What to charge for images to be used by TLC in a TV game show.

[robklurfield]

I just received an inquiry from a producer at TLC to use some of my images on cooking contest TV show. Apparently the show is featured a cook-off between some professional bakers. They're being asked to prepare a baked item modeled to resemble a giglio, which is a tower used in some Catholic communities to commemorate the life of particular saint. They're concerned that no one will know what a giglio looks like without my pix. Any suggestions about what, if anything this is worth? I've already asked for a screen credit on the show. Here's a few of the images for those of you who have no idea what a giglio is (I didn't myself until I went to view the festival for this thing in Williamsburg Brooklyn a year ago).

I don't think the producer picked the best images, but I'm happy to have the exposure.

The story is that the local church builds one of these every year. They have a big street fair where the main event is a group of strong men and a few strong ladies lift this several-ton structure on their shoulders and march it down the street. Apparently, there are a few of these festivals in the US and more of them in Europe, apparently mostly in Italy.

 

[robklurfield]

Bump. Anyone have advice? I am clueless what the going rate is for this kind of thing (frankly, I'm naive and flattered enough to give it away if I have to).

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Personally, unless you need the funds: Go for the Screen Credit! How cool is that.

Many years ago, I was asked by an Air Force officer how much I wanted for the pictures taken at an Air Show at their base. Told them just take them "Courtesy of the Navy".

 

[JayGannon]

Whats the audience numbers? Local, State or National Broadcast? Single use or multiple episodes?
(Very) rough figure would be in the region of 200 dollars per photo single use limited license. Give me more details and I can get you a better standard value.

 

[JayGannon]

Personally, unless you need the funds: Go for the Screen Credit! How cool is that.

Many years ago, I was asked by an Air Force officer how much I wanted for the pictures taken at an Air Show at their base. Told them just take them "Courtesy of the Navy".

Please don't do this, not charging devalues the industury for professionals attempting to make a meagre living off of it. Why pay someone when you can get it for free. At least charge a fair token amount.

 

[robklurfield]

Brian & Jay, thanks for the tips. Since this will neither make or break me, I'm inclined to ask for a combination of the token amount AND the screen credit.

More opinions on this are welcomed.

If you want to see my name on the silver screen, rent the 1982 Fred "The Hammer" Williamson action-karate-detective-blaxploitation film "One Down; Two to Go." Apprentice film editor. Big whoop. The movie is lousy, the editing bad and my name very tiny. The movie played for a about two weeks in a Times Square theater. Long ago and far away.

 

[JayGannon]

Well put it this way if they were to get an image from
http://srosenstock.photoshelter.com/image/I0000fvWx646vDcI
(Click on add to cart then select TV/Film and the relevant drop downs)
w
It would be 477 dollars per image, single use North American distribution.
If they were to go to Getty it would be more in the region of 800.
So do them a discount on that at say 200/300 and screen credit and the producer has saved on her budget and you've made a sale.

 

[robklurfield]

The show is called "The Next Great Baker."

Jay, I like your suggestion and am pitching a variation on this. Thanks for pulling that data for me. Very helpful.

 

[Ezzie]

And congratulations Rob. You are getting noticed these days, not for the first time. Good on you.

 

[JayGannon]

The show is called "The Next Great Baker."

Jay, I like your suggestion and am pitching a variation on this. Thanks for pulling that data for me. Very helpful.

No problem. Just be aware that the producer has a budget that will cover it, but they get a bonus if they come in under budget so will try and get it as low as possible. I have worked in TV/Film for a good few years and producers are a crafty bunch with money.

 

[Paul T.]

I've supplied still lifes for similar purposes, and Jay is bang on, they would be paying a minimum of £100/ $200 for brief usage on a small network, whatever you do don't give it away!

 

[robklurfield]

Thanks, Ezzie.

Jay and Paul, let's see what they can do. I'll report back.

 

[robklurfield]

a friend of mine who used to be on the buying side of this equation tells me that $250/per image single use sounds right given today's market.

 

[emraphoto]

that sounds like a fair number Rob. either way, jay has been giving pretty good advice so far.

 

[robklurfield]

emraphoto, thanks. always glad to get advice from you folks who are able to make a living at what I do for a hobby.

 

[Jack Conrad]

a friend of mine who used to be on the buying side of this equation tells me that $250/per image single use sounds right given today's market.

Yep. Sounds just right and I agree emphatically, "do not give your work away."

 

[robklurfield]

thanks, Jack.

 

[Frank Petronio]

They usually spend more money finding the right image than for the images themselves. Not saying that you could get more, just the way it is.

 

[robklurfield]

Frank, thanks.

If I get anything, I'm happy. I also am sensitive about not making easier for people to shortchange you pros by giving in easily.

 

[robklurfield]

Thanks, Shane.