Villager Pro · Production Intelligence

The numbers behind
the numbers.

Rate breakdowns, fringe math, and budget strategy for commercial directors, DPs, and line producers who take the work seriously.

$900
Non-union gaffer day rate · LA market

What Does a Non-Union Gaffer Actually Cost on a Commercial?

A real breakdown of non-union gaffer rates in LA, fringe math at 24%, prep day costs, kit fees, and what the total hire actually costs on a 2-day shoot with 1 prep day.

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"Most producers know the day rate. Almost none of them know the fully loaded cost until the invoice arrives."

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Recent Posts

02

Union vs. Non-Union Crew on a $150K Commercial: Where the Money Actually Goes

Side-by-side fringe comparison across IATSE, Teamsters, and non-union hires. Spoiler: the gap is smaller than you think once you factor kit fees.

03

How to Build a 5% Contingency That Actually Holds

Where production budgets blow contingency before day one — and how to protect it on competitive bids.

04

Editorial Day Rates in 2025: What Editors Are Charging and Why

Current rate benchmarks from SF, LA, and remote-first editors. Plus: how to budget offline vs. online as separate line items.

05

ARRI ALEXA 35 vs. RED MONSTRO: The Real Cost Difference on a 3-Day Shoot

Camera package line items compared. Includes camera assistant rates, media costs, and DIT workflow implications for each system.