My $1,500 Documentary Lesson
Back in 2016, fresh out of college, I landed my first “big” film client.
I sent over a Google Form because I hated asking about money (still do, honestly). When it came back and the client checked the $1,000+ budget box, I was hyped. At that point, anything over $50 felt like a win.
I took the project—and in hindsight, the budget should’ve been $15K minimum.
I charged $1,500 for a feature-length documentary.I did the filming, audio, editing, and traveled across the South to make it happen.
Why?
Because I didn’t know any better.I didn’t understand my costs.I spent too much time feeling “bad” for charging “so much” and didn’t want to push higher. Based on my limited experience and gear at the time, $1,500 felt reasonable.
It wasn’t.
That project taught me more than any course ever could—but the tuition was brutal.
When I zoomed out and accounted for the hours spent driving, filming, editing, refining… I realized I made less than minimum wage.
Here’s why this matters:When you’re pricing yourself, ask for input. Ask people you trust. Hell, ask ChatGPT nowadays. Even if you’re new, your time still has value. What you’re doing is still a service.
You might come in cheaper than more established companies—and that’s okay.But you should never walk away from a paid project feeling like you had to pay to take it on.
What’s the lowest you’ve ever charged for something you should’ve 10x’d?(No judgment. We’ve all been there.)
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My $1,500 Documentary Lesson
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