Sliding scale rate cards for commissioned work

Hi everyone

Setting a rate has always been something I've struggled with, for various reasons. Mostly, I start feeling like I'm getting greedy and overcharging, even if I have done careful calculations to establish what I think is a reasonable rate. To confuse matters, friends who are directors or produces then tell me I'm UNDERCHARGING. It gets even more confusing when there are different rates depending on the project type (short film vs commercial vs documentary etc.)

I'm in a very fortunate position that I've been personally recommended to a local production company who would like to stop using library music (they use artlist.io normally and are increasingly dissatisfied with that.) Their work output includes short documentary, corporate, commercials and they've made 2 features. But having never worked with a composer before they have no reference for budgeting.

Getting back into it after some years away I feel very out of touch with current pricing strategies. Is there some sort of industry "standard" calculation/ratio for different project types? This would be specifically for commissioned music, and the only references online would be sync library rates - is it sensible to follow a similar pricing model?

Would very much appreciate if you could share your approach. I think it is so beneficial for composers to be open about these things - we are colleagues, not competitors 🙂

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