2015Steadi-Newbies forum
Rate structure for Steadicam operator equipment rental and labor on multi-day bookings
What the thread found
- Equipment rental rates for a week-long booking typically cost around 3.5 times the daily rate rather than 7 times the daily rate.
- Operator labor rates should not be discounted based on booking duration, as employment remains at-will unless prepaid for the full duration.
- A contract clause should specify that discounted rates revert to standard rates if the actual number of shoot days falls short of the agreed minimum.
- Equipment rental discounts are appropriate, but operator day rates should remain consistent regardless of how many days are booked.
- If steadicam usage is eliminated during production, the original deal terms may no longer apply and rates could change retroactively.
Depends on
- The advice reflects practices in short film and feature production, which may differ from other sectors.
- Reality television and other production types may have different rate structures and negotiation pressures.
- The discussion assumes operators are hired as at-will employees rather than on guaranteed contracts.
- Specific discount percentages beyond the 3.5x weekly multiplier are not established as industry standard.