How to Negotiate Your Daily Rate as a Freelance Technician

## The Rate Conversation Most Crew Avoid Talking about money on Kollywood sets feels uncomfortable. That discomfort is costing you. ### The old way (and why it fails) You get asked “What’s your rate?” You say a number. They say it’s too high. You lower it. You end up working for less than you’re worth. ### The better approach **Step 1:** Ask first “What’s the budget range for this role on your project?” **Step 2:** Anchor higher with proof Once they give a number, respond with: “My last three verified gigs on Rosterwoods were at ₹X–₹Y. I can do this at ₹Z.” The verified credits on your CineCard give you real negotiating power. You’re not just claiming experience — you’re showing proof. ### When to walk away If a production refuses to go above a number that feels disrespectful to your verified experience, it’s okay to decline. The crew members who consistently get good rates are the ones willing to walk. ### The Rosterwoods advantage When your profile shows verified credits with real productions, you stop negotiating from hope. You negotiate from proof. That single shift changes everything.