ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years, 9 months ago - John Lubran

Some call it free market capitalism, others call it the rigged market economy. There are no rules actually affecting what you ask for, not even minimum wage legislation. Despite any pretensions of effecting governance, you get what you can persuade others to pay; it's the whole of the law. If you're the bees knees it can be a lot, if you're a beginner with little provenance it's not. Alternatively, take a share of ownership of what you contribute to or do.

'Free market capitalism' now more than ever being proven to mean 'dog eat fog and the devil take the hind most'

11 years, 9 months ago - John David Clay

Jonathan,

That is very useful thanks very much it a good guide as I've tnede to only be paid expenses.

Thanks

John

11 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

JDC, you seem to ask questions but barely ever follow up on threads where people answer them - it feels a bit of a one-way conversation TBH. Community involves a bit of give and take, y'know?

Marlom, I like it ;-)

11 years, 9 months ago - John Lubran

Clearly a typo

'Free market capitalism' now more than ever being proven to mean 'dog eat dog and the devil take the hind most'

11 years, 9 months ago - Marlom Tander

Dog eat Fog - sounds like a Japanese Video Art Installation peice exploring the futility of effort in an obscured world....bit like trying to get films funded :-)

11 years, 9 months ago - Vasco de Sousa

Advertisements pay the most of course.

Check Bectu's rate books, but don't rely on them. BECTU charges more than many of the American unions, so some of their low budget agreements are unrealistic. 200 per day for a runner might make sense for an HSBC commercial, but you don't get that for a micro budget film without a distribution deal. I think they need a separate category for films with less than 1/2 million quid budget.

In Canada or Chicago, you can get an experienced head of department for less than BECTU's rates for an assistant in some cases (and at union wages).

From a standard of living point of view, consider this. If you hire an employee at full minimum wage, after accounting fees, holiday pay, and whatever, you're paying almost 8 pounds and hour.

200 a day for a runner might make sense for a big budget commercial, but I doubt anyone on SP will pay that much for a micro-budget film.

11 years, 9 months ago - Jonathan Bohane

In the UK the only rate structure I have found so far in my work in film has been in the commercials industry.
Here's a rough idea of the advised rates, DOP approx £1k pd, Focus pullers £400 pd, hair/makeup/FX/wardrobe/PM all about £300 pd, runners £200 pd
These rates I believe are set by the APA (advertising producers association) and are followed on many big budget commercials. I think that medium to large budget features base their rates on these too in order to attract the same talent albeit 10-20% less per day as they are offering weeks of work instead of days.

11 years, 9 months ago - John David Clay

Many Thanks Vasco,

times are uneven pay wise. but thanks for your perspective and I'll think about it.

i would agree with your thoughts about 3months to write a feature screenplay / 2000hrs i'm currently writing a action / horror based idea. slowly but getting there.

Best
John

11 years, 9 months ago - Vasco de Sousa

What I meant about standard of living is consider that if you're on the project as self-employed, you're not getting holiday pay, and you're doing your own accounting and NI contributions. So, you'll need more money.

So, if you're working for a client instead of an employer, that is as a freelancer instead of an employee, you'll need a higher hourly rate to have the same standard of living.

11 years, 9 months ago - John Lubran

Definitely a more holistic perspective Marlom.