Gagenempfehlung
As a collective, we recommend the following guideline rates for feature films, series, and commercials, while simultaneously demanding appropriate, equal, and fair pay for documentaries and other areas .All amounts are in Euros for employment contracts and include bonus payments (SZ) and vacation compensation (UEL).
Our recommendations apply to the respective calendar year. They are intended as guidelines, are non-binding, and do not replace the collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag) as the legal basis..
These recommendations are updated at the beginning of each year. If you are interested, you can subscribe to receive the updates via our newsletter (email) – please register at Contact FormTopic: “Fee Newsletters”.
If positions in the camera department need to be filled temporarily (as an addition or replacement), we request that, for assignments of one day, the employment be registered as a fixed-term contract rather than as a day-to-day, casual, or marginal employment. For short-notice positions, we also consider it a sign of appreciation to pay for at least a 12-hour day, regardless of the actual hours worked.
When does the 1/4 day rate apply and when does the 1/5 day rate apply?
A 1/4-day rate is only charged if 1 day is worked on 1 production within 1 week. Any work performed more than 1 day within 1 week is charged at a 1/5-day rate.
The 1/4-day and 1/5-day rates listed in the feature film table are the exact minimum rates stipulated in the collective agreement (KV) for 12 hours each, including overtime pay (rounded up to the nearest decimal). These are the legally mandated minimum daily rates. Above-standard remuneration is NOT included.
The daily rate for commercials applies to 10 hours!
FEATURES, SERIES & STREAMING
Guideline fees valid from February 1, 2026
| Weekly Flat Rate 60 hrs/week | 1/4 day rate for 12 hrs | 1/5 day rate for 12 hrs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC) | €2.520,00 | €670,00 | €540,00 |
| 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC) | €2.010,00 | €510,00 | €410,00 |
| Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) | €2.320,00 | €600,00 | €480,00 |
| Data Wrangler (DAT) | €1.710,00 | €420,00 | €340,00 |
| Video Assist Operator (VAO) | €1.795,00 | €470,00 | €380,00 |
| Video Playback Operator (VPO) | €1.475,00 | €380,00 | €300,00 |
| Camera Trainee (Filmaushilfskraft) | €950,00 | €290,00 | €230,00 |
COMMERCIALS
Guideline fees valid from February 1, 2026
| Daily Flat rate for 10 hrs | Checkout Flat Rate up to 5 hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC) | €545,00 | €272,50 |
| 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC) | €410,00 | €205,00 |
| Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) | €495,00 | €247,50 |
| Data Wrangler (DAT) | €340,00 | €170,00 |
| Video Assist Operator (VAO) | €380,00 | €190,00 |
| Video Playback Operator (VPO) | €290,00 | €145,00 |
All figures are indicative gross salaries for employees, including bonus payments (SZ) and vacation compensation (UEL).
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONs
- If appropriate qualifications apply (e.g., through special training or many years of professional experience), remuneration above the collectively agreed minimum wage (KV Mindestgage) is justified.
- Allowances according to the collective agreement (KV) for night hours, weekends, and public holidays are not included in the guidelines.
- Box Rental Fees (for own equipment) is to be negotiated individually and before the start of the employment relationship.
- In case of a tightly scheduled shooting day, we would like to point out any additional work that may be required by the camera department due to unexpected circumstances or the filming itself (e.g., cleaning the equipment after filming in very dirty locations)!
- Preparation work for feature films / series requires 3 days per camera unit for 1st and 2nd camera assistants and 2 days for VPO/VAO and DIT/DAT. Up to 2 additional days are needed for each additional camera unit, especially for special equipment (e.g., gimbal) and special requirements (lens & distortion grids, color management for monitors, camera sensor, etc.) depending on the project requirements or DoP instructions.
- Preparation days require registration.
CALCULATION OF WORKING HOURS
- Within a city area / at the company location: Working hours begin upon arrival at the filming location (call time) and end upon departure from the filming location (wrap time).
- Outside of a city area / company location: Working hours are calculated from leaving the city limits or hotel until returning to the city limits or hotel.
- For drivers of vehicles (camera trucks or crew transport): Working hours begin with departure from the garage and end with return there.
- The 30-minute lunch break will not be deducted after the 10th hour.