Freelance Animation Rates

[motionmilitia]

Hello all... there was a brief discussion on animation rates on the old forum. Unfortunately we lost all those posts. Anyhow, I do quite a bit of freelance, but the issue is always the same... How much should I charge this guy?! (or girl).
Typically my rates vary depending on the complexity of the project and the client's budget... but what would YOU say is the standard rate per second? Also is there a large difference depending on whether its traditional, Flash or 3D? Thanks for all your help!

[Larry L.]

Hello.

Are we talking commercials?

Educational and Industrial?

I figure you don't mean TV or Feature film work.

Thanks

[Daniel Poeira]

Here in Brazil we never get decent payment because people don't give enough value to the work of animation. They think it's all very easy and quick to do and that any kid could do it. So usually we have to charge by how much the client is willing to pay, and explain to them that we won't deliver more than what he's paying.

In São Paulo, peoloe charge 150 reais for a second of full 2d animation. That would be 50 dollars. According to John Hala's book, that was the rate that people used in the US and UK... back in 1970!!!!!

[motionmilitia]

The majority of the work I have been getting are usually short pilots or animated trailers for indiviuals aspiring to pitch or sale their shows. Are there any helpful books or other resources on this topic? Thanks!

...50 dollars a second?! Oh my... sorry to hear that!

[phacker]

Times are tough. Depends on how hungry you are.

[DreamFollower]

This is the advice one of my previous professors (who also freelances) gave me:

"Figure out what is the length of the sequence and to what level is the animation. My suggestion is to break down everything into individual tasks i.e. modeling, rigging, animation, rendering for each, if there is lip sync or other things too make sure to include all of the things needed to be created and the time to do it, be very specific. Find out what your total time will be, and be realistic about how long you think it will take. Multiply it by a rate that you would like to earn per hour, then double it.

You will off on your guess on the times that is why you double it.

This is how you should work out any job to save your ass and get what you deserve. I quote this way too. Don't undersell yourself as you will end up killing yourself for little money."

No matter what, it's great that you have the freelance work!

[motionmilitia]

Great advice! Thanks!

[Animated Ape]

You can check out this site http://www.mpsc839.org/_Home/home_FRM1.html
to get a rough estimate of the industry scales in LA. It's by the week, but I think they also give a formula to break it down into "feet," which is 16 frames.

Good advice Erin. I also suggest, not only doubling the price quote, but also the time you estimate it will take you. Also sign a contract with them, even if you just write it up in Word and print it out. And get half of your payment up front as "starting Fees" and they pay you the rest upon delievery. This will weed out the not so serious people.

Good luck Motion.

[bluehickey]

well, no one has yet to say specifically what rate they charge, so I'll be the first to volunteer my info: I charge $50.00 an hour for flash animation and illustration work. The company I work for (3D modeling and animation) charges $100.00 an hour as their rate.

I figure how many hours the project will take me to do, then double it for client changes and fixes, then multiply that times the $50.00 hourly rate and that's how I com up with my price/bid.

I'm actually thinking about upping my rate to $70.00 or so an hour.

[Larry L.]

Here. Enjoy this budget breakdown...

[motionmilitia]

This is all really helpful! Thanks guys! ...think it's time to up my rates! :)