Re: How much for a commercial

I think you should charge $250,000 per finished spot...add in an additional 75k if they want you to distribute to stations...

But seriously...This question has been asked and answered so many times in the Business forum...you might want to do a search on the Cow in general and in the business forum. But here's the short answer:



Is this your business or avocation? Are you gainfully employed elsewhere and are looking to build a business? Is this a hobby/career change/timekiller?What is your goal as a business person - what are your goals as an artist/creator?

Those are the first things to ask yourself -

Then ask yourself, how much money do you need. Cost of equipment, facilities, supplies, insurance, rent - all that has to be paid for somehow. And don't trap yourself with "I already own the gear"...yes, but it wears, breaks or otherwise goes obsolete and then you'll need to develop a fee to charge in order to afford to replace.

Then decide what you want as a salary - that includes your check and benefits (medical, other bennies). Don't forget staff - if this is a one man band you're lucky - most of us have to have help somewhere, from assistants to specialists to tax guys and accountants. And they have to get paid. As do you.

Now going back to the first questions. If it's a hobby/avocation/one-time only then ask for what youy think the market will bear, after all, you won't be doing it again - or only on a limited basis.

If you're doing this as a business - long term, then it's a lot more complicated than "what do I ask for."

Market research of who charges what is the last thing - There are people I work/compete with who charge a minimum of 25k per job, period. If they don't get the gig, they don't care- their price is their price. If you are new, or in a wholly competitive market (say L.A., NY or London) competition will drive rates.

And there's more...but for now, I'll let you think it thruogh - and open the floor -

(by the way, I charge 450.00 per hour(10 min) for shooting as a D.P., 350.00 per hour as a camera op., 350.00 per hour edit and composite - flat fee of 2500.00 per 30 sec of finished writing)

Cheers,

Frank Otto