Detroit · Camera
Hire camera crew in Detroit
Directors of photography, operators, focus pullers, Steadicam, DITs and drone pilots — working in Detroit and the metro area. Post one crew call and it reaches all of them.
Free to post · 3% only when a booking is paid · Rates stay private between you and the crew member
Camera roles, and what they cost in Detroit
Standard non-union day rates for a 10 hour day. These are the figures WUD plans against, not quotes — what you agree is between you and the crew member. Commercial work typically runs about 20% above these, branded content about 10%.
| Role | On the day | Day rate |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Photography · DP, DOP, Cinematographer | Owns the look and runs the camera department. | $1025 |
| Camera Operator · Cam Op | Runs the camera on the day, framing to the DP’s plan. | $700 |
| Steadicam Operator · Steadicam | Smooth moving shots without laying track. | $1150 |
| 1st Assistant Camera · 1st AC, First AC, Focus Puller | Pulls focus and keeps the camera package working. | $600 |
| 2nd Assistant Camera · 2nd AC, Second AC, Clapper Loader | Slates, media offload, and second body support. | $425 |
| Digital Imaging Technician · DIT | Guards the files on set and holds the look from camera to post. | $650 |
| Drone Operator · Drone Pilot, UAV | Licensed aerial work, and the paperwork that has to come with it. | by quote |
| Still Photographer · Stills, BTS Photographer | Unit stills and behind the scenes, for the press kit and the campaign. | by quote |
| Video Assist Operator · Video Assist, VTR | Playback on set so a take can be checked before it is lost. | by quote |
Four steps, start to paid
Post the call
Your dates, location, rate and the roles you need.
Crew answer
Crew apply or bid. Nobody sees anyone else's number.
Sign
Offer the booking. They approve, counter or decline, and you both e-sign the deal memo.
Pay once
30% goes out as a deposit, the balance at wrap, both through Stripe.
Shoot camera in Detroit?
Put your role, rate and reel on WUD and the calls come to you. Free to join, and your rate is never shown to other crew.
Hiring camera crew in Detroit
What does it cost to hire a camera operator in Detroit?
A camera operator works out around $700 for a 10 hour non-union day in Detroit, with a director of photography nearer $1,025 and a 1st AC around $600. Those are WUD’s planning baselines rather than quotes — the rate you agree is between you and the crew member, and commercials typically run about 20% above these figures.
How quickly can I crew a camera department?
Post a crew call with your dates, rate and location and it reaches camera crew on WUD straight away. You can hire a single operator or a full department — DP, operator, 1st AC, 2nd AC and a DIT — from the same call.
Do I have to pay before the shoot?
The producer funds the whole engagement when the booking is signed. 30% reaches the crew member as a deposit straight away and the balance goes out once you confirm wrap, both through Stripe. WUD charges 3%, and only when a booking is paid.
Are these crew union or non-union?
Both. Crew state which on their profile, so you know what you are hiring before you offer. The day rates quoted here are non-union.
Can I see rates before I post?
Yes. Rates on a profile are readable by producers with a live crew call, and this page lists the Detroit baselines WUD plans against. Crew cannot see each other’s rates.
I shoot camera in Detroit — how do I get hired through WUD?
Join free, set your role and day rate, and crew calls that match your department reach you. When a producer books you, you approve, counter or decline, sign the deal memo, and get paid through Stripe.