Let’s Create Something Meaningful!
I collaborate with artists, creatives, brands, retreats, organizations and creative projects seeking cinematic storytelling rooted in authenticity and presence. If you feel a resonance with my work, I invite you to reach out and begin a conversation.
Our process usually begins with a dialogue — exploring the vision of the project, the possibilities, the budget and the timeframe. From there, we define the creative direction together, shaping the storyboard and identifying the key moments to capture.
Filming then unfolds in the spirit of presence and attentive observation, allowing reality and intention to meet through the camera.
The final stage happens in my editing sanctuary — whether in my forest studio or my mobile filmmaking setup — where image, sound and rhythm come together to reveal the deeper story.
Each collaboration is unique, and together we can transform an idea into a cinematic experience that resonates far beyond the screen.
Project Investment
Every film project is unique. The scope, timeline, and production requirements naturally influence the overall cost of a project.
Working with an independent filmmaker offers a streamlined and cohesive process. From directing to cinematography and editing, the project is guided by a single creative vision, allowing for direct communication, artistic consistency, and an efficient production workflow. The examples below provide general pricing ranges based on typical productions created with an independent filmmaker working across directing, filming and editing.
Short
Short video designed for websites and social platforms while maintaining a cinematic aesthetic.
Typical scope
• 1/2 filming day
• lifestyle and beauty shots
• drone cinematography
• film length 1–2 minutes
Typical investment
$1,200 – $3,500 CAD
Ideal for
• Therapists and wellness practitioners
• Yoga studios and meditation centers
• Artists and small creative businesses
• Boutique outdoor brands
Essential
A simple and elegant cinematic film capturing the essence of a place, person, or experience.
Typical scope
• 1 filming day
• cinematic visuals
• drone cinematography
• cinematic editing
• film length 1–2 minutes
Typical investment
$2,200 – $4,500 CAD
Ideal for
• Boutique hotels and eco-lodges
• Wellness centers and retreat spaces
• Small hospitality businesses
• Nature-based tourism organizations
Signature
A deeper cinematic production combining storytelling, lifestyle scenes, and atmospheric visuals.
Typical scope
• 2-3 filming days
• lifestyle and beauty shots
• drone cinematography
• cinematic storytelling
• film length 2–4 minutes
Typical investment
$3,600 – $8,500 CAD
Ideal for
• Hotel groups and boutique resorts
• International retreat organizations
• Lifestyle and outdoor brands
• Creative companies and purpose-driven brands
Documentary
Short documentary films exploring a person, place, or initiative.
Typical scope
• multiple filming days
• interviews and observational footage
• drone cinematography
• narrative editing
• film length 5–10 minutes
Typical investment
$7,000 – $18,000+ CAD
Ideal for
• Non-profit organizations and foundations
• Cultural institutions and initiatives
• Environmental organizations
• Artists, authors, and thought leaders
Pricing Philosophy
My pricing reflects a commitment to clarity, fairness, and alignment with established standards in the independent film industry. Based on industry benchmarks, professional full-service creators—handling concept, filming, editing, and color grading—typically operate within a range of $800 to $1,500 CAD per shooting day, and $600 to $1,000 CAD per editing day. It is also widely recognized that one day of filming naturally extends into approximately two full days of post-production, including footage review, narrative editing, color grading, and final delivery.
This structure reflects the reality of cinematic creation: each project is not simply produced, but carefully shaped—where time, attention, and intention converge to create a final piece that feels both refined and alive.
Production Specs & Workflow
Production Specs
To ensure cinematic quality and production flexibility, I work with a streamlined set of professional tools designed for both mobility and high-end image capture.
Camera
Sony FX3 cinema camera
Lenses
Zeiss lenses (25mm, 55mm, 85mm) and cinema lenses (SLR Magic 18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm)
Stabilization
DJI Ronin gimbal system enabling cinematic camera movements such as traveling shots, push-ins, pull-outs, orbital movements, jib-style motion, and smooth subject tracking.
Drone cinematography
DJI Mini drone for aerial cinematography and landscape perspectives.
Audio
Professional audio capture adapted to the needs of each production, including:
• shotgun microphones
• lavalier microphones (32-bit float recording)
• ambisonic / bi-phonic ambient recording when needed
Lighting
Portable cinematic lighting systems when natural light needs support.
CRI 98+ lighting quality ensures natural color rendering.
Recording format
Professional recording and delivery formats including:
• ProRes 422
• 10-bit color depth
• optimized exports for web, cinema projection, and broadcast when required.
Creative Workflow
Each project follows a clear creative process designed to ensure both artistic coherence and production efficiency.
1. Project Discussion
Understanding the vision, objectives, and message of the film.
2. Creative Direction & Storyboard
Defining the visual approach and developing a storyboard or visual direction when needed.
3. Production Planning
Scheduling, location preparation, and planning the filming structure.
4. Filming
Production conducted solo or with a small team depending on the scale of the project.
5. Editing & Post-Production
Studio editing including narrative assembly, sound design, and cinematic finishing.
6. Color Grading
Professional color grading to refine the visual atmosphere and ensure a cohesive cinematic look.
7. Music Selection & Licensing
Careful selection and licensing of music to support the emotional tone and rhythm of the film.
8. Visual Effects
Motion graphics and visual effects created using After Effects and selected AI-assisted tools when required.
9. Final Delivery
Export and delivery optimized for web platforms, social media, or broadcast formats.
Terms & Conditions
A 50% deposit is required upon agreement to confirm and secure the project schedule.
The remaining balance is due prior to final delivery of the project.
This deposit allows both parties to fully commit to the creative process and production timeline.
In the event of project cancellation, the deposit may be retained to cover time reserved, preparation, and pre-production work already completed.
All content remains the intellectual property of Yves Charbonneau until full payment has been received.
Upon full payment, the client is granted usage, reproduction, and modification rights for the delivered content.
Yves Charbonneau reserves the right to use the content for portfolio and promotional purposes, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
The project includes up to two (2) rounds of revisions, covering minor adjustments such as timing, text, or color refinement.
Additional revisions or modifications beyond this scope, or any changes affecting the original direction of the project, may be subject to additional fees, to be discussed and approved prior to execution.