Documentary Film Process and Pricing For My Clients

Here’s an overview of how I approach recording and pricing for a short documentary film. Each phase is explained below. You can click on the name of each phase for more information.

  1. Requirements gathering: we meet and discuss your requirements.

  2. Recording the film: Depending on what we determine, the recording may take a whole day or a few hours each day over multiple days.

  3. Editing: I edit the video, we do a few revisions based on your feedback.

  4. How pricing works: Check my rates below.

  5. My existing work for reference: See my existing work, check the quality, and decide.

Requirements Gathering

  1. What do you want to achieve from this video?

  2. Do you want photos taken as well?

  3. Do you want to create short-form videos for Instagram, TikTok or Facebook, too?

Recording The Film

  1. Interview Recording: We usually start with an interview. The recording process can take about an hour or two, so we start fresh. This excludes setup time that I need to do before the interview.

  2. Recording the supporting footage: We record supporting footage to showcase what we finalised before the interview, and what you say in the interview. For example, we can record your working environment, a workshop, an event, a morning walk, or any aspects of your personal and professional life. This footage will be played over your interview. 

  3. Photos: If you want photos, I will take them to you. I won’t charge for a few casual pictures unless many are to be shot and require a long session.

Editing

  1. Editing the film: Depending on its length, editing the movie may take one to three days. Part of your pricing also includes revisions based on your feedback.

  2. Editing social media content: Editing photos, TikToks, Reels, or Shorts is separate from film editing, and it depends on how many videos you want.

My Rates and Charges

  1. Charge per day of filming: A day is 6 to 8 hours long, and for a documentary-style film, these hours can be split over two or three calendar days. If I work more than 6 hours a day, it will count as a day. The hours include setting up my camera equipment, lighting, audio, and video.

  2. Charge per day of editing: Editing is also 8 hours long, but the rates are lower as I am not on location; I sit and edit. Your invoice will include three free revisions before I start charging per hour again.

  3. Music: I have a subscription to license music for short films. I choose music from that library unless you have licensed music already. The cost is a flat 500 Rands for any number of tracks in your videos. I will ensure your TikTok, Facebook, or YouTube channel content doesn’t get a copyright claim.

  4. Simple Photo Editing: I charge nothing if I edit a documentary film for you unless I have more than 25 photos to edit. In that case, I charge an hourly rate. 

  5. What’s not included: Extra videographers, camera equipment hiring and the cost of travelling for more than 50 kilometres one way, if required, are not included. If I do that, I will justify the need for it to your satisfaction.

See prices below. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or business enquiries.

In my experience, recording and editing a documentary-style film for artists takes two days each. This duration can vary, being shorter or longer.