Underwood Biographs

The budget for your project will be directly proportional to the time and expenses required to develop and produce your Biograph. The following should help you think about what you would like for your project.

Of course, I am happy to discuss any budgetary questions you have before we begin, as well as throughout the creative journey. I will always be open, honest, and fair as we work together.

In Brief

Small Projects: approx. $500 – $1,500
For example: a single story, song, mini photo journal, simple keepsake, etc.

Medium Projects: approx. $1,500 – $5,000
For example: a few collected stories, written portraits, photo journal, songs produced in a recording studio with multiple musicians, elaborate keepsake, etc.

Large Projects: approx. $5,000 and up
For example: biographies, extensive collections of stories or field recordings, sizeable or multi-volume photo journals, etc.

In Detail

Introductory Conversation(s): $250 (flat fee)
Our introductory conversation or two -- determining what the Biograph is about and what format(s) it might best take, research and materials that may be required – is handled for a reasonable flat fee. Based on these conversations and the general proposed idea for your project, I will create a scope of work: an outline of the work involved, including both time and production estimates. The scope of work document will provide you with a transparent, easy-to-understand breakdown of the estimate and terms of engagement. 

Development Fees
Project fees are based simply on hourly rates for different types of activities, with concepting, writing, field recording time, design-related development and editing work being $100/hr., and research, production management, and administrative work being $50/hr. Fees are billed as incurred, meaning you only pay for the actual time I put into your project. In other words, if I estimate your project to require $1,500 in fees, but it only takes me the equivalent of $1,000 in fees, what it actually takes me is what you will pay. If I believe the project may require more time than originally estimated, I will alert you well ahead of time; we will then together either reduce the scope of work or increase the budget accordingly. Some scopes of work may include a contingency budget to cover minor overages, so that timelines aren’t compromised. (Special hourly rates or project-based rates can be established for larger-scale or special projects.)

Production Expenses
Production work and materials of final pieces is passed through to you at-cost (in other words, I don’t mark up the costs associated with printing your book, replicating your recording, etc., that are charged by our selected vendor). You only pay for my time to direct and manage the production process and vendors, which I will include as part of the original estimate I provide you. Plus, I will always work with each production vendor to get you the best price possible – particularly if we choose one with whom I work frequently. 

Administration and Project Management, Billing and Payment
Administrative and project management time is factored into the hourly estimates for your project. We will review the scope of work and budget regularly throughout the process to ensure understanding and to adjust to any additional ideas or needs that may arise for your Biograph. Billing and payment frequency, amounts, and modality (Venmo, check, etc.) will be determined as part of the scope of work. Some projects may require a deposit, either to initiate the service or to secure a production vendor's availability. 

Cancellations
If you cancel a project, you will only be billed for the time and expenses incurred, plus any non-refundable deposits made to secure vendor availability and expenses, as applicable. For example, the flat fee for the introductory conversation is made as a deposit to secure my time. If you cancel at any point between our first scheduled engagement and the delivery of the scope of work, this deposit is non-refundable.