How long does it take to mix a documentary?

[efisch]

Minimal sound design/sweetening, most of the interviews well recorded, a lot of music.
Vague question, I know, but as I'm making the transition from records to picture I'm curious as to whether I'm taking too long or not spending enuff time on these.

[infiniteloop]

how long is it, what format, which broadcaster?

[efisch]

Originally Posted by infiniteloop

how long is it, what format, which broadcaster?

90 minutes, 5.1 and stereo, for DVD release, maybe a quick theatrical run.

[efisch]

Originally Posted by infiniteloop

how long is it, what format, which broadcaster?

90 minutes, 5.1 and stereo, for DVD release, maybe a quick theatrical run.

[O.G. Killa]

while it varies greatly... the average time for mixing to picture usually seems to be anywhere from 1 minute to 5 minutes of picture every hour. So it could take you anywhere from 18 hours to 90 hours to mix. if the dialogue is really clean and the editing is done extremely well, then you might be able to do 10 min of picture every hour! That's why there really is no steadfast "rule".

But in the end, you invariably wind up mixing it as best you can given the amount of time allotted for you to mix. If you need to mix the whole thing in 10 hours, you will. If you need to mix it in 80 hours, you will.

[stustan]

How long does it take to give birth?

[Kuba Pietrzak]

Please also add a "human factor"
For example: creative director or even more producer
"Unexpected expectations" like more formats to deliver

[efisch]

Originally Posted by stustan

How long does it take to give birth?

Great responses gang - thanks. And as I expected. Every project is different, and an hour of mix time per minute of film isn't out of the ordinary. Thanks again!

[deardaddy]

Kuba is right, it can also depend on the producer/director who will be with you, some people know what they want some people don't.
Sometimes the director wants a certain mixing orientation than the producer comes and does not agree ... you end up re-doing things.

That's why I never do a "package price" per work, I always give some kind of idea of the time it usually takes but I never promise anything in advance.


Pascal

[Floydio]

Q. How long does it take to mix a...?
A. However long the client is paying you for.

Yes, all projects are different. How much time un-paid do you wish to spend on a project--that's up to you. Some do it because they want to put in the extra time and effort because 'the project deserves it / could be better if...'

So how long it takes you is how long it takes you but more importantly: how long you HAVE to do it.

Good luck!