Why I Charge an Hourly Filmmaking Rate and How It Benefits My Conservation Clients
It’s common for professional filmmakers to charge by the half-day or full-day rate, but I’ve chosen a different approach. I offer an hourly rate for my conservation filmmaking services, and this decision comes with a number of advantages — especially for my conservation clients.
It’s said that you should always make decisions based on your audience. For me, the approach I use takes into account the conservation clients that I work with. Many are small nonprofits, and many are national nonprofits. Either way, I’ve strived to strike a balance that has served both myself and my clients fairly, I believe: Hourly rates.
Here’s why I’ve structured my pricing this way and how it serves the unique needs of conservation projects.
Flexibility in Time and Budget
Many conservation projects operate with limited funding, and every dollar spent needs to be carefully allocated to make the most impact. By charging an hourly rate, I provide my clients with the flexibility to tailor the scope of the project according to their budget. You don’t have to commit to a full or half-day when all you need is a few focused hours of filming. This flexibility allows you to maximize the time and resources you can dedicate to the actual conservation work, rather than spending more than necessary on filming logistics.
Focus on Storytelling Efficiency
One of the key values I bring to my clients is the ability to create compelling stories in a short amount of time. Since I charge hourly, there’s no pressure to pad out shoot days to meet a half- or full-day minimum. We can get to the heart of your story efficiently and effectively. This approach allows us to concentrate on the most essential parts of the story, capturing impactful moments that resonate with your audience and drive your conservation message home.
Reduced Pressure for Clients and Subjects
In conservation work, a lot of the footage involves capturing the natural world, researchers, and local communities who may not be accustomed to being on camera. My hourly rate gives us the freedom to spend just the right amount of time on-site without the added pressure of a looming full-day production schedule. This helps me create a more relaxed and comfortable environment, which is crucial when working with sensitive environments and individuals who are not professional actors.
Adaptability to the Project’s Needs
Conservation projects often come with unpredictable conditions—wildlife doesn’t always cooperate, and the perfect light may only last for a short window. By charging hourly, we can adapt to the unique rhythm of each project. If we need more time in one location and less in another, the structure of an hourly rate makes it easy to shift gears without having to renegotiate the cost or worry about exceeding a pre-set block of time. This adaptability ensures we stay focused on capturing the best possible story without unnecessary financial strain.
Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
My hourly approach also reflects a commitment to quality over quantity. It’s not about booking more hours or days; it’s about working efficiently to deliver a powerful final film that serves your goals. Conservation filmmaking is often about telling the most important and impactful parts of a story, and my pricing structure encourages us to focus on the quality of the footage and the storytelling without the need for lengthy, costly productions.
A Customizable Approach That Honors Your Mission
Ultimately, I want to ensure that my conservation clients get the most value from their investment in filmmaking. By offering an hourly rate, I provide a service that is flexible, efficient, and perfectly suited to the unique demands of conservation work. This structure allows us to collaborate closely on what matters most — capturing the essence of your mission while respecting both your time and budget.
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