Freelance Videographers
Freelance videographers typically charge either by the hour or by the project. If charging by the minute is necessary (for example, for short or specific events), they might convert their hourly rate:
- Hourly Rates:
Common hourly rates range from $25 to $100+ per hour, depending on the videographer's experience and the project's complexity. - Converted to Minutes:
This translates to approximately $0.42 to $1.67 per minute at the lower end and can go much higher with experienced professionals using advanced equipment.
Event Videography
For events like weddings, corporate functions, or sports, videographers might have a package rate that covers the event's duration:
- Package Rates:
Depending on the length and scale of the event, packages can range from $500 to $3000+. These packages usually cover several hours of shooting and may include some basic pre-shooting preparation but exclude post-production editing. - Per Minute Calculation:
If breaking it down by minute for an average 4-hour event, and using a median package rate of $1500, the rate would be about $6.25 per minute.
Commercial and Corporate Videography
For commercial shoots, such as advertising or promotional content, rates can be higher due to the commercial value of the footage:
- Project-Based Rates:
Rates for commercial shoots can range widely, often starting at $1000 and going up significantly based on the project's scope and usage rights. - Hourly/Minute Breakdown:
If a videographer charges $150 per hour for a commercial shoot, this equates to $2.50 per minute.
Factors Influencing Rates
- Experience and Reputation:
More experienced videographers or those with a strong portfolio can command higher rates. - Equipment Used:
Professional-grade equipment results in higher charges. - Location:
Rates can vary significantly based on the location; urban areas and major cities typically have higher rates than rural areas. - Type of Project:
Commercial projects generally pay more than personal events due to their potential return on investment.
Considerations
- Many videographers have a minimum booking time (commonly 2-4 hours), so even if the actual shooting is brief, the rate might reflect the minimum booking period.
- The rates provided here do not include editing, which is often a significant portion of the videography cost and can double the overall rate when included.