Fees for INDOOR long-term time-lapse

For this kind of time-lapse project, I use full-frame DSLR cameras are used which offer a high image quality, and superb video quality. Please check this article for the difference between the two options: GoPro timelapse vs DSLR cameras.

The fees mentioned here are tentative, due to the variables, but should give a good ball-park figure.

There is an installation fee of $400 to set up the 1st camera and timing controller, and to mount the camera and run AC to the camera. Each additional camera has an installation fee of $100 per camera.

Then there is the creative fee in shooting and generating the timelapse video(s).

This creative fee depends on how long the timelapse setup needs to run – days / weeks / months or longer. The creative fee is also on a sliding scale, where the subsequent days / weeks / months are priced at a lower rate than the initial period.

This is the creative fee for the 1st camera. The creative fee for each additional camera is 1/3rd of that, per camera.

The billing structure:
For timelapse projects, the payment structure is divided along these lines:
— The first day/week/month as deposit.
— The rest of the payments are structured according to the length of the project, with a final payment of 30% of the total fee upon completion of the timelapse videos, or on delivery of the RAW images.

The deliverables will be either:

a.) The video footage compiled from the individual images.
The specifics of the final videos (duration, resolution, etc), will depend on your requirements.

b.) Some clients only need the unprocessed RAW files.
In that instance, there is a 25% reduction of the creative fee.

Fee structure

This is a rough guide to the fees involved in shooting a project or event, using time-lapse. There are too many variables to immediately give a fixed rate, so please call me or email me so that we can discuss your project, and figure out what is possible.

To give you an idea of what is involved, and why the actual fee might vary – the pricing depends on:

• The scale of the event.
  Some events need multiple cameras. Other events can be captured properly from just one camera viewpoint. Would dollies be needed to create cameras movement? Is a single static camera good enough? These are some of the considerations.

• Would an assist would be needed?
  This would depend on how much gear is needed to capture the event. Then the security of the cameras if we shoot out on location, are also important. For example, if we shoot out on the streets of New York, then I will most likely need an assistant per camera.

• The deliverables after the project or event.
  The deliverables are usually video clips in 1080p or 4K format. Some clients prefer the individual RAW files, without editing. Most clients want a finished video that includes music and title & credit slides. We would also have to figure out beforehand how long you need your video to be, because this will affect all kinds of technical decisions down the line such as the time-lapse interval and other camera settings.

• Some clients only need the unprocessed RAW files. In that instance, there is a 25% reduction of the creative fee.