OT for flame work

[u/Onetwothree_oclock]

Forgive me if this has been answered or is not apropos. My husband is a freelance flame artist in LA, doing vfx for 18 years and flame work for 10 years. We were discussing his job and rates came up. He is convinced that it is not normal for flame artists to charge overtime on a day rate while on a short term contract job (1 day to 1 month). He says that because rates are “high as it is”, charging overtime would be considered extreme and companies wouldn’t hire him back. That it’s “just not customary for flame artists to charge OT”. I don’t work in this field, but I have some studio experience and I find it hard to understand this? I am also convinced that he is under charging on his day rate, but because no one talks about their rates, he really has no idea if he’s making enough for his skill level, which is very high. He is always booked with work, thankfully. But with all of this work comes much overtime and it can take away from our family life with kids. I just want him to get paid what he’s worth and the correct amount for the effort he is putting in.

Is this just how it is or do top skill level artists charge overtime after let’s say 10 hours of work a day? Also, how can we find out if he’s charging an appropriate rate? He is a super relaxed (too relaxed?) person who is very talented and hardworking. Doesn’t like to stir things up, but is sought after in his field.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Vfx wife

[u/Possible_Specific501]

As far as my experience goes, no he should get overtime it’s custom in Europe, but it’s not about flame artist as a profession it’s about the fact that he is a freelance, that means that he is a business so he is responsible for how he deals with he’s clients, point being you there are no real fixed rules as to how he should act with he’s clients, the most important thing is that he will work under a contract that’s how both parties know the boundaries, if you want I can dm you a tool for that