Cinematographer
Daily-Crew ergänzt mein Kern-Team an intensiven Drehtagen. Ich achte darauf, dass Dailies gut gebrieft werden und unsere Arbeitsweise kennen.
Crew member employed on a day-to-day basis rather than for the entire production – paid a daily rate and typically hired for specific shooting days when additional crew is needed, common for specialized positions or peak workload periods.
What is a Daily?
A Daily (Tages-Beschäftigung) is a crew member hired on a day-to-day basis rather than for the entire production. Dailies are booked for specific shooting days when additional personnel are needed or specialized skills are required.
Types of Employment Compared
| Type | Duration | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Individual days | Per day |
| Weekly | Weekly | Weekly rate |
| Run-of-Show | Entire production | Project flat fee |
| Flat Deal | Agreed period | Fixed amount |
Who is Hired as a Daily?
| Position | Typical Situation |
|---|---|
| Additional Grips | Large setups |
| Extra Electricians | Complex lighting |
| Specialists | Steadicam, Drone, etc. |
| PA (Additional) | Crowd days |
| Stunt Crew | Action days |
Advantages for Production
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Book as needed |
| Cost Control | Pay only when necessary |
| Specialization | Experts for specific days |
| Scalability | Adjust crew size |
Disadvantages for Production
| Disadvantage | Description |
|---|---|
| No Continuity | Changing personnel |
| Onboarding | New each time |
| Availability | Not guaranteed |
| Communication | More coordination |
Advantages for Crew
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Higher Daily Rates | Often above weekly equivalent |
| Flexibility | Own schedule |
| Variety | Different productions |
| Networking | Many contacts |
Disadvantages for Crew
| Disadvantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Uncertainty | No guarantee |
| Gaps | Between bookings |
| Benefits | Often none |
| Career | Less advancement |
Daily Rates (Orientation)
| Position | Daily Rate (DE) |
|---|---|
| Grip | €200–€350 |
| Electrician | €200–€350 |
| PA | €120–€180 |
| Specialist | €400–€800+ |
Booking Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Determine Need | Check schedule |
| Inquiry | Via phone/email |
| Confirmation | Deal memo |
| Call Sheet | With details |
| Wrap | Time tracking |
Deal Memo for Dailies
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Exact title |
| Date | Which days |
| Rate | Daily rate |
| Kit | Equipment allowance |
| OT | Overtime policy |
Overtime
| Region | Policy |
|---|---|
| Germany | According to collective agreement |
| USA (Union) | After 8/10 hours |
| UK | Buy-out or OT |
Daily vs. Weekly - Cost Example
| Scenario | Daily | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Days Work | 3× Daily Rate | 1× Weekly |
| Break-Even | ~4 days | = Weekly |
| 5+ Days | More expensive | Cheaper |
When to Use Dailies?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Few days needed | Daily |
| Specialized | Daily |
| Full shoot | Weekly/Run |
| Unforeseen | Daily on call |
Administrative Aspects
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Contract | Deal memo |
| Taxes | Freelancer status |
| Insurance | Production coverage |
| Billing | Per day |
Cultural Differences
| Region | Practice |
|---|---|
| USA | Very common, union rules |
| UK | Common, BECTU rates |
| Germany | Less common, collective agreement |
| France | Intermittent system |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Book early | Secure availability |
| Briefing | Explain workflow |
| Stay in touch | For future bookings |
| Pay fairly | Reputation, quality |
Today
Daily employment is an integral part of film production. The flexibility allows productions to adjust crew strength as needed, while freelancers benefit from variety and often higher daily rates – a win-win structure that shapes the industry.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Dailies bringen manchmal frische Energie, aber ich bevorzuge kontinuierliche Crew für konsistente Qualität. Bei Spezialaufgaben sind sie unverzichtbar.
Producer
Dailies sind Budget-Optimierung – ich zahle nur für Tage, an denen ich sie brauche. Die Balance zwischen Kern-Crew und Dailies bestimmt die Kostenstruktur.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Directing · Beschäftigung
Day Player / Daily Player
Actor hired for a single day or small number of days rather than as a series regular or…
Production · Verträge
Weekly
Production · Terms
Run of Show / ROS / Run-of-Show Contract
Production · Roles
Production Coordinator
Production · Roles
Line Producer
The production executive responsible for managing the budget and schedule of a film…
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Was beschreibt „Tages-Beschäftigung / Tagesgage" am besten?
2. Zu welchem Department gehört „Tages-Beschäftigung / Tagesgage"?
3. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?