How background cost estimates work
Once your rates and fringes are set, every background group shows an estimated cost (Est. cost).
How it works
- Open a group in the Background Manager and enter Estimated hours (how long you expect them to work).
- Cinapse fills in Paid hours: the greater of your estimated hours and the minimum guaranteed hours in your rates.
- The cost is calculated per person from the day rate: straight time up to the standard work day, then each overtime tier at its multiplier (or flat amount), times the group's union and non-union headcount.
An orange OT badge means the group goes into overtime. Hover over it to see the breakdown, like "8h @1x" and "2h @1.5x", and the Total Est. Group Cost.
Minor rates apply when every performer in a group is a minor and Minor rates is on in your rates.
Day and shoot totals
The day summary on the right shows Est. background cost, Est. fringes, and the TOTAL for the selected day, along with total estimated and paid hours. Click All Days Summary for the same totals across the whole shoot.
If costs show "-", your background rates haven't been set up yet. See How to set background rates and fringes
What's not included
Estimates include base pay, overtime, and fringes only. They don't include bumps, meal penalties, or agency fees.
Need more help? Email us at support@cinapse.io, or ask the help assistant using the chat button in this Help Center.