freelance vs 'studio' rate

[cananball]

Wondering what the consensus was as to peoples definition of working freelance.

I see some guys have a freelance rate and a studio rate but confused about what they exactly mean. I read it to be that for $XX/hr i will work freelance at clients studio with clients equipment and for $ZZ/hr I will work in my studio with my equipment. Obviously if you have to use your own stuff you need to get paid for it.

I work on local indie films and a bit of broadcast so i dont have a lot of experience working for production companies. Looking to get a feel for how this works out there with guys working on broadcast/film programming in the major production cities.

What do you guys consider freelance rate as opposed to your 'studio/business' rate and how do you make the distinction?

[Rick Sanchez]

This varies considerably depending on what type of projects you do, and if you are working at home or have a studio in a business district.

On film and television projects, it used to be a given that if you owned your own system that you would charge your rate + a daily/weekly rental fee for your system. That has changed. Now it's a lot more difficult to get that rental fee and it's almost expected that for a freelancer to own their own system.

I would just adjust your rate if you use your own system vs working at the client's facility.

[ggegan]

Originally Posted by cananball

What do you guys consider freelance rate as opposed to your 'studio/business' rate and how do you make the distinction?

There is no specific difference for me. Both are the max the client is willing to pay for my services on a given project. I don't necessarily make more or less on one or the other. However, If I'm working on my own equipment, I can go after projects that can't afford to do all (or any) of the work at a mainstream studio and usually have more time to do the job.

BTW, It isn't necessarily an either/or situation. Sometimes a project can be a hybrid of freelance work on my own gear and studio work on their gear.

[Etch-A-Sketch]

Originally Posted by ggegan

There is no specific difference for me. Both are the max the client is willing to pay for my services on a given project. I don't necessarily make more or less on one or the other. However, If I'm working on my own equipment, I can go after projects that can't afford to do all (or any) of the work at a mainstream studio and usually have more time to do the job.

BTW, It isn't necessarily an either/or situation. Sometimes a project can be a hybrid of freelance work on my own gear and studio work on their gear.

I agree. I do the same thing...

The other thing to realize, if you own gear yourself, you still had to (or have to) pay for it regardless of whether you use it for your current project or not. So it doesn't make good business sense to charge LESS when you are not using it.

I try to have just one rate. That is the rate for me and my time, regardless of whether I'm working at my place or another studio. Because, even if I'm working at another studio, my equipment is still sitting at home. It still cost me the same to buy it whether I use it or not.

[SaschaP]

Originally Posted by Etch-A-Sketch

I agree. I do the same thing...

The other thing to realize, if you own gear yourself, you still had to (or have to) pay for it regardless of whether you use it for your current project or not. So it doesn't make good business sense to charge LESS when you are not using it.

I try to have just one rate. That is the rate for me and my time, regardless of whether I'm working at my place or another studio. Because, even if I'm working at another studio, my equipment is still sitting at home. It still cost me the same to buy it whether I use it or not.

I'm not sure this applies to everyone's setup. You could make the case that if your working at someone else's place you can rent yours out simultaneously in essence making more money.

With that said I also charge the same whether I'm working out of my studio or soemone else's. I think it's just easier that way.

[BIGBANGBUZZ]

This is Industry is beginning to follow other trade industries where your expected to have your own tools, which is fair enough.
In Australia Automative mechanics need to spend 5-10k on tools before they start their apprenticeship.

[Etch-A-Sketch]

Originally Posted by SaschaP

I'm not sure this applies to everyone's setup. You could make the case that if your working at someone else's place you can rent yours out simultaneously in essence making more money.

With that said I also charge the same whether I'm working out of my studio or soemone else's. I think it's just easier that way.

Yes true, if you own a mainstream studio and have the zoning, licenses/permits and insurance to run it. If you just own gear and work out of your house you cannot (and should not) rent out your home studio while you are working in a mainstream studio.

Also, depending on the situation you might end up needing to bring your gear (or some of your gear) with you to the other facility. if you tell the client you have a rate for you and a rate for your home studio... it gets kind of sticky to then start charging extra when you need to bring some of your own gear with you.

Like you said, it just makes it easier when dealing with clients to have one rate, that's it.