Hello, all...
What a great forum! Just a question for everyone: Do you charge differently for hi-def shooting vs. standard def shooting? For example, let's say a corporate, commercial, or network client wants something on Beta SP or DigiBeta. Then another client wants something on hi-def (Sony Cine Alta, Varicam). Do any of you charge differently depending on the format? My rate sheet is broken down into 3 categories: High Def, Standard Def, and Film. Standard def is currently the least expensive, high def is in the middle, and film is the most expensive. My sticking point is in what day rate to charge for camera systems like the P2 and the XDCAM, which are certainly more involved than a Betacam, but maybe not as complex as an F-900 with a downconverter, lens adapter, et, etc.
Again, I'm not talking about equipment charges, but day rates. I actually called one of the rental houses I have a relationship with (they are in a different market, about 5 hours away)and asked the rental manager what the DP's down there do. I figured he would be a good "neutral" person to ask. He said, "yeah, you should absolutely charge more for high def. There is certainly more skill and knowledge involved in regards to settings, menus, etc".
I tend to agree with him. The dreaded part (for me) is justifying the high-def upcharge to clients that you shoot a lot of standard-def AND high def with.
Any thoughts on this? Thanks!
David