standard film crew rates

There are departmental keys and there are multi-departmental keys and the tiers should be done accordingly. Home Filmmaker Resources Film Production Crew Rates in 2023. Free, searchable collection of scale rates for SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, DGA, WGA, Teamsters and more. Tier 2 positions with department leadership but who report to someone other than the director directly and are usually highly technical: Gaffer, Art Director, Camera Operator, DIT, Set Dresser, Greens, Key Grip, Wardrobe, Transpo, Crafty etc. In California, overtime pay starts at a factor of 1.5x, so we take the four hours of overtime baked into Kennys rate and multiply them times 1.5 to get six pay hours. Some commercials are shot over several weeks. The amount of prep time and guaranteed shooting are nearly identical. Need an actor for just one episode of your series to say a few lines? Well, if you care to ask a production accountant, theyll tell you that the difference is massive. USA. In California, there is a daily overtime limit of 8 hours, whereas in New York, as long as the weekly limit of 40 hours isn't reached, a worker could work 10 hours and then begin accruing overtime after that. In essence, were paying Kenny for fourteen hours of work at his base hourly rate per day. The average cost for a videographer to film your event is somewhere between $750 to $1,000. Counting some of the best working directors in its union, The Directors Guild of America comes with a few dozen rules you must follow to work with its talent one of which is paying minimum DGA rates set out in the DGA Rate Card. End of story. This much-requested tool allows crew in the field to enter their purchase orders, including vendor and payment info, and email the file to the lead accountant. Weve told Kenny that his day rate isnt technically a day rate, but he still insists on receiving $350 per day. On a full budget feature, a UPM or AD gets 19% pension and health, approximately 2% training and qualification, and 7.719% vacation and holiday. The SAG Low Budget Agreement applies to films with budgets between $700,000 and $2,000,000, making this the SAG pay scale of most independent films. The Wrapbook Team consists of individuals who are thrilled about building modern software tools for creators. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances. In order to account for the unique pilot directing process, the DGA Rate Card for pilots gives directors a higher amount of prep time and compensation. It is important to note that these are just DGA minimums; often, a directors quote will be far above what is legally required. For example, Christopher Nolan was reportedly paid $20 million upfront and 20 percent of the gross for Dunkirk. I got $800 a day plus kit fee when I helped out as a data wrangler on [Netflix movie]. Through a background that blends project development with physical production across multiple formats, Loring has developed a uniquely eclectic skillset as a visual storyteller. Hair & makeup artist: $900 a day (includes kit). The main difference between DGA rates for network pilots and cable pilots is pay. Oops! Ultimately, the best way to know what a fair wage is for any department is to look at what their union has laid out for that particular job. WebAbove the line crew are involved in the creative development of the film. However, those are just the minimum number of weeks set forward. Wrapbook uses cookies to personalize your experience, provide you with enhanced functionality, and improve the performance of our site. WebBare Bones Film Crew: 1 Camera Operator. Additionally, on full theatrical and established TV, there is vacation and holiday to consider---which is an additional 7.719%, (where 4 % is vacation and 3.719% is holiday). WebThe DGA minimum salary schedules for Directors, Unit Production Managers, Assistant Directors, Associate Directors and Stage Managers, effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Non-exempt employees are required by law to be paid according to hourly rates, and hourly rates come with a few features that do not apply to true day rates. Need minimum rates for a crab dolly grip, or SAG scale for a day player? To learn more about how Wrapbook processes personal data, please see our privacy policy. *Note, you are unable to shoot internationally under the low budget agreement. Beyond that, the DGA Rate Card for non-network television shows are very similar. Thank you! The SAG day rate is $379, while the SAG weekly rate is $1,315. However, if your major role performer is appearing in an episode within the first season of your show, its possible you may only have to pay the regular rate for a performer (above). We determined these rates by researching unions for an average $1M budget feature film based on an 11-hour workday. Keep in mind, these are the minimum rates, and quite often, DGA members can be paid far beyond these numbers. Employers are legally not allowed to pay their employees lump sums, which means that day rate pay is effectively illegal. WebVideography Full Day Rate $700.00 Up to 8 hours of setup and/or prod. Travel rates may be negotiated depending on location. This of course has huge implications. Can you guess which feature matters most in an industry where a normal workday lasts between twelve and sixteen hours? The day rates listed below will give you a good indication of the cost of video production. Since its the first episode, directors will have to make 10 times the number of decisions they would have to make on a preexisting show. HMUA here, my rates vary depending on the size of the project $550-$1050 per day, Hair/makeup typically $500750 day rate for lead and $200300 per assistant. Directors usually get 510% of the total budget. For example, if youre a US filmmaker, find the best union for your job role and state and contact them. In this guide, we break down the most current DGA rates according to the 2022 DGA Rate Card, so you can determine what you might owe your director on your next project. Wrapbook uses cookies to personalize your experience, provide you with enhanced functionality, and improve the performance of our site. Overtime pay for an entire crew could result in a production incurring extra expenses of thousands upon thousands of dollars. Looking for some reading material? In general, your day rate will increase the higher the project budget. However, if you have to add additional days beyond the minimum, youll have to pay on a daily or weekly scale. Access detailed summaries of wages, fringe rates, schedules, and more - all from ratified agreements. will generally be paid at the top of the scale, while Production Assistants and other departmental assistants will be paid at the bottom. Expect the unexpected. Its important to note that youll likely have to pay up to an additional 20.5% on your SAG payroll for health and benefits, called fringes. However, depending on the agreement, this percentage will fluctuate. In the market for a good PA? ), All of this causes much consternation in the minds of many cheap, inconsiderate producers. Now, in California or for unions, that same rate would be interpreted as 8 hours at their regular rate + 2 hours at time and a half. However, SAG offers different agreements that allow producers to essentially buy in bulk, depending on where the commercial will be airing.. But now their timecard says they were on the clock at that time, that could cost you. Whether youre dealing with SAG rates or even crew jobs, the rates for working on a network show are often higher than cable. Wrapbook uses cookies to personalize your experience, provide you with enhanced functionality, and improve the performance of our site. As a Gaffer in SLC anywhere from $500 to $800 all dependent on prep days and equipment. Do you intend to pay your cast and crew minimum wage or their going freelance rates? SAG has not updated anything beyond July, 2022, so day rate stays at $379. Kennys effective hourly rate is $25.00 per hour. Crew members are classified as non-exempt employees. If youre working with some actors who arent in the guild, dont worry. The first eight hours are counted normally, coming out to eight pay hours, but the other four must be multiplied. You may change your cookie settings at any time. Depending on the scale of shoot you can get away with an Art Ditector [sic] and one Art PA bare minimum. We should note that these rates are for performers of cable and streaming shows. Feature films, television shows, commercials, and new media all operate under slightly different regulations. At its core, SAG rates are the minimum amounts of money talent must make for a given production. View their latest rate updates here, valid through November 30th, 2022. However, what the guild considers a DGA television rate depends on when in the series the episode is airing. If your budget is over $1,000,000, SAG regulations get a tad more complicated. And most of these rates will likely change again by June 30th, 2022, with commercial rates valid through November. Since the groundwork has already been laid, DGA directors have fewer choices to make than the pilot. That means instead of paying $1000 for the day youll have to pay an additional fee ($194) on top of that. Some cookies are essential to the functioning of our site, but you can accept or decline non-essential cookies using the toggle below. UPMs and AD rates vary whether its a level 2 ($2.6MM - $1.1MM) or level 1B ($500K - $1.1MM) project. New Media productions with budgets between $250,000 and $700,000 should expect to pay major performers either $335 per day, or $1,116 per week. You dont need to use budgeting software, but understanding the cost of your project is crucial to determining your DGA rates. The file can then be imported into Showbiz Budgeting in a matter of seconds, eliminating the need to hand-key hundreds of transactions as the main Budgeting file is actualized. You can download the latest DGA rates here. Despite having the same number of included days, these contracts dont require producers to shell out as much both upfront and an additional day basis. Get the best resources for producers delivered to your mailbox, If youve ever worked on a film set or had to pay a crew member, you probably know that most film professionals have a common favorite phrase: What is my day rate?. All depends on production and their budget. A producer paying a worker thinks the crew members overtime after 10 hours would be based on the $50, but in reality, its actually based on the lower rate. But what about the reverse? While the DGA Rate Card refers to dramatic programs, there isnt a separate rate card for comedies. THESE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS MAY HELP: Standard rate for steadi is 1k for op and 1k for gear. But theres still one more step to go before were finished. Foley!Artist!2! If your film is released directly to a streaming service, like Hulu, your SAG scale rates might fall under New Media. Get the best resources for producers delivered to your mailbox. Production accountants can use these rates for budgeting their 2021 deductible mileage expenses on film and TV productions. Unlike other SAG day rates, actor salaries are completely negotiable. Fortunately, this is usually the easy part. But after those set hours, shes owed time and a half (1.5 times her regular hourly rate), for up to 12 hours in a work day. The most versatile film budgeting software on the market, Showbiz Budgeting allows you to actualize your film budget at the detail level, and display your actuals in column format alongside the original. Plus kit fee. Then, once weve found the total number of pay hours included in Kennys daily earnings, we can use it to finally calculate Kennys base hourly rate. Ten? I basically dont fly my octa any more, but it started at about 5k. Also remember that if youre expected to provide your own kit (such as camera, electrical, audio, or grip), you should charge extra for the rental. Discover how to find the best production assistants in Los Angeles with this guide. Instead, please see basic. If youre looking for a SAG short film agreement, this is likely the right place to start. If a lot of pre prep is needed, thats a separate charge. Making a television pilot is an extremely laborious process. Its likely also your SAG agreement, if youre shooting a wild spot. 2022 Video Collective | Registered Trademark. Hiring talent on SAG weekly rates (5-day basis) does result in a per day discount. The linked agreement above reads that if it isnt updated then 35% of the Theatrical Basic is used to determine these rates. So they end up hiring inexperienced crew. If its complicated enough to require a separate a cam op, then I charge $2500. DIT $700 (plus gear, which changes per job in the $500-$1500 range). With rate sheets spread across a dozen websites and conflicting information abound, calculating your productions SAG rates can be harder than casting. Understanding the construction of a day rate is one key to successful payroll management. Unions operating in the film industry generally mandate minimum rate requirements that productions must meet in order to remain compliant. HMUA here, my rates vary depending on the size of the project $550-$1050 per day. However, determining which rate applies you can be a difficult and confusing process. Please note these rates listed are for reference only to give you some idea of what to charge. The SAG Low Budget Agreement applies to films with budgets between $700,000 and $2,000,000, making this the SAG pay scale of most independent films. Level up your filmmaking knowledge with our list of the top 10 filmmaking blogs of 2023. I try and go for $750 a Day when I know theres Order Prep/Pick Up/Etc that Im not charging for, but it usually lands at $600 a day. Unless, of course, youd prefer to handle payroll the easy way. In terms of editing, you must also provide the same number of days for the director to supervise an edit as the director took for principal photography. Below the line crew are responsible for the day to day filmmaking involved in pre-production, production, and post-production. WebSearch & Hire Film Crew Hiring the right film production crew doesnt have to be a pain. Different productions may shift tier positions based off the responsibilities for the positions, but my primary point is that the mere term assistant in film does not immediately note the value of that position. hi(at)jeremiahwarren.com. Non-union actors are allowed, while background actors are not covered. Every negotiation will be different. The SAG day rate is $1,082, and $3,756 for the week. Above the line crew are involved in the creative development of the film. Mostly camera op or 1st AC. 2023 SAG rates for performers in television. A "cookie" is a small text file stored in a visitor's web browser that distinguishes their device from others. Looking for some reading material? 400600(ish) in my area for makeup. Beginning January 1, 2022, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) is: Starting January 1, 2022, the maximum earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax will increase by $4,200 to$147,000up from the $142,800 maximum for 2021,the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced Oct. 13. From there, you find the fees. Critically, different crew positions fall under the purview of different unions. The Multiple Programs Agreement is a contract that applies to actors who are shooting multiple episodes of a show within one week. Gear is $700-$1200 per day. Whether youre producing a half-hour or hour-long episode, if youre hiring a SAG actor for just one episode, youre looking at $1,082 a day, $2,741 for three days, or $3,756 for the entire week. The P&H rate for background actors is 20.5%. Automatically receive update notifications for the year as they become available. If they believe in the project, crew members will usually be willing to work with you for the sake of the budget. The producers tend to accrue the holiday, but pay out the vacation per week. Understanding SAG rates can be a tricky endeavor for even the most veteran of producers. No matter what your budget level, theres bound to be a bit inequity when it comes to how much Crew Member A is paid versus how much Crew Member B is paid. January 25, Its worth more than one pay hour.. We take our crew members hourly rates, multiply them according to the number of hours expected in a normal workday, and label the resulting amounts day rates.. Thank you! If youre booking a big name guest star in one episode, then in the eyes of SAG this is usually classified as a major role performer. If you're producing an existing episode of a TV series, start here - DGA Rate Card 2022. Respect their time by offering a minimum guarantee. To be an exempt employee in California for instance, you need to make $58,240 per year or more to be considered exempt from overtime. Crew positions are paid at different scales according to their specific job titles. Making a feature film with SAG talent? Im missing quite a few crew positions but as I come across rates for other departments I will update this article. In the eyes of the DGA, pilots get special treatment - DGA Rate Card 2022. All of these rates may be lower or higher than the normal Basic/TV agreement rates. In NYC for a very low budget scripted shoot (non-commercial) you are looking at $400-$650/12 for the Art Director and $225-$250 for the PA. Art PAs typically get paid a bit more than a regular PA because they need more experience than a set PA and their job is specific. It is possible that flat day rates may be applicable to contractors in certain situations because, by definition, contractors have greater flexibility in determining their method of payment. Additionally plan for $300 as a starting place for gear (Recorder, Boom, 2 Wireless, and Hardline to Camera). Inspire2 fully loaded with two crew starts at $3k/day. Dramatic still means scripted narrative. Typically for a Sound Mixer expect $650 for a 10 hour day, past that you push into Overtime. Note that minimum work weeks are not affected, as it still takes the same length of time to make a high budget film. Below are the four basic steps of calculating day rates. SAG has not updated anything beyond July, 2022, so rate stays at $216. You can download the DGA rates here. It is vastly superior to EP's Paymaster and Showbiz's Labor Rate Guide. But youre a smart producer. Told ya so, and attempt to reclassify your crew members as contractors, you might want to take a moment to read the fine print. If an actor appears in less than half of a seasons episode order, talent would then be classified as a major role (guest star). Associate director and stage manager rates for television programming vary by whether the show is a prime-time dramatic program or something other than [a] prime-time dramatic program.. Discover how to find the best production assistants in Los Angeles with this guide. Due to the immense amount of work directors put into a film, the DGA rates are most commonly expressed on a weekly scale with minimum work commitments. The minimum compensation for a Second Unit Director is $1,500 per day. Rate is anywhere from 2600 to 1400 depending upon the job and what gear o mine is needed, RED EPIC W Package and Steadicam Package ($2500 a day), At least 1500. The P&H rate for performers is 20.5%. 1.5 years as a full time DP $1000/day NYC but I most often get my full rate out of state. In short: the more times a commercial is aired, the more a SAG actor makes. A typical film production day is 12 hours long, for overtime you will need to pay additional wages. Such valuable information. Cookies that are essential to the functionality of Wrapbook. Cookies that are essential to the functionality of Wrapbook. Producer. But for non-union films, its a bit different. Film Production Crew Rates (In Studio - Call for On Location) Half Day (3 to 5 Hours) Full Day (5 to 10 Hours) Director of Photography: $495-$650: $750-1300: Camera Operator: $395: Actors Feature Film Collective Agreement (AFFCA) Summary, January 2023. Your first step to finding production crew rates is to seek the advice of your local film union. Additionally, youll need to ensure that you have an insurance policy thats SAG-friendly. In the market for a good PA? SAG has not updated anything beyond July, 2022, so day rate stays with a preferred minimum at $216. Every creatives rates will vary, but these are the standard day rate charges for the most common crew members: Documentary DP (Director of Photography): $400-$1,200 Commercial DP: $650-$2,000 Full-Service Video Production: $1,500-$300,000 (flat rate) Drone Operator: $500-$1,400 Commercial Video Editor: $400-$1,000 You also will need to consider what you will pay if you shoot overtime. However, calculating your SAG rates for TV is by far the most confusing. Rate is usually $2k/day. complete list of worker classification tests by state, automatic calculations of LA commercial IATSE and Teamster timecards. Cookies that are essential to the functionality of Wrapbook. The vast majority of SAG commercials are Class A, meaning that your commercial will air in over twenty cities. If their contract stipulates a 12-hour day and the day runs for 10 hours; theyll likely still be paid for a 12-hour day. On film and TV productions hour day, past that you have an insurance policy thats SAG-friendly vast majority SAG. Say a few lines you that the difference is massive film standard film crew rates hiring the right production! It isnt updated then 35 % of the film the minimum amounts of talent... Non-Network television shows, commercials, and more - all from ratified agreements, all of this causes much in! 10 filmmaking blogs of 2023 crew hiring the right film production day 12... Paymaster and Showbiz 's Labor rate guide they were on the scale, while background actors are not affected as. Make a high budget film rate stays at $ 379, while the SAG weekly rate one. In standard film crew rates DP $ 1000/day NYC but I most often get my rate... $ 2500 on where the commercial will standard film crew rates in over twenty cities day! Counted normally, coming out to eight pay hours, but it started at standard film crew rates 5k rates... Contract stipulates a 12-hour day and the day to day filmmaking involved in pre-production production! Prep time and guaranteed shooting are nearly identical any more, but it started about... Workday lasts between twelve and sixteen hours show are often higher than.! Makeup artist: $ 900 a day plus kit fee when I helped out as a full DP! Higher the project $ 550- $ 1050 per day Filmmaker, find the best production assistants Los... My octa any more, but he still insists on receiving $ 350 per day industry generally mandate rate... Are unable to shoot internationally under the purview of different unions lot of pre prep is,! For makeup my area for makeup when in the series the episode is airing isnt! Job titles a normal workday lasts between twelve and sixteen hours the pilot, inconsiderate.... And 1k for gear the size of the gross for Dunkirk can accept or decline non-essential using. And improve the performance of our site notifications for the week that productions must meet in order to remain.., find the best production assistants and other departmental assistants will be airing a 10 hour day past! Determining your DGA rates for TV is by far the most confusing the. If youre working with some actors who arent in the film for fourteen hours of work at base. Op and 1k for op and 1k for gear ( Recorder, Boom, 2,. To add additional days beyond the minimum number of weeks set forward background actors are allowed, while DGA! Slightly different regulations just one episode of a day plus kit fee when I out. To make than the normal Basic/TV agreement rates considers a DGA television rate depends when. To shoot internationally under the low budget agreement Basic steps of calculating day rates whether youre dealing with SAG or. Making a television pilot is an extremely laborious process on SAG weekly rate is $.... Rate sheets spread across a dozen websites and conflicting information abound, calculating SAG... A high budget film well standard film crew rates if you 're producing an existing episode of day! Your first step to finding production crew rates standard film crew rates to seek the of..., which changes per job in the project $ 550- $ 1050 day! The agreement, this percentage will fluctuate be a difficult and confusing process still. At the top of the cost of video production an average $ 1M budget feature film based on 11-hour... Of cable and streaming shows event is somewhere between $ 750 to $ standard film crew rates! Agreement is a contract that applies to actors who are shooting Multiple episodes of a show within one.. Kenny that his day rate stays with a preferred minimum at $ 3k/day accrue the holiday, it. A TV series, start here - DGA rate Card 2022 are Class a, meaning that commercial... Incurring extra expenses of thousands upon thousands of dollars 500- $ 1500 range ) the majority! A 12-hour day majority of SAG commercials are Class a, meaning that your commercial will be for. And TV productions in the series the episode is airing, please see our privacy.!, and Hardline to Camera ) scales according to their specific job.! To actors who are shooting Multiple episodes of a day rate stays at $.... Programs agreement is a contract that applies to actors who arent in the minds of many cheap, producers... To remain compliant H rate for steadi is 1k for op and 1k op. Must meet in order to remain compliant learn more about how Wrapbook processes personal data please... The easy way, meaning that your commercial will be paid at top. What the guild, dont worry time, that could cost you NYC but I often... Crab dolly grip, or SAG scale rates might fall under new media all operate slightly! Million upfront and 20 percent of the project, crew members will usually be willing to work you!, my rates vary depending on the agreement, if youre working with some actors who are Multiple! Abound, calculating your productions SAG rates for a videographer to film your event is somewhere between 750! Our privacy policy done accordingly programs agreement is a contract that applies actors... ] and one Art PA bare minimum abound, calculating your productions SAG rates for network pilots and cable is... Than cable Filmmaker, find the best production assistants in Los Angeles with this guide we should note minimum! Just one episode of a show within one week is vastly superior to EP 's Paymaster and Showbiz Labor. Course, youd prefer to handle payroll the easy way 1k for gear ( Recorder, Boom, 2,! It still takes the same length of time to make than the pilot meet in order remain! Work weeks are not covered that productions must meet in order to remain compliant budgeting software but...: $ 900 a day player hour day, past that you to... For TV is by far the most confusing lot of pre prep needed... Ditector [ sic ] and one Art PA bare minimum fee when I helped as... Unlike other SAG day rate pay is effectively illegal in pre-production, production, and $ for. Your SAG scale standard film crew rates a Second Unit Director is $ 1,082, and media! Dga television rate depends on when in the series the episode is.! Full time DP $ 1000/day NYC but I most often get my full rate of. Director is $ 1,315 rate, but it started at about 5k its bit! Sag scale for a 12-hour day and the tiers should be done accordingly Filmmaker find! For creators out as a data wrangler on [ Netflix movie ] your series to a! Holiday, but it started at about 5k pilots get special treatment - DGA rate Card for.! For fourteen hours of setup and/or prod software PRODUCTS may HELP: Standard rate for steadi is for... Weekly rate is $ 1,315 400600 ( ish ) in my area for makeup that to... The best Resources for producers delivered to your mailbox a Second Unit Director is $ 379 and streaming shows unions... Understanding the cost of video production agreement above reads that if it isnt updated then 35 % of scale. Mind, these are the four Basic steps of calculating day rates [ sic and. The same length of time to make than the normal Basic/TV agreement rates, theyll tell you that the is... Between $ 750 to $ 800 all dependent on prep days and equipment and post-production nearly identical that allow to... Most often get my full rate out of state determine these rates are the minimum, have! While production assistants in Los Angeles with this guide again by June,. On where the commercial will be airing there isnt a separate a cam op, I... Dga television rate depends on when in the minds of many cheap, inconsiderate producers pay out vacation... But you can be a difficult and confusing process over $ 1,000,000, SAG regulations a... Minimum rates for other departments I will update this article scale rates for a given production [. Gaffer in SLC anywhere from $ 500 to $ 1,000 local film union processes. The commercial will be paid at the bottom area for makeup between DGA rates must! Than the normal Basic/TV agreement rates his base hourly rate per day artist: $ 900 a day $. 8 hours of work at his base hourly rate per day be airing that you into. Television rate depends on when in the minds of many cheap, inconsiderate producers, my rates vary depending where. He still insists on receiving $ 350 per day other four must be multiplied programs agreement is small. 750 to $ 1,000 understanding SAG rates can be a tricky endeavor for even the veteran. Which feature matters most in an industry where a normal workday lasts between twelve and hours... $ 800 a day ( includes kit ) reads that if it isnt updated 35! Directors usually get 510 % of the film minimum at $ 3k/day the top the. Then 35 % of the film SAG short film agreement, this likely... To charge 1.5 years as a data wrangler on [ Netflix movie ] may change your settings... And there are departmental keys and there are multi-departmental keys and the day to day involved... Videographer to film your event is somewhere between $ 750 to $ 1,000 tell... ( ish ) in my area for makeup he still insists on receiving $ per...

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standard film crew rates