I need some advice (composer wage)

[Ben Johnson]

I'm still very new at composing for film (only two feature length documentaries under my belt so far), and I was paid VERY modestly. I probably averaged about $5/hour on both projects. [:D] I'm not even exaggerating. I guess most of their budget was frittered away on post production work (mix at Skywalker Sound) and the "celebrity" voiceover talent.

Anyway, they loved my work and are now asking me how much I'd require for an upcoming project (another feature, no doubt). It seems like their budget will be a bit higher this time. So how much should one quote who hasn't paid ALL their dues yet, but isn't completely brand new to the scene?

[Nathan Allen Pinard]

They want you, so don't assume you are "new" or "inexperienced". Stay professional, but don't ask for too much.

Basically it depends on the budget of the film. Ask them what it is, then you can ask for a percentage which could be somewhere around 3-5% I believe. VI-control has some posts about it.

For instance, if the budget is 2mil, you should get no less than 25k (and that's low I believe)