Aerial Video Fees

[KarbonBird]

There has been quite a bit of discussion regarding fees charged for aerial photography, but I would be interested to get feedback as to charges for raw video footage. I believe there could be a /minute charge or possibly a normal "call out" plus something added on for video, but may be wrong?

[Brady Longmore]

Without throwing in numbers, in my opinion video should be worth more than still photos depending on the type of video.

For example, if you are being asked to fly specialized routes and patterns with the heli. Like, following a car down a road with smooth flight. It's a different skill set than just going straight up, taking some snap shots and then coming back down.

I think it should cost more for the kind of flying required to provide good usable video for commercial applications.

[KarbonBird]

Thanks Brady - that was my feeling too - also that I am using more expensive equipment (TRex 600)... and digital video camera .... so price should be more. Just not sure if should do costs (travel, hrly rate etc) plus footage or just work on the amount of raw footage time presented to the client...

[Tonystott]

I would tend to go for a "flagfall" fee which includes getting there, setting up, and the first X minutes of raw footage, plus a per minute cost for extra. Just make sure that the flagfall figure is really enough as a minimum to justify the job. The rest is down to your salesmanship :)

[Art-Tistic]

Tony said it perfectly!!!!! DO NOT ever think about just charging for minutes of raw footage......there are too many variables. Your time/talent are worth money, and the better/smoother you are the more $$$ you can command! Believe me, not just anyone can provide smooth content-rich aerial video. It takes more than just a steady hand and perfectly tweeked heli. You need to know what good composition is, timing and planning where the shot will start and stop. It will take tons of practice to perfect that offering. Just owning the best equipment doesn't cut it.......Hell I own a Ferrari and it doesn't make me a race-car driver. It's your skills that people are buying. It's your time and artistic talent that determines what you can charge. A chevy dealer can be found almost anywhere and yet many people will seek out and pay for a Mercedes........which are you?

Please read this as postive motivation and not a personal critique on anyone.....excuse the punn but we need to stay focused on reality and the big picture and not get caught in tunnel vision.

Regards,
Anthony

[KarbonBird]

Much appreciated - thanks Anthony and Tony ... this is very helpful and I will set my price accordingly.

Rossco

[bladebreaker]

Hell I own a Ferrari and it doesn't make me a race-car driver.


Art-tistic...you must be charging the right price if you are driving a Ferrari!

Marketing is a very interesting topic that I am currently exploring. It seems the most important rule is not to sell yourself short...If you have the tools AND talent, you should be able to charge well for it.

Keep the comments coming guys, this is good stuff.