Day Rate vs. Package Rate: How to Budget G&E for Your Production

Getting your G&E budget right before shoot day saves real money — here's how.

When producers reach out for a G&E quote, they usually ask one of two ways: "what's your day rate for [specific item]?" or "what's your package rate for a 2-ton?" Both approaches are valid, but they optimize for different things. Knowing when each works in your favor can save you a meaningful amount on every production.

Individual Day Rates — Maximum Flexibility

Booking individual line items lets you build exactly the rig you need and pay for exactly what you use. If your shoot only needs four C-stands, an Aputure 300d II, and a generator — that's all you book and all you pay for. There's no padded package overhead and no unused gear on your truck eating into your G&E budget.

This approach works best when:

• Your production is small or highly specialized (documentary, interview, run-and-gun)
• You have a very specific gear list and don't need flexibility
• You already own part of your package and are filling specific gaps
• Your shoot has one or two key setups rather than a full day of varied looks

Flat-Rate Packages — Predictability and Depth

Package rates bundle the most common gear configurations at a flat daily rate — slightly lower per-item than individual rates when you add up the full list, and with the significant advantage of predictability. Your G&E budget line is a known number before shoot week.

Packages also give you depth. When you're mid-shoot and need that extra C-stand or an additional 4×4 frame that you didn't think you'd need at call time, it's already in the truck. Productions that book line items sometimes end up improvising setups because the one additional piece they needed wasn't on the order.

This approach works best when:

• You're shooting a full-day or multi-day commercial with multiple setups
• Your DPs or gaffers like having options on set
• You want a predictable G&E budget line with no surprises
• You're producing at a level where the efficiency of a well-stocked truck matters more than marginal cost savings

Weekly Rates — The Best Value for Extended Shoots

If your production runs 4–5 days or longer, weekly rates change the math entirely. Our weekly rate is typically 3× the daily rate for a full 5-day week. Compare that to 5 daily rates (5× the daily) and you're saving 40% on the same inventory. For branded content campaigns, episodic work, or multi-day shoots, the weekly rate is almost always the right call.

What's Not Included in Any Rate (and What You Should Know)

• Fuel — we deliver the generator with a full tank; you're responsible for fuel consumed during the shoot
• Expendables consumed — gels, tape, and similar consumables used and not returned are billed separately
• Mileage beyond our local zone — deliveries outside Vero Beach / Indian River County may carry a mileage charge, quoted upfront
• Damage — our rental agreement covers normal wear. Drops, water damage, and similar incidents are billed at replacement cost

How to Request the Right Quote

On our quote form, tell us your shoot dates, location, and number of setups/shooting hours. If you have a gear list, include it — we'll match it against our inventory and flag anything we'd recommend adding or substituting. If you don't have a gear list yet, describe the shoot and we'll recommend the right package level.

We respond to all quotes same day, Monday through Saturday.