How do you handle pricing when clients ask for 'all rights' to your video work?

Great question! When a client asks for 'all rights' (or a buyout), you're essentially selling your copyright and any future licensing potential. This is a common practice in corporate and commercial work. Here's how I handle it:

1. **Base rate + buyout fee**: Start with your normal production rate (time, gear, editing). Then add a buyout fee on top. A typical range is 50-100% of your base rate, but it depends on the project's value. For a corporate video that you'd normally charge $1,000 for, a buyout might add $500-$1,000.

2. **Scope of rights**: Define exactly what 'all rights' means in the contract. For example, does it include unlimited usage in perpetuity? On all media? Can they resell the footage to others? Make sure it's clear.

3. **Contract essentials**: Include a clause that states the transfer of rights only occurs after full payment. Also, specify that you retain the right to use the work in your portfolio (unless they pay extra for exclusivity). Many clients are fine with that.

4. **Don't undervalue**: Remember, you're giving up future income. If you think the video might be used for a long time or across multiple platforms, charge accordingly.

For reference, check out the American Society of Media Photographers' pricing calculator—it's for photographers but gives a good framework for usage-based pricing.

Hope that helps!

Thanks, that makes sense. I think I was overthinking it. I'll definitely ask for a 75% buyout fee on top of my base rate, but I'll also make sure to include a clause that I can still use it in my reel. The client is a local nonprofit, so they might be on a tight budget. Do you think I should offer a discount if they agree to let me use it for portfolio? Or is that a bad precedent?