Professional filming of safari. Price?

[mark-hunter]

Hi guys!
So, many of you took a professional filming of your safari.

While I am at early stages of planning next safari, there is not much discussions about this on the forum. That brings me to next question(s).

So, basic question is / are:
- What is average cost per day of having a camera man documenting your safari in a professional way?
- Are there companies providing this service, or is it sometimes and add on on offer by specific outfit?
- How did you manage or choose this?
- Any other advice?

 

[Kharn]

'African Safari Films' - "African Safari Films specializes in capturing your adventure as it unfolds"

African Safari Films

African Safari Films. 91,291 likes · 373 talking about this. African Safari Films specialises in capturing your adventure as it unfolds

www.facebook.com

Never used them only seen them (or anyone) but I have the same interest as you here.

 

[Sabre]

I have seen some outfitters offer the service. The ones I have seen seem to list prices between $3,000-$5,000 for a 10 day safari.

When I looked up companies that exclusively film, the rates were higher than that, in part because they had in their contracts that you had to pay for their stay with the outfitter which of course adds to the cost. And also some had travel cost in addition to that.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

African Safari Films, Morgan Harris. I used them in 2021, very reasonable rates and the quality of footage was excellent. Thinking about using them again this June for a safari I am planning. Recent quote was very reasonable.

 

[DieJager]

I used HP ( Hannes Pienaar) productions based in South Africa for my Kalahari hunt in 2022. I payed 400 dollar a day included editing etc.

Great company and high quality productions. They shoot videos all around the world for clients. Take a look at their website and Instagram.

But definitely talk to your outfitter because they sometimes have their own preferences for companies they use.

Also ask them to make a photobook. Save yourself the time and troubles. That is what I did.

 

[Field28]

Ryhss at RnG Bush films, formally Nyala Republic is independent. He can do anything you want. His shooting is great as well as his editing. You won't see power lines or fences, shadows etc, he's pretty meticulous with his work but very easy going to shoot with.

I can put you in touch with him if you want.

 

[Field28]

Home - Nyala Republic Bush Films

Since its inception in 2017, Nyala Republic has been immersed in the dynamic realm of the bush, leveraging its profound understanding of the wilderness and

nyalarepublic.com

Based in Eastern Cape but works all over.

Short video from the Caprivi last year.

 

[Field28]

Home - Nyala Republic Bush Films

Since its inception in 2017, Nyala Republic has been immersed in the dynamic realm of the bush, leveraging its profound understanding of the wilderness and

nyalarepublic.com

Based in Eastern Cape but works all over.

Short video from the Caprivi last year

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

I thought long and hard before committing to spending $325 a day for Vaughan Vosloo of
Untamed Knife and TV Company to video my recent tuskless hunt. Last of the big spenders, right?

Hiring Vaughan was the best decision I made all year! What a great guy, excellant videographer, silent in the bush fellow. I really enjoyed him being part of my hunt. Here is the hunt report with still photos.
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/zimbabwe-tuskless-elephant-with-ph-johnny-russell.97503/

I confirmed Vaughan's rates are in US Dollars,

• $325 per day with a 6 to 7 day minimum.
• Transportation costs to and from the hunt location are the hunter's responsibility.
  • Vaughan has filmed in many African countries.
• Any camp lodging/feeding fees an operator may charge are also the hunter's responsibility.

This is the link to the Untamed YouTube channel

Untamed TV

UNTAMED is a YouTube hunting series that supports ethical and sustainable utilization of wildlife. We aim to produce the absolute best quality films. Season 2 will revolutionize regular quality hunting videos in Africa. Joined with Dalton & York Safaris we have got exciting adventures coming...

www.youtube.com

The Untamed Knives (and TV) website is easy to find with their name and a Google search...

My tuskless hunt video is in process. Vaughan would have had it completed a month or two ago but he was down with malaria. It's Africa!

Vaughan was great to work with. I had my video story-boarded in my mind. It would be my video after all! Day one I sat down with Vaughan to discuss what I envisioned. He thought about my desires for a day and said to me, "I know exactly what you want!"

I brought my trusty Nikon mirrorless camera with me and during our scouting in the Cruiser, I shot a thousand still photos. I downloaded them for Vaughan and he used some in his social media posts and will incorporate others in my video. No ego there. Rather, Vaughan picked up on what photography ability I have and was appreciative for it!

 

[bashaw]

Ryhss at RnG Bush films, formally Nyala Republic is independent. He can do anything you want. His shooting is great as well as his editing. You won't see power lines or fences, shadows etc, he's pretty meticulous with his work but very easy going to shoot with.

I can put you in touch with him if you want.

I’ll 2nd that

 

[Sabre]

I confirmed Vaughan's rates are in US Dollars,

• $325 per day with a 6 to 7 day minimum.
• Transportation costs to and from the hunt location are the hunter's responsibility.
  • Vaughan has filmed in many African countries.
• Any camp lodging/feeding fees an operator may charge are also the hunter's responsibility.

(@Mark A Ouellette this isn't directed at you, just using your comment because it shows the extra fees to take into account as well)

I feel like this is where it gets so much more expensive for a dedicated filming company. A lot of outfitters that have people that film hunts are about the same daily rate, but since it's their staff, you aren't paying for travel each way and then paying the observer fee for room and lodging for the other person.

But, just like the filming companies, if they do a good job filming and editing or not is going to vary based on the outfitter.
Same as it does the individual filming company.

Whoever OP goes with, I would just suggest watching a lot of their full length videos if possible. Because one good video might not be indicative of a consistent good product, and it can be a decent size investment with day rate, observer fee (room/board), and travel costs.

 

[DieJager]

(@Mark A Ouellette this isn't directed at you, just using your comment because it shows the extra fees to take into account as well)

I feel like this is where it gets so much more expensive for a dedicated filming company. A lot of outfitters that have people that film hunts are about the same daily rate, but since it's their staff, you aren't paying for travel each way and then paying the observer fee for room and lodging for the other person.

But, just like the filming companies, if they do a good job filming and editing or not is going to vary based on the outfitter.
Same as it does the individual filming company.

Whoever OP goes with, I would just suggest watching a lot of their full length videos if possible. Because one good video might not be indicative of a consistent good product, and it can be a decent size investment with day rate, observer fee (room/board), and travel costs.

This is something I omitted and good of @Sabre to point out. If they ( the outfitter) work with a certain crew or it is their own most of the time you can work sometime out. I didn't have to pay for the stay off the film crew because I stated the outfitter could use my video for promotional work. But if I insisted on another company they would ask observer fees.

Also you have to pay for travel expenses as stated.

 

[godwincp]

are you expected to tip the camera guy like everyone else in Africa and if so what are the guidelines/suggestions. I have not used one before but was considering it. Thanks

 

[mark-hunter]

@godwincp
Good point!

@Others: Suggestions?

 

[Field28]

are you expected to tip the camera guy like everyone else in Africa and if so what are the guidelines/suggestions. I have not used one before but was considering it. Thanks

Maybe if you hire one of the larger services. The individual that I mentioned previously doesn't expect it.

 

[Philip Glass]

Hi guys!
So, many of you took a professional filming of your safari.

While I am at early stages of planning next safari, there is not much discussions about this on the forum. That brings me to next question(s).

So, basic question is / are:
- What is average cost per day of having a camera man documenting your safari in a professional way?
- Are there companies providing this service, or is it sometimes and add on on offer by specific outfit?
- How did you manage or choose this?
- Any other advice?

1. $350-500/day. There may or may not be an additional editing fee. Big tip expected at the end of the safari before the video is produced.(not sure why).
2. First call is to your outfitter to see if they have a videographer that they work with.
3. Must ask outfitter what his charge is for the videographer being in camp. At times this can be a trade for a promo video.
4. It is a personal decision. Just keep in mind it is an expensive one.
I'm glad to answer other questions that you may have.

 

[mark-hunter]

I have a friend, professional photographer. If comes along to make video, I suppose he is charged as observer?

 

[Firebird]

Agreed with what Philip said-It would be wise to talk to your ph ahead of time and see if they recommend someone or have a connection somewhere. Also your ph must feed, house and otherwise accommodate the camera person.
I enjoyed the cameraman in camp. Our guy was part of the team, not just a cameraman. He had much to offer pertaining to culture, species, social life and hunting.

This can be good advertising for the ph as well.
I think I paid 300-400 usd per day, and I did tip him at the end-he deserved more than I could give him.
This was a good experience, I hope I can do it again on my next trip.

 

[godwincp]

Phillip what’s your definition of “a big tip”? I know tipping is subjective but it can’t be more than a dangerous game tracker who makes $30-50 per day— can it? Thank you

 

[Betterinthebush]

Phillip what’s your definition of “a big tip”? I know tipping is subjective but it can’t be more than a dangerous game tracker who makes $30-50 per day— can it? Thank you

Some of these guys are real assets and more than a few are PH’s in their own right. Safari Classics did a review of a leopard hunt that went wrong in several ways and the camera man picked up the PH’s rifle after he was mauled, tracked down the cat and dusted it off.

I was advised by @Mark A Ouellette on tipping. For the service and value of product it will not bother me to tip Vaughan well considering everything he brings to the table and the quality of his production.