Film Production Crew Rates

Film TV Production Crew Rates

Congratulations! You took the leap and became a freelance filmmaker. Now you need to figure out the right pay rate for the work you do.

Your first step is to seek the advice of your local film union, as they can provide recommended rates. For example, if you’re based in the United States, the union directory on the IATSE website would be a helpful resource.

Below, you will find recommended hourly and day rates for the core film job roles

Note: The average and minimum recommended rates listed below are for reference. The day rates are based on a 12-hour workday. In many cases, you’ll be able to negotiate your rate based on your experience, union status, the size of the production, and other factors. Keep reading to discover more tips on how to work out your rate.

Above-the-Line Film Crew Rates

Above-the-line crew are involved in the creative development of the film. 

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
Producer$35$420
Executive Producer$28$336
Director$148$1,779
Director of Photography$117$1405
Production Designer$27$324
Development Producer$59$708
Screenwriter$25$300
Script Editor$33$396

Below-the-Line Film Crew Rates

Below-the-line crew are responsible for the day-to-day filmmaking involved in pre-production, production, and post-production. Here is a quick breakdown of day rates per department.

Production Management

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
Unit Production Manager$85$1,017
Production Coordinator$44$526
Assistant Production Coordinator$39$471
Production Assistant$19$228

Casting Department

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
Casting Director$34$408
Casting Assistant$15$180

Location Department

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
Location Manager$53$636
Location Scout$36$432

AD Department

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
1st Assistant Director$103$1,236
2nd Assistant Director$60$725
2nd to the 2nd AD$51$616

Art Department

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
Set Designer$42$504
Set Decorator$44$528
Art Director$54$648
Prop Master$44$528
Art Assistant$20$240

Costume Department

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
Costume Designer$104$1,249
Costume Supervisor$43$516
Dresser$32$384

Hair and Makeup Department

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
Hairstylist$44$528
Makeup Artist$44$528

Camera Department

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
Camera Operator $78$936
1st Assistant Camera$58$696
2nd Assistant Camera $41$492
Digital Imaging Technician$58$696
Script Supervisor $44$528

Grip Department

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
Key Grip  $44$528
Best Boy Grip$39$468

Lighting Department

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
Gaffer$45$540
Best Boy Gaffer$41$492

Sound Department

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
Sound Designer $44$528
Boom Operator $48$576
Sound Assistant$36$432

Post-Production

RoleHourly RateDay Rate
Film Editor$48$576
1st Assistant Editor$39$468
Film Colorist$44$528

How To Work Out Your Own Rate

Calculating your rate is no easy task. There are many things to consider, such as job role, production types, budget, and experience. Here are a few quick questions to ask:

Are you a member of a union or non-union?

If you work in the US film industry, your union will play a major role in your rate. Union film projects pay much more than non-union. In addition, they will help to arrange your rate and workers’ rights, such as break hours and overtime pay.

To become part of a union, you must meet their terms. These terms typically require several work credits and a certain number of hours on a film set. It can take many years of working in the film industry before you have enough experience to join a union.

What’s the production type? e.g Film, TV, Commercial

The project types will also determine rates. For example, feature films and TV dramas will pay more than short films, online videos, and unscripted TV. Once again, your union will decide your rate for the project type.

What’s the production location?

In the US, your union and state will affect your rate. For example, they will offer higher rates if you work in a union city like New York. Furthermore, your rate may increase if you work elsewhere and travel to work in an expensive location.

If you travel to work abroad for a project, your rate may also change. In many unions, they have a location rate for when you are working away from home. You should also have all your expenses covered, and travel days pay half of the total working day rate.

What tier does the budget fall under?

Many unions class film budgets under tiers. They will have recommended rates for films within a budget range. For example, tier-one feature films are between $1-3 million. In general, your day rate will increase the higher the project budget.

What is the length of the shoot day?

The recommended rates above are for 12-hour work days with a 1-hour lunch break. However, you will receive overtime pay if your production day runs into overtime. Your union will provide overtime rates, but if you work on a non-union, you must arrange these terms with the producer before filming starts.

Summary

To sum up, it can be difficult to calculate exact rates for crew as they can vary for each production. It would be nice if we all got paid the same all of the time, but that’s just not the case. Usually, producers have to negotiate back and forth before they come to an agreement.

Also, remember that if you’re expected to provide your own kit (such as camera, electrical, audio, or grip), you should charge extra for the rental. For standard equipment rates, you should compare a few different film rental companies.


Sources:

The minimum theatrical rates above have been taken from numerous sources, including:

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