend you grab this book from Amazon as it will assist you in creating a budget. It addresses the micro-budget to up to $500K: https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Budget-Hollywood-Budgeting-Making-Feature/d...
Thanks so much. I will check into it. Is there website or something where I can get the average daily rates.
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If you're not using SAG, DGA, IASTE ... the rate is whatever negotiated. There can be daily rates or weekly rates or run of show. If using SAG, DGA, IASTE then you want to grab a copy of the "Paymaster Rate Guide" link: https://www.writersstore.com/paymaster-rate-guide/ ) same things - daily rates, weekly rates or run of show. You can also visit SAG for their rates. Remember you'll also be paying payroll taxes and pension/health. You can also checkout your local film commission, or state film commission - look for UPMs. It may be beneficial to have one do your schedule and budget for you.
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IATSE has minimums based on the type of show and contract, but most DPs quote higher. Willing to bet 99.5% of any films discussed on this site are non IA, even if SAG. So then rate is open.
Better DPs will cost more and expect you to reent gear and hire crew. Newer DPs may include gear and work with whomever you provide.
You always get what you pay for and in the indie realm, that's a "more or less" statement.
Day rates for an indie DP with (or utterly without) gear can be $300- 1000 in Los Angeles per day. Weekly rate may or may not be lower.
DP rates are a total wild west situation in 2017, you merely need to budget what makes sense for fairness to both crew and producer, and then see what your marketplace offers.