Benjamin Lamb Posted April 23, 2017 Share Posted April 23, 2017 I'm looking to put together a totally independent, non-union project that would effectively be a promo/ad. I'm wondering if anyone here could give me some info on average rates for high-end cinematographers (those who shoot national commercials/music videos) for a day shoot. Also averages for DPs who are a little less established? Any info is much appreciated! Thanks everyone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member David Mullen ASC Posted April 24, 2017 Premium Member Share Posted April 24, 2017 This may fall under the category of "if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it"... There is such a range of budgets for commercial spots that there is also a range of salaries. The rates tend to be high, higher than for longer-form projects. I only shot about three national spot commercials and it's been awhile but I think the offer was around $10,000/day? But I'm sure some famous cinematographer is probably getting five times that. But I'm also sure that there are commercials made that offer much lower rates. So I don't see the point in being too open-ended about it. Better to find a line producer who has made a commercial of the type you are planning and talk to them, or better yet, hire them. A good starting point, even if you are doing the commercial non-union, is that the guild minimum rate for the cinematographer is around $6500/day I believe (don't have my rate card here...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Adam Frisch FSF Posted April 24, 2017 Premium Member Share Posted April 24, 2017 The commercial rate is anywhere from union scale (which I think is in the $800/day range) to about $4500/day for a well established, known, experienced commercial DP at the top end. The highest end commercial DP's with lots of feature experience, like Chivo, Deakins and guys like that can command a little premium. Maybe to around what David says, but that's about it. I once heard Kaminsky got $10K/day for a Nike ad, but that would almost be a unique situation and very rare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Miguel Angel Posted April 24, 2017 Premium Member Share Posted April 24, 2017 The commercial rate is anywhere from union scale (which I think is in the $800/day range) to about $4500/day for a well established, known, experienced commercial DP at the top end. The highest end commercial DP's with lots of feature experience, like Chivo, Deakins and guys like that can command a little premium. Maybe to around what David says, but that's about it. I once heard Kaminsky got $10K/day for a Nike ad, but that would almost be a unique situation and very rare. I have to say that the most well-known cinematographers are well above €20.000 / day on commercial projects. We had Janusz coming to shoot the 2nd unit of a Nike commercial that we were shooting with Chivo years ago and he was such an amazing person to work with!!! :) Have a good day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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