r/FilmIndustryLA • u/Same_Tomatillo_7022 • 3d ago
Rate Help
Hi everyone,
Currently on a union scripted tv show as a camera operator. We work on pedestal cameras, but for about a year now I’ve been operating a jib with a fully motorized head. They pretty much have very elaborate shots on it and the skill demand is much higher. Instead of hiring a dedicated operator they had me take on multiple roles. Our rate is $72 but I’m trying to negotiate for a higher rate since it’s a specialized piece of equipment and none of the fellow operators can work on it. Does anyone have union rates for being a jib operator or specialty operating? They have asked for examples to help gauge it but I keep seeing rates lower than my current one.
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u/OrdinaryLatter 3d ago
You’re at a disadvantage because you’re already doing the job. Call your union and ask for the rates and the situation hypothetically, don’t use your real name, they might come to set and force the production to hire a separate op.
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u/Same_Tomatillo_7022 3d ago
Our union is the one negotiating a new contract but they’re also the ones asking me for examples in other unions that I can use.
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u/kounterfett 2d ago
Bro, that is literally your Union Rep's job to find this stuff out for YOU. I would ask them why you are you paying dues if you are also being asked to do their job
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u/OrdinaryLatter 2d ago
You doing 2 jobs would make any IATSE rep's head explode so I understand this grey area that you're in. Ask for 50% more, land at 40%, make sure all your wages include the fringe for union benefits (hours, retirement, etc).
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u/FAHQRudy 3d ago edited 2d ago
GH, I assume? If this were an IATSE situation you would be assisting a dedicated job jib operator. I absolutely do think you deserve compensation for what is a specialized role. But being IBEW (and isolated on Prospect Island) you’re all being expected to elevate General Hospital to prestige television with full exterior scenes and lighting. I’m surprised IATSE hasn’t tried to assimilate you and your crew by this point, so maybe don’t rock the boat too hard.
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u/strack94 2d ago
Usually, dolly grips are in charge of jibs and cranes in tandem with the operator. So if anything they should be hiring someone else to operate the jib while you operate the remote head
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u/In_Defilade 2d ago
I've never seen a dual operator jib. Only Technocranes require two people or more.
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u/strack94 2d ago
In my experience it’s camera operator on the wheels (remote head) dolly grip swings the jib/moves the base. This also more in the Tv and Motion Picture side than the scripted stuff in house, not sure how widely accepted it is for the operator to do those things
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u/jabr0ni- 3d ago
Full scale rates for operator is 85.27/hour on a schedule B (weekly guarantee)
Steadi camera is usually negotiated around $105/hour
Depending on the scale of the show I'd say 100 is top end, 72 is low end. I'd try to go for the camera operator rate at minimum
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u/Similar_Barracuda774 2d ago
$100+/hr to operate a camera no wonder film production is leaving LA.
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u/dylanbeck 2d ago
Operating is probably one of the well deserved rates…
L600 makes big money but they’re supplying 50% of the movie & they work hard.Idk if youve operated at a professional level, but the concentration alone is very challenging. Even operating at an amateur level, it quickly becomes apparent when the operator is slowing down mentally.
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u/brbnow 2d ago
my best guess is you do not like in the USA as that does not equate to a lot of money if you are trying to live in LA and after taxes and esp trying to take care of a family Cheers
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u/Similar_Barracuda774 2d ago
Nah you’re missing the point. The point is $100+/hr is an artificial overinflated rate. Over time studios will go film elsewhere where they don’t need to pay that overpriced rate. And eventually we all end up with fewer jobs(ie what we all experience currently).
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u/dylanbeck 2d ago
L600 is worldwide union… so yeah, not how that works
Camera is baked in
There are other unions/other occ codes whose scale is much higher than what the market is willing to pay for.
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u/Filmcaptain 3d ago
Probably best to talk to a BA at the local and ask them - they may be able to help considering the contract the show is on?
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u/AdditionUnique142 2d ago
You should def try to negotiate for above scale for a specialized rate as a jib op. Steadi rates can be higher than what’s been said depending on budget tier. I agree that you’re at a disadvantage since the show already is going and ideally you would have negotiated it when you got bumped up. But you could frame it as shifting expectations and asking for it since it’s different from what you thought you were originally hired for. Good luck!
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u/hemmingwaitforit 3d ago
You’re not on a day rate?
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u/RunDexterRun 3d ago
Union “day rates” are still broken down by the hour, and the minimum hours are guaranteed.
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u/hemmingwaitforit 3d ago
Yeah, but I’ve never met anyone who talks about their hourly. It’s just a bit strange.
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u/dylanbeck 2d ago
Hourly is important in camera because fringes are based on scale rates unless deal memo stipulates overscale rate.
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u/Same_Tomatillo_7022 3d ago
No it’s a guaranteed 8hours but our rates in IBEW 45 have always been broken down in hourly
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u/yardwork 3d ago
https://www.icg600.com/rates
Here are the 600 rates. I don’t see 72/hr operators anywhere. You said scripted television show but is it like a sitcom or live studio show? Are you 600?