FAQ – Caldera Films
Everything you need to know about our process, pricing, deliverables, and how we work in New York, Miami, Houston and around the world.
About Caldera Films
Who is Caldera Films?
We’re a video production company led by director/DP Enrique Caldera, producing commercials, brand films, product videos, and documentary content. We operate from Houston and South Florida and travel nationwide.
What types of clients do you work with?
We work with startups, SMBs, enterprise brands, hospitals/healthcare, agencies, e-commerce sellers (Amazon/D2C), and international teams needing US production support.
Services & Capabilities
What services do you offer?
Concepting, scripting, storyboarding, pre-production, permits, casting, crew, production, aerial/drone, multi-camera, motion graphics, color, sound mix, and versioning for web/social/broadcast.
Do you handle product videos for Amazon?
Yes—demo, how-to, UGC-style, and premium brand spots. We optimize for Amazon listings and paid social.
Process & Workflow
What does your production process look like?
1) Discovery → brief, goals, budget. 2) Pre-pro → script/boards, schedule, permits, casting. 3) Production → shoot day(s). 4) Post → edit, color, mix. 5) Delivery → final exports + backups.
Do you help with permits and insurance?
Yes. We handle permits (e.g., NY, Miami, LA, Houston) and provide COIs when required by locations/venues.
Gear & Technical
What cameras and formats do you shoot?
Cinema-grade (e.g., Alexa, RED, Sony FX series, Burano/FX6/FX9), 4K–12K, high-frame-rate options, cine glass, pro audio, lighting, and stabilized movement. We match your deliverables (ProRes, DNx, H.264/265) per spec.
Can you deliver vertical, square, and 16:9?
Absolutely. We plan framing on set for multiple aspect ratios and deliver tailored cuts for social and web.
Pricing & Payments
How do you price projects?
We scope by concept complexity, crew, gear, locations, talent, and post. After discovery, we share a detailed estimate with line items.
What payment terms do you offer?
Typically 50% to book, balance on delivery. We accept ACH, wire, card (fees may apply). Net terms available for approved accounts.
Rights & Deliverables
Who owns the footage?
Ownership/licensing is defined in the SOW. Most clients secure full usage for agreed channels/term. Raw media licensing and project files are available upon request.
Do you provide captions and accessibility?
Yes. We can deliver caption files (SRT/VTT), burned-in captions, and accessible audio mixes as needed.
Coverage & Travel
Where do you work?
We travel across the country and international productions case-by-case. We are based in New York, Houston and South Florida.
Can you provide local crews in other cities?
Yes—we maintain a vetted nationwide crew network for scalable teams.
Timelines & Booking
What’s the typical timeline?
Short social spots: ~2–3 weeks. Brand/commercial: ~3–6 weeks. Multi-location/complex: 6–10+ weeks. Rush is possible depending on scope.
How far in advance should we book?
2–4 weeks is ideal. We can sometimes accommodate short-notice shoots—ask and we’ll try to fit you in.
International Clients
Can you support foreign teams filming in the U.S.?
Yes—producer support, permits, bilingual crew, equipment rental coordination, and remote client monitoring.
Do you work with Spanish-language scripts and talent?
Sí. We regularly produce Spanish content and coordinate bilingual casting as needed.
Other
Do you offer drone services?
Yes—FAA Part 107 operators with appropriate insurance and location approvals.
How do we get started?
Send us your brief or goals via the contact page. We’ll propose a plan, budget, and production timeline.
