Your line producer hands you a crew quote: “$850/day.” Sounds simple. Then the invoice comes in at $1,400 and you’re confused. Here’s what crew rates actually include.
The Base Rate Isn’t the Full Cost
When someone quotes $850/day, that’s their labor rate for a standard 10-hour day. But the actual cost includes:
- Kit fee: If they bring gear (camera, lights, audio rig), that’s extra. Typically $150-500/day depending on what they’re bringing.
- Overtime: Anything past 10 hours is time-and-a-half or double-time. A 14-hour day? You’re paying for 16 hours of work.
- Fringe: Union jobs add 30-40% on top for benefits, pension, health insurance. Non-union doesn’t have this, but you might still owe payroll taxes.
- Mileage: Travel to/from location. IRS rate is $0.67/mile. A 50-mile round trip = $33.50.
That $850 day rate? By the time you add kit, OT, and fringe, it’s actually $1,400. Budget accordingly.
Standard vs. Extended Day Rates
Some crew offer two rates:
- 10-hour rate: Standard shoot day, OT kicks in after hour 10
- 12-hour rate: Locked price for 12 hours, OT after that
If you know you’re running long, negotiate a 12-hour rate upfront. It’s cheaper than paying time-and-a-half for hours 11-12.
When to Negotiate
Crew rates aren’t set in stone. You can negotiate when:
- Multi-day shoots: Book someone for a week, ask for a discount
- Low-budget projects: Be upfront. Some crew will work for less if the project is interesting or helps their reel
- Repeat clients: If you’re hiring the same DP every month, lock in a preferred rate
But don’t lowball. Asking a $1,500/day DP to work for $400 just wastes everyone’s time.
Union vs. Non-Union
Union crew (IATSE, DGA, SAG) have set minimums you can’t negotiate below. But you get:
- Experienced, vetted professionals
- Insurance coverage through the union
- Clear overtime and turnaround rules
Non-union crew are more flexible on rates and terms, but make sure you’re handling payroll, taxes, and insurance properly.
How to Budget for Crew
Start with the day rate, then add:
- Kit fees (if applicable)
- 10% contingency for overtime
- 30-40% fringe (union only)
- Mileage and per diem (if traveling)
Example: $850/day DP + $300 kit + 10% OT buffer + $0 fringe (non-union) = $1,235/day actual cost.
The Hidden Costs
Don’t forget:
- Prep days: Your DP might need a half-day to prep gear. That’s billable.
- Turnaround violations: Union rules require 10-12 hours between call times. Break it, pay a penalty.
- Sixth and seventh days: Weekly rates reset. Day six is often time-and-a-half, day seven is double-time.
Need help budgeting your next production?
Let’s talk. We’ll walk you through realistic crew costs and help you build a budget that actually works.
