If you are an artist who is honed in your craft, you probably haven’t thought too much about the accounting end of things. You’ve definitely thought about the paycheck, but everything else might feel like a foreign language to you. You aren’t alone!
Video production invoices can be more complicated than most freelancing invoices. If you’re already familiar with how to make a quotation for video production, you know this industry has many moving pieces. Clients want every detail of the project mapped out with estimates that are as close to the end cost as possible.
Creating your invoice isn’t as simple as just changing around a few figures on your initial quote. Film production invoice templates are an easy and efficient way to convert your quote into actual costs that clients understand, making sure you get paid on time.
Let’s walk through who needs to submit invoices for video and film productions, as well as what you need to include on yours.
Who Can Submit Invoices For Film Production?
It truly takes a village to make a film. A film crew includes far more than a camera man and a gaffer—almost any role on a film production set can submit an invoice for services provided. If you fall into any of the categories below, you need to know how to set up a filmmaking invoice:
Producers
Producers provide oversight to ensure the entire process comes together smoothly and as close to the quotation as possible. They keep the entire cast and crew in check to follow the production timeline.
Directors
Directors control all aspects of how the film develops. This includes the score selection, casting, and tone or artistic interpretation of the film. They direct actors and crew members to ensure the film is following a particular artistic direction.
Screenwriters
Without a script, you don’t have a film. Screenwriters create the story that drives the film (or movie, or video game, or any other form of filmed media), including dialogue and instructions for actors.
Actors
Speaking of actors, they tend to be the face of the project, aside from the director. Actors bring the screenwriter’s story to life by portraying characters in the project.
Production and Post-Production Crew
These include:
- Camera operators
- Production assistants
- Set builders
- Gaffers
- Grips
- Wardrobe supervisors
- Art directors
- Make up artists
- Sound mixers
- Editors
- Audio engineers
What to Include in Your Video Production Invoice
If you have any of the roles listed above, you need to fill out an invoice to be paid for your work. In addition to including the itemized days and hours you worked, you will also need to include your rates. Using invoicing software like Invoice Ninja will streamline this process. Do not forget to include:
- Your name and role in the crew
- Your contact information (your email, phone number, business address)
- The production company’s name and contact details
- Date of invoice issuance
- Dates of work (the actual dates, not just the number of days worked)
- Invoice number
- Description of work completed
- Any applicable taxes, fees, or discounts
- Payment terms
- Total amount owed by client
Invoicing Doesn’t Need to Be a Whole Production
A film set is one of the busiest workplaces you can find yourself in, but you don’t want your invoicing to be equally as exciting. In fact, you don’t want to have to worry about it at all. All you need to do is choose from one of our many available templates, customize it to your liking, and you’re all set. Our advanced options include managing your billing, reminding clients about outstanding payments, and even organizing your projects and workflow.