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| Budget |
Budgets for single-channel
video exhibitions or screenings vary greatly. A range of
factors, including the length of the screening or exhibition,
the exhibition, format, and the number and kind of works involved
all play a role in the budget. Video rental fees, technical
production fees, equipment costs, technical staff, and packing
and shipping expenses should be taken into consideration when
budgeting for a media exhibition. The following is an outline
of the kinds of costs that one can anticipate. Loan and Rental Fees Fees for the rental or loan of single-channel video works for exhibitions or screenings vary depending on where works are acquired and the intended use. Distributors typically charge rental fees, a percentage of which is paid to the artist. Fees are specific to artist, title, media format, and usage. (For example, a one-day exhibition fee for a work on DVCAM or DVD from EAI typically ranges from $100 to $350. An extended exhibition rental may range from $700 to $1,700. For a classroom screening, the fee for a VHS rental may range from $50 to $125). Although galleries may have different fee arrangements, it is always sound practice to budget for a fee to the artists. Production Fees Production fees may include technical costs for creating compilation reels, as well as special format requests. Communicate with the distributor or gallery from which you will rent or borrow your exhibition copies to review what is permitted and the proper procedures. You will encounter a wide spectrum of prices for services such as DVD authoring and compilation reel editing. It is critical to work with a reputable duplication house to ensure high-quality results. It may be useful to contact other exhibitors in your area for recommendations. (A list of duplication houses is also provided in the Resource section of this Resource Guide.) Exhibition Equipment Equipment may include playback hardware, display devices (projectors or monitors), audio hardware, and cables. Depending on the duration of your exhibition and the frequency with which you present media-based work, it may be more cost-effective to purchase equipment rather than rent. For long-term use, professional playback and display equipment (rather than consumer-grade) is strongly recommended. Prices vary based on location and manufacturer. Refer to Equipment and Technical Issues for detailed information, definitions, and recommendations regarding equipment for the presentation of single-channel video works. Technical Staff Unless your institution has individuals experienced in media exhibition design and installation on staff, it is advisable to bring a technical advisor on board. You will need technical oversight for installation, maintenance and de-installation, and should budget for all three phases. Often the artist or artist's assistant has the technical knowledge to install and de-install the work and equipment, and can assist in budgeting. Construction and Fabrication The cost of building out the space can also add considerable amounts to the budget. Depending on the needs of the work and the installation of the exhibition, this number is widely variable. Construction costs may include:
Packing and Shipping Expenses Exhibitors are typically responsible for all shipping costs of receiving and returning single-channel video works. Video works are typically inexpensive to ship and do not require the same extensive crating and art handling common to work in other mediums. (Rush shipping, of course, will increase costs considerably.) However, care should be taken to package works in well-padded boxes that can endure shipping. Note that fiber-filled packaging should be avoided. Contingency Budget To be prepared for issues such as equipment problems, scratched or broken DVDs, etc., it is always a good idea to factor in a small contingency budget. A 10-15% contingency is standard. |
SINGLE-CHANNEL VIDEO