What's a typical day rate for a DP for corporate video?

Corporate DP day rates in most US markets range from $750 to $1,800 per day, plus their camera package. Major markets like New York and Los Angeles typically run $1,200–$2,500. Rates vary based on experience level, client type, and what the gear package includes.

Do crew rates include gear, or is that separate?

Most crew rates are quoted as a labor rate, with gear (camera package, lighting kit, audio kit) quoted separately. Always confirm whether the rate is all-in or labor-only. A DP at $1,000/day with a camera package included may be a better value than one at $800/day who requires a rental house.

Are half-day rates common?

Many crew offer half-day rates for shoots under 4–5 hours, typically at 60–70% of the full day rate. For anything longer, expect to pay the full day rate. Always clarify the expected call time and wrap time when negotiating to avoid overtime surprises.

How do rates in secondary markets compare to New York and LA?

Secondary markets (Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago) typically run 15–30% below New York and LA rates for comparable experience levels. For out-of-market productions, using local crew eliminates travel and lodging costs — often more than offsetting any rate differential.

Video Crew Rates: What to Budget for Production Crew | Crew Grid

How Video Crew Rates Are Structured

Video crew rates are almost always quoted as a day rate — a flat fee for up to 10 hours on set (sometimes 8, depending on the market and agreement). Most crew also quote a gear package rate separately from their labor rate, though some offer all-in pricing.

The key distinction: always ask whether a quoted rate includes gear or is labor-only. A DP at $900/day without a camera package may require a $500–$1,000/day camera rental on top. A DP at $1,400/day with a camera package included may actually be the better value.

Rate Ranges by Role

These are current market rate ranges for corporate and brand video production in the US. Ranges reflect secondary markets (Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta) through major coastal markets (New York, Los Angeles).

Director of Photography (DP)

$750 – $2,500/day — Varies significantly by market, experience, and client type. Most corporate DPs in secondary markets run $800–$1,200. New York and LA DPs typically start at $1,200 for experienced corporate work.

Camera Operator

$600 – $1,800/day — Camera operators on multi-camera projects typically run slightly less than a DP/operator on a single-camera project, as the lighting design responsibility sits with the DP.

Audio Mixer

$600 – $1,500/day — Production sound mixer day rates with a professional wireless package (Lectrosonics, Sennheiser, Zaxcom). Rates are fairly consistent across markets relative to the DP range.

Gaffer

$500 – $1,400/day — Plus lighting package if they're supplying gear. On smaller shoots, gaffers often supply a basic LED kit. Larger lighting packages increase the rate.

Production Assistant

$250 – $450/day — The most consistent rate across markets. PAs are the most budget-stable line item on a crew sheet.

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Camera and Gear Package Rates

If crew members supply their own gear, expect these typical add-on rates:

Cinema camera package (Sony FX9, Canon C300, RED KOMODO): $300–$700/day
Basic lighting kit (3-5 LED fixtures, stands, modifiers): $150–$400/day
Audio package (mixer, 2-3 wireless channels, boom): $100–$300/day
Support package (tripod, monopod, slider): $50–$200/day

For productions requiring larger lighting setups or specialized gear, rental houses are often the most cost-effective option. Always specify what you need in your brief so we can match you with crew who own the appropriate package.

What Affects Crew Rates

Experience and client type: Crew with strong agency and brand credits typically command higher rates. Rates for union crew are set by IATSE scale.
Project complexity: Multi-setup, multi-day, or technically complex shoots often command a slight premium.
Gear ownership: Crew who supply their own professional package typically charge more for the combined labor + gear value.
Market: New York and LA are consistently the highest-rate markets. Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and Miami are typically 15–30% lower.

Regional Rate Variation

Rate variation across US markets is real but often overstated. The biggest driver is experience level and gear quality, not market geography. A mid-career corporate DP in Chicago and one in Dallas often quote within $100–$200/day of each other.

Where market matters: New York and Los Angeles DPs typically start higher because the overall cost of living and demand baseline is higher. But for out-of-market productions, using local crew in a secondary market eliminates travel and lodging costs — often more than offsetting any rate premium of flying in a known crew.

How to Build an Accurate Budget

Build your crew budget line by line:

List each role you need
Get a labor rate quote for each
Confirm what gear is included vs. what needs to come from a rental house
Add rental costs for any gaps
Account for mileage, parking, and any travel if the shoot location is far from crew home base

For a full cost breakdown guide, see how much does a video crew cost. To get a tailored estimate for your specific shoot, submit a brief and we'll provide crew options with transparent rate structures.

Video Crew Rates: What to Budget for Your Production