Live Music Mix for DVD -- Project Rate Questions

Drzayuss · 30th June 2008

Hey everyone . . .

I know discussion regarding rates can be awkward, but I need a little insight. I have been asked how much I would charge to mix a 24 track, hour and a half long program for a live music DVD. I want to come in on the cheaper side to make the client feel like they are "getting a deal". However, I want to charge a rate on par with what most professionals get for this type of work. What's my ballpark? I may mix in surround . . . if so, should that effect the rate? I would really appreciate any info you all can give me in this area.

Thanks,

Justin

videoteque · 1st July 2008

Quote:

What's my ballpark?

Are you asking us??

Jim vanBergen · 1st July 2008

Justin,

It's really hard to say, because you have no idea if you'll be editing, an EDL conform, then mixing, re-mixing, and once you're either done or "pre-mastered" doing a layback for a final medium. It's a lot more than just a 24-track mix; and if you plan to do a surround mix PLUS a folddown to stereo, you're adding hours and hours if not days.

Most people have a strong idea what a project will take, and can quote a rate on that. Otherwise, quote an hourly or daily rate, so you don't kill yourself when it ends up taking days/weeks longer than you expected.

For my broke clients, I don't let them in the studio with me while I mix (as that'll double your time), all EDL edits are discussed/plotted in advance to reduce conform time, and then they get ONE day of mix changes (which still requires another day for layback).

Whats a week of your life worth?

Hope this helps!

JvB

**Remoteness** · 1st July 2008

JvB made some great points and that should be a very good starting point with regard to how you should approach this venture.

I get the impression that this is your first live music mix project, so why not charge them what you normally would charge with an extra fee for the surround mix or other services that you normally would not provide?

Do you have to come in with a fee for the completed mix project or can you charge by the hour?
Think about adding a certain amount of overtime for the possible re-mixes and such.

30th June 2008	#1
Drzayuss Gear nut Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 77 Thread Starter	Live Music Mix for DVD -- Project Rate Questions Hey everyone . . . I know discussion regarding rates can be awkward, but I need a little insight. I have been asked how much I would charge to mix a 24 track, hour and a half long program for a live music DVD. I want to come in on the cheaper side to make the client feel like they are "getting a deal". However, I want to charge a rate on par with what most professionals get for this type of work. What's my ballpark? I may mix in surround . . . if so, should that effect the rate? I would really appreciate any info you all can give me in this area. Thanks, Justin

1st July 2008	#4
Remoteness Super Moderator Joined: Aug 2002 Location: NYC Posts: 7,405	JvB made some great points and that should be a very good starting point with regard to how you should approach this venture. I get the impression that this is your first live music mix project, so why not charge them what you normally would charge with an extra fee for the surround mix or other services that you normally would not provide? Do you have to come in with a fee for the completed mix project or can you charge by the hour? Think about adding a certain amount of overtime for the possible re-mixes and such. __________________ Steve Remote AuraSonicLtd.com the home of ASL Mobile & Location Production Remoteness on the Linkedin Network What about my Facebook Profile? Remoteness on Myspace

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1st July 2008	#3
Jim vanBergen Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2005 Location: New York Friggin' City Posts: 2,562	Justin, It's really hard to say, because you have no idea if you'll be editing, an EDL conform, then mixing, re-mixing, and once you're either done or "pre-mastered" doing a layback for a final medium. It's a lot more than just a 24-track mix; and if you plan to do a surround mix PLUS a folddown to stereo, you're adding hours and hours if not days. Most people have a strong idea what a project will take, and can quote a rate on that. Otherwise, quote an hourly or daily rate, so you don't kill yourself when it ends up taking days/weeks longer than you expected. For my broke clients, I don't let them in the studio with me while I mix (as that'll double your time), all EDL edits are discussed/plotted in advance to reduce conform time, and then they get ONE day of mix changes (which still requires another day for layback). Whats a week of your life worth? Hope this helps! JvB