Cinematographer
Als Weekly habe ich Sicherheit über die Produktionszeit. Der Wochensatz ist pro Tag günstiger, aber ich bin für die gesamte Woche gebunden – auch für Prep und Meetings.
Employment arrangement where crew members are hired and paid at a weekly rate rather than daily – typically offers lower per-day cost in exchange for guaranteed minimum number of work days, commonly used for key positions throughout production period.
What is Weekly?
Weekly refers to a form of employment where crew members are hired at a weekly rate instead of a daily rate. It offers lower effective daily costs in exchange for guaranteed availability over a defined period.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Weekly employment |
| Rate | Weekly wage |
| Commitment | Full week |
| Duration | Production period |
Vs. Daily
| Aspect | Weekly | Daily |
|---|---|---|
| Rate | Per week | Per day |
| Effective/Day | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Flexibility | Lower | Higher |
| Guarantee | Whole week | Day by day |
Typical Weekly Positions
| Department | Positions |
|---|---|
| Camera | DP, 1st AC |
| G&E | Gaffer, Key Grip |
| Art | Production Designer |
| Sound | Mixer |
Calculation
| Element | Factor |
|---|---|
| Basis | Daily Rate × 5 |
| Discount | -10% to -20% |
| Guarantee | 5-6 days |
| Overtime | By the hour |
Standard Structure
| Days | Description |
|---|---|
| 5 Days | Standard week |
| 6 Days | With premium |
| 7 Days | Double premium |
| Prep/Wrap | Often included |
Overtime
| Situation | Regulation |
|---|---|
| After 10/12h | Time and a half |
| After 14/16h | Double time |
| 6th Day | Time and a half |
| 7th Day | Double time |
Advantages for Production
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost Certainty | Predictable expenses |
| Availability | Guaranteed |
| Simpler | Less paperwork |
| Cheaper | For a full week |
Advantages for Crew
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Income Security | Guaranteed days |
| Stability | Longer-term work |
| Planning | Calendar secured |
| Benefits | On studio productions |
Disadvantages for Production
| Disadvantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Inflexible | If schedule changes |
| Costs | If shooting is canceled |
| Commitment | Long-term |
| Hold Days | Are paid |
Disadvantages for Crew
| Disadvantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Tied down | No other jobs |
| Rate | Lower per day |
| Overtime | Harder to account for |
| Flexibility | Limited |
Hold Days
| Type | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Production Hold | Fully paid |
| Weather Day | Per contract |
| Personal Hold | Negotiated |
| Force Majeure | Special arrangement |
Deal Points
| Element | Negotiation |
|---|---|
| Rate | Weekly wage |
| Guarantee | Minimum weeks |
| Overtime | Trigger point |
| Kit | Additional |
Kit Rental
| Combination | Common |
|---|---|
| Separate | Kit extra |
| Inclusive | All-in rate |
| Hybrid | Base + Kit |
| Flat | Lump sum |
Contract Duration
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Run-of-Show | Entire production |
| Weekly Hold | Week by week |
| Term | Defined period |
| On-Call | As needed |
Unions (USA)
| Guild | Weekly Rules |
|---|---|
| IATSE | Local agreements |
| DGA | Minimum scales |
| SAG | Performer rates |
| Teamsters | Transportation rates |
Germany
| Aspect | Standard |
|---|---|
| Common | Weekly wage |
| Contract | Fixed-term |
| Social Contributions | Employer |
| KSK | For freelancers |
Indie Productions
| Aspect | Practice |
|---|---|
| Rates | Negotiated |
| Flexibility | More |
| Paperwork | Less |
| Risk | Higher |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| In writing | Clear agreement |
| Overtime clear | No surprises |
| Start/End | Defined |
| Kit separate | Transparency |
Today
Weekly employment remains standard for core positions in film production. The balance between weekly and daily is an important budget tool that producers plan carefully. With increasing demand for experienced crew members, weekly rates are becoming increasingly competitive to secure talent for longer production periods.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Weekly-Verträge für mein Kernteam geben mir Stabilität. Ich weiß, dass meine wichtigsten Mitarbeiter während der gesamten Produktion verfügbar sind.
Producer
Weeklies sind ein wichtiges Budgetwerkzeug. Der niedrigere Tagessatz spart Geld, während wir die Verfügbarkeit von Schlüsselpersonal garantieren. Die Balance zwischen Daily und Weekly ist entscheidend für die Budgetplanung.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Weekly / Wochenbeschäftigung / Wochengage"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?