According to Video Maker, Los Angeles videographer rate is based on the equipment. It makes sense, given that they can’t do their job as best as they can without proper equipment. Even a simple setup—camera, tripod, wireless microphone, and light kit—can cost the videographer upwards of a few thousand dollars. Ergo, this is an investment they need to protect.
But while the bulk of the bill may be their equipment, time and labor are factors videographers consider when calculating their rates. Knowing what you’re paying for—and comparing it to industry standards—may help you make a better decision when picking a videographer. Likewise, understanding rates can help you choose what type of pricing structure works best for you.
Videographer Rate
As is true with any career, you also pay for the videographer’s time. While more established names have flat rates depending on the scope of the project, videographers new to the scene are more likely to charge per hour or day.
There isn’t a better scheme for this; it all depends on your project needs. If you think it can be done in just an hour or two, you may save more by choosing a videographer with an hourly rate compared to choosing creative agencies with a project rate. However, flat rates work best for you if the timeline is complicated.
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Videographer Hourly Rate
Some freelance videographers charge an hourly rate. These are usually small event videographers that can afford to take on one or two projects in a day. They usually ask for a rough estimate of how long the event will take, calculate it in times their hourly rate, and then request at least half the payment in advance. For instance, a Los Angeles videographer who charges an hourly rate of $100 will cover a 3-hour event for $300, but you’d have to pay him at least $150 first.
One of the advantages of choosing a videographer with an hourly rate means he or she is more or less “locked in” your project. Being paid per hour makes them accountable for every minute less they face a dispute, and thus can’t afford to work on other projects besides yours.
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Videographer Day Rate
Other videographers offer day rates. These are more commonly teams of two or three videographers—or video producers—working together, and they’re more suited to large events. If you’re planning to cover a shoot, a tour, or a full-day event, you could save more by getting a day rate instead of a per-hour charge.
For instance, the same Los Angeles videographer who charges an hourly rate of $100 will come to about $800 for eight hours. Meanwhile, a videographer with a flat rate of $800 per day could cover your event for ten or twelve hours and you wouldn’t have to pay overtime.
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Videographer Project Rate
Those with project rates tend to be a bit pricier but also have more time, more staff, and better equipment. Again, there are exceptions to this rule. Videographers with a flat rate per project could ask as much as $4,000 to shoot, edit, and produce a commercial. This means that regardless of the number of days it takes him to finish—whether two, three or a whole week—you end up paying the same amount.
Depending on the scope of your project, this option could save you a ton of money. Most Los Angeles video production companies tend to charge per project rather than per hour or day, mostly because the scope of the projects they normally take on would amount to a ridiculous sum if calculated by a per-hour or per-day rate.
