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Do Professional Cameras refuse to work for free or Why Videographers charge "Camera Fees"?

Recently we have issued a video production quote for the new project of one of our cherished hospitality clients. When getting back to us with feedback they mentioned they have a new CFO on board who's curious about the "Camera Fees" item in our quotation and what does it cover. Let's help them understand! 😊


1. Initial Investment: High-quality production equipment can be very expensive. Cameras, lighting equipment, sound gear, and other necessary tools can cost thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The equipment fee helps the production house recoup this initial investment over time.


2. Maintenance and Repairs: Equipment undergoes wear and tear, especially with regular use. Maintenance ensures that the equipment remains in top working condition. Sometimes, parts need replacement or repairs, which can be costly.



3. Upgrades: The world of production technology is always evolving. To stay competitive and provide the best quality output, production houses need to upgrade their equipment periodically. The fees they charge help fund these upgrades.


4. Operational Costs: Storing, transporting and insuring equipment can be expensive. These operational costs are often factored into the equipment fees.


5. Expertise and Training: Using high-end video production equipment often requires specialized knowledge. We invest in training our staff to use the equipment proficiently. This training cost is often passed on to the client as part of the equipment fee.


6. Depreciation: Just like any other asset, production equipment depreciates over time. Charging an equipment fee helps the production house account for this depreciation.


7. Insurance: Production equipment is valuable and can be prone to theft or damage. Production houses often insure their equipment, and the premiums for such insurance can be substantial. Part of the equipment fee may go towards covering these insurance costs.


8. Profit Margin: Like any other business, production houses aim to make a profit. The equipment fee not only covers the direct costs associated with the equipment but also contributes to the company's overall profitability.


9. Specialized Equipment: Sometimes, a particular production might require specialized equipment that the production house doesn't own. In such cases, they might need to rent it from another provider. The cost of this rental, along with a markup for the inconvenience and management, is passed on to the client.


10. Ensuring Availability: By charging for equipment, production houses can ensure that they have the necessary gear available when needed. If equipment was provided for free or at a significantly reduced cost, it might be overbooked or overused, leading to potential availability issues.



In essence, the equipment fee is a way for us as Video Production company to ensure we can continue to provide high-quality services, maintain and upgrade our equipment, and remain financially viable.


If you have any questions regarding Video Production, Equipment Rental or Studio Rental in Bangkok just drop us a line and we'll be happy to provide advice on the matter and offer the best studio and equipment rental prices in Bangkok!


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