How much do you charge?
We don’t have a standard set of prices because there are a lot of different considerations to take into account when preparing a quote. Factors that determine the cost include, but are not limited to, the size of your company, our current workload, the amount of interviews that must be set up, travel time, crew size, video length, when the deadline for completion is, what additional assets your video may need (voiceover, graphics, music, etc), and who the final audience will be.
Where are you based?
DreamCity Cinema, LLC is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but we’ll work with anyone, anywhere.
Why don’t you post your prices online?
We don’t use a flat pricing model because it does not benefit smaller clients. We like to take on projects of any size, but we can’t charge a small company the same price for a thirty second video intended for a small audience that we would for a national client making a thirty second national TV commercial. We take a holistic approach to pricing.
How long should I expect to wait for my video, after shooting?
We average a two to five-week turnaround, but this is largely based on the level of feedback we get from the client and how quickly additional assets are supplied.
Do you provide wedding videography services?
We do, but there is a catch. We are selective about what weddings we take on. We realized early on that shooting weddings every weekend quickly led to burnout. Being selective allowed us to put more of our heart and soul into capturing the wedding than we would doing weddings on a regular basis. If you are interested in hiring us for your wedding, we’d love to talk with you. If we are unable to take on your special, we have plenty of great colleagues to recommend.
Do you charge sales tax?
Yes, unless your company is exempt.
How far are you willing to travel?
There is no limit to where we’ll travel. Most of our work is in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area. However, we have traveled or worked with clients as far as Ireland, Los Angeles, Chicago, Texas, and Florida.
What guarantees can you offer?
If you aren’t satisfied with your video, we will offer to reshoot at no additional cost.
Do you provide voiceovers, music, and graphics?
We do! We source voiceovers from a variety of places. For music, we have a library membership. Lastly, for graphics, we create those in-house. Whether your video needs custom composed music or stock footage, we have the means to provide whatever your project needs.
What happens if my footage is lost?
If footage is lost, we will reshoot at no additional cost. Note: this has never happened in nearly a decade of client work.
How large is your crew?
This is dependent on the needs of your project. A skeleton crew involves the director, a gaffer, and audio operator. Most shoots involve 3-10 people. For national TV commercials, we can employ up to 50 people.
How does the revision process work?
Once we create a rough cut, we will upload it to a revision platform. This service will allow you to view the cut and leave comments on the video. You and your team can reply to each other’s comments, and even download the file to your hard drive. The video will remain private and no other person or party will be given access.
How many times am I allowed to revise my video?
Most projects usually get revised three times, but we are flexible with clients. As long as the video has not yet been audio mixed, we are flexible with the revision process and will not charge for additional revisions.
What’s the best way to set up a meeting?
Send us a message on our contact form.
Are you able to provide subtitles?
Absolutely! We can also provide language translations, if requested, for an additional fee.
What rights to the video do I have?
When payment is received and processed, all rights will be released in perpetuity to the client. Note: This does not include raw footage. We also reserve the right to post the video to our social media channels and/or website. If for any reason you do not wish for us to do so, please let us know as soon as possible.
How can I access my raw footage?
Raw footage can be accessed at an additional fee of 30% of the total fee for creating the video. This includes the time spent for preparation, release of copyright, hard drive costs, and shipping. Most clients do not need access to the raw footage unless it’s a special project.
Do you use a teleprompter?
We sure do. Our clients love them because it removes the pressure of having to memorize lines or talk on the fly. We have found it takes subjects about thirty minutes to an hour to really get the hang of using it. They usually practice while we set up lights and sound equipment.
Do you outsource any of your labor?
Most of the heavy-lifting is done by Adam Orton and his creative partners and work relationships. For 90% of the project, you’ll be in direct contact with Orton throughout the process. 10% of the time may be spent on hiring outside vendors such as voiceover artists. For all intents and purposes, your video will be edited, colored, and mixed here in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Do you provide drone services?
We sure do. DreamCity Cinema is part 107 certified!
What is a Part 107 drone certification?
Many people don’t know this, but you are not allowed to use a drone for commercial work without a remote pilot license. Commercial work means flying for compensation or for any purpose other than “recreational flying.” You are allowed to fly a drone for fun, essentially, but any other purpose requires a part 107 license with the FAA.
While many video companies have gotten away with charging for drone operation without a license, they are breaking the law. Most importantly, they are a safety hazard to you, themselves, and the general public. Becoming a certified drone operator requires roughly five weeks of study culminating in a test at an FAA-authorized location. Education involves learning how to avoid manned aircraft, flying in restricted airspace, reading charts, and the correct safety procedures to avoid catastrophic accidents.
Due to the irresponsible and unsafe actions of drone operators who are not properly licensed, the FAA is cracking down on the drone industry and implementing new restrictions that unfortunately will have a negative impact on safe, licensed fliers. You can help prevent further action, however. The next time you hire drone operator, make sure to ask to see their Part 107 license. If they do not have one, do not hire them!
What do you mean by a “full service” video production company?
It means DreamCity Cinema does everything from writing the scripts all the way to mixing the audio and exporting the final video.
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
We are always able to cancel a shoot with little to no notice or cost. However, if any costs have already been accrued, such as travel and lodging fare or compensation to our sub-contractors, these fees are non-refundable. It’s worth noting that we have never had a client ask for a refund. If a client is not happy with the project, we will keep working with them until we achieve their objectives