ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

7 years, 2 months ago - Marlom Tander

You probably shouldn't charge per second. Because then you are vulnerable to their final requirement in seconds. Which will be lower than whatever they are telling you now.

I'd view it as a two part issue, mainly because of your time.

Part 1 - the trip. You should ask the companies and bodies to pay enough to cover your costs plus your profit (i.e. whatever you want for your time, which could anything from ZERO (it's an adventure!!!) to LOTS (I want danger and hardship and overtime for this hell trip).

So when you get back they each have the right to all the footage to edit as they see fit and use in accordance with whatever agreement you have.

And if the relationship has broken down, ho hum. You got paid.

Part 2 - your editing fee. At this point each body is having it's own edit according to it's needs. And paying you an appropriate fee.

JAM - you make sure that the contract reserves to you all the rights possible so you can use the material how you see fit. The more rights they want, or the more they want to limit you, the more they need to pay at Part 1.

7 years, 2 months ago - Vasco de Sousa

Here are some options. 1) Just sell the footage outright. 2) Sell royalty-free licenses. 3) Sell limited, royalty licenses to footage.

Now, the most successful photographers I know chose the third option. I said photographers, even though it's video, because cinematographer often implies part of a crew. Then, if they want to use your footage after the expiry, you'll get residuals and so on. Royalty free licenses are becoming increasingly popular with customers who buy online, but even these are tiered.

The per second price is ridiculous idea. It really depends on the market you're selling to. Photographers don't have a per-second fee, just as writers don't have a per-word fee. Some clients might offer a per-second fee, but that's often not for a buy-out, just for a license. (A buy out will often be commissioned, with at least half paid up front.)

Now, what Marlom said, and part of what you said, sounds like you're working on a commission. In that case, look at your costs, and see what you need to cover not only your trip equipment and so on, but expenses related to raising the money, and keeping yourself solvent until the next venture.

7 years, 2 months ago - Eleanor church

Thank you so much to both of you for your answers. I feel much clearer about getting back to them now. Many thanks!