Pricing my ability

[CALM]

I need some advice in determining my worth as an "editor" [someone who focuses on editing videos and not being an "editor that builds websites and is a wizz in 3D creation"]; and how much someone with my experience should charge as a freelancer using either my equipment or a potential employer's...

I figure the best way to get some insight is to ask for the opinions of the professional editors that subscribe to this site.

I have provided a brief overview of my experience working in our industry below, combined with a few self evaluative comments to help provide a picture of where I am at in my career and what I potentially have to offer.

I have been using FCP in an DV / DVCam environment since version 1.2, now 4.1.1 [as many years as it has been in Australia]. I have a Degree in Communication, several certificate courses in Design [more focused on traditional than computer aided design], a short course certificate and basic understanding of 3D animation principles.

I have worked for a wedding company filming and both linear and non linear editing more than 80 weddings in the 1.5 years there. I was also performing basic authoring of DVDs using DVDSP [Mac environment].

I have worked for a post production house editing corporates, educational videos, promotional videos, showtapes and wilds compiles using formats ranging from Digi Beta to VHS. I was also authoring DVDs using Sonic Reel DVD [Windows environment]. I worked there for one year before moving interstate.

I have a Bachelor of Communication with Majors in Screen Production and Communication & Media Studies, and with a Distinction average in the technical / annalytical filmmaking subjects.

I recieved an award for Best Cinematography for a University Production while undertaking my degree.

I generate interest regularly with my showreel and am complemented regularly on my ability to cut pictures to music, or tell a story with images and sound.

I have worked professionally as an editor for about 2 years and do not consider myself a person who only knows an editing program. I know I have ability to do this as a profession but sometimes lack the confidence in that ability when selling myself.

Negatives as I see them...

I do not have the knowledge of a "technician", yet. I do however intend to increase my knowledge in this area as I believe it is important and relevant.

I am at times slow to decide on how to approach an editing task, stylistically. This has on occasion hindered my progression and therefor makes it far more difficult to reach the tighter deadlines.

I have experience with video editing only, no actual film cutting experience.

I lack confidence at times...

To end on a positive, I have been complemented regularly by clients on my work ethic and the presence that I exude in the edit suite.

I AM VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT EDITING.

Thank you all who have taken the time to read this and a special thanks in advance to those who reply, good or bad.

I am in genuine need of guidance.

Thanks.

[JieMing]

That's a tough question, Calm.
Not being an employer I wouldn't know where to start. I'm sure it would really depend on the particular market that you were trying to work in. Be aware that editing is a general term and that there are many areas of specialisation. I work at a top Sydney post house, but the work I do is not really story-telling; I'm more of a television version of an assembly artist.
I have noticed, though, that it can be a very slow road to reasonable income; with editors working for practically nothing just to get experience or recognition.
I think those who have made a career of editing started with full-time employment until such time as they had too many projects underway outside of their employer. I don't know.

Ben.

[CALM]

The main market I would like to target at present is in the promotional video area, ie product / service / organisational promotional videos.

I do like documentary editing, however have not really had much experience in that area; though am capable.

My first ultimate area of specialisation would have to be music video creation. I really enjoy cutting to a beat and letting the music track inspire my cuts. There is also generally great footage to work with.

My second ultimate area of specialisation would have to be nature documentary; also due to the interesting footage you can have to work with, and interesting subject matter.... And if you spend your working hours inside a dark room all day, you may as well see the world whichever way you can.

Thanks for your reply, Ben.

Cheers.

[JieMing]

I got a chance to cut a music video once. It ended up being something I wouldn't normally admit to; and it ended up being for free. Really shitty pictures and a really ametureish production. This can often be where it all starts.
I've decided to make my own stuff in my own time. Maybe enter it into Tropfest. This way I get to explore the directions I want to go while keeping my day job.
A client of mine started this way and is now making commercials for his own clients (direct - not agency).
Once, I met a guy who asked if I would cut his interesting sounding doco. I got excited. Turned out to be poorly thought out and executed - not worth pursuing.
A friend of mine networks with film students etc. and finally got a chance to cut a low budget feature. Not a great film by any means, but he did get the experience and the credit. He did this outside of his day job.

Ben.

[CALM]

What sort of gear do you have at home?

[Matthew]

I am at times slow to decide on how to approach an editing task, stylistically. This has on occasion hindered my progression and therefore makes it far more difficult to reach the tighter deadlines.

Yep you often just have to dig in hard and hope that some ideas come to you while whacking it all together. If you're given a really tight deadline you can't really be expected to come up with a completely new structure or stylistic approach. Your client will probably just thank you for getting it together on time. Someone interested in a stylistic approach will hopefully - if they've got half a brain - give you more time to play with the footage ...

How much do YOU think you're worth per hour?

[CALM]

"If you're given a really tight deadline you can't really be expected to come up with a completely new structure or stylistic approach." Thanks for saying that as I always considered it a negative aspect of my ability.

"How much do YOU think you're worth per hour?"
Using rates I've come accross in this forum I think I am worth $35 / hr, freelance, using their equipment: and [unsure at present] $55 / hr using my equipment [2GHz DP G5, Mini DVCam / Mini DV capture, Most used Apps include FCP 4.1.1, Photoshop, LiveType, Compressor, Standard DVD Authoring (do not have DVDSP YET!)]. I also have a Sony PD150 Mini DVCam and accessories that I use to shoot with if required [bank in still my partner of course].

I hope this $35 / hr and $55 / hr is not underpricing as I agree with previous comments made in these threads regarding how "low pricing hurts us all". Please let me know if you think this is the case, I would gladly put my prices up.

In addition, I am happy to send you my reel to look over when you have time, perhaps helping you to guide me in the right direction regarding pricing and for some critical assessment. For this I would be extremely greatful.

Thanks, Caine.

[E_Tedeschi]

Caine,

I know I'm a little late on this one, but better late than never, I guess!

It's always a curly predicament to stick a pricetag on yourself. I've been cutting professionally for about 7 years now, and have only for the past year been able to really stand my ground and demand reasonable rates for decent work.

I started in a similar situation to you, with a similar background etc, doing corporates and low end TVCs. The problem I found with this kind of work, is that there are a lot of people out there who want everything for a nickel and dime. If you feel you are underselling yourself or getting ripped off - get out of there, I say.

I think that your rates sound OK for the kind of work your doing I guess - different projects will allow different budgets, but I wouldn't go lower. When doing Corporates and Weddings on my own DV suite, I ask $60 to $70 per hour, and that's on a (dare I say it) Premiere Suite!

Don't forget - if you're still paying the bank for the gear, you can't afford to undersell -it-, let alone yourself.

Hope this helps.

Enzo.

[CALM]

Thanks for your reply Enzo.

In the past month or so I have found myself growing in confidence with regard to my ability and worth as an "editor".

I totally agree with your comment suggesting to "get out of there"... Life's too short to keep dealing with the nickel & dime crowd, especially when you have high personal standards with regards to the work you take on. And besides, they're not just taking from me, they're taking from my partner, and one-day family.

I really appreciate the comment and guidance I've received over the past few weeks, thank you to everyone on this site for their participation.

FYI I now charge $60 / hr using my own equipment and have no quams.

Lower prices hurt us all ;)

[E_Tedeschi]

Well done, Caine. My hat goes off to you - I've known a lot of people who haven't been able to make the call you have. I was one of them a long time ago!!

It's amazing how much easier it becomes when one or two people accept your new rates!

I worked almost exclusively for a guy for about 2 years who was really taking me for a ride on the promise of a payrise that never came. Needless to say it turned kinda ugly and we parted ways - it was the best thing that could have happened to me, my family, and my career.

All the best!

Enzo.

[speed_demon]

I used to charge what I thought I was worth, and then one day I sat down and worked out what I needed to earn to pay of the equipment in a reasonable time - and had to double my rates!. I edit corporate/educational stuff on a window AVID XP system and charge a minimum of $95.00 per hour. The killer is that I only use the equipment for about 30% of my working week - the rest of the time is spent chasing clients, drumming up new business etc etc.

Look at what other people charge, a computer technician wants $110.00/hour, a plumber $90.00. I do a lot of work for surgeons and they all charge a minimum of $300/hr. I figure I am at least as good at my craft as they are.

Kym

[Daz]

Well, if the editing thing doesn't work out then I guess Brain Surgery is always a soft option...

[CALM]

That's Cool Enzo.

[CALM]

Yes I agree too "speed demon"... And does a plumber have to outlay $20 - $50 K with the regularity that some of you guys do (especially those who shoot and edit....and produce....and author.... and build websites and animations and compose music......etc etc).

I STILL (for the most part) LOVE MY JOB THOUGH. :)