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Old June 3rd, 2008, 01:48 PM   #1
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Anyone ever video a birthday party!?

I got a call and email from girl that is celebrating her 30th birthday this August and wants it to be video taped. Before I agree to take on something like this, I am wondering what others do for this sort of event. What exactly do you film? How do you present it? Do you charge by the hour? I almost want to turn it down because I am so unclear about what to expect... but work is work and I don't have a wedding scheduled that day. Any advice/help would be appreciated.
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Old June 3rd, 2008, 02:08 PM   #2
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I think the first step would be to find out what exactly they are "doing" for the birthday party. That information could help you figure out how to shoot it and present it. I haven't ever filmed a b-day so I can't say anything else beyond that.
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Old June 3rd, 2008, 02:16 PM   #3
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I covered a retirement party. It was my first event video ever. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the footage, but I don't think I missed anything important. So if you do weddings, you should not have any problems.
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Old June 3rd, 2008, 03:01 PM   #4
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I did a few birthday parties before I actually filmed a wedding. You don't have to worry about the same expectations of a wedding. Along those same lines they probably expect a better price, unless the party is over the top. It wouldn't hurt to talk to the girl and see what she wants and expects. At that time you can make price decision. I charged by the hour. $100/hr
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Old June 5th, 2008, 09:51 AM   #5
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Okay, just heard from the girl again (through VM) but they are having some nice events, salsa dancing, red carpet and the theme is casino. Now the location is a very nice one in Pittsburgh. My thoughts are this... I charge $200 per hour for weddings (when I have to add on hours to packages)... would it be unreasonable to charge this for a birthday party? Its from 6-10pm so that'd be $800. To think of the editing time (and the fact that it books a Saturday that I could potentially have a wedding), I think its reasonable, but just wanted to get some more input.

Also... what exactly do you "do" with the footage from an event like this. I know I can handle it, but I was wondering how you present it. For weddings, its more like a story from beginning to end. This seems like it'll just be a mixed up. Ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks Guys (and gals for the few others there are)!

Last edited by Dawn Brennan; June 5th, 2008 at 09:52 AM. Reason: Spelling :)
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Old June 5th, 2008, 11:32 AM   #6
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I would generally suggest charging what you think you're worth. If you charge $200/hr for weddings, then charge that for this. I only make an exception to that if it's a project that "I" really want to do and I know they can't afford my normal rate (rarely happens).

As for how to present it, I think you just figured that out. If the night is going to be all mixed up, you can present it that way in a montage format. You could also go with a format where you feature each aspect of the night in a montage. You might also figure out a better way to present it once you've shot it.
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Old June 5th, 2008, 11:41 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Travis Cossel View Post
You might also figure out a better way to present it once you've shot it.
I hope so! I know I can do this, because there is no way its as hard as a wedding, but I guess its new so I'm a bit nervous.
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