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Actor & Performer Agreement

For a production company hiring an actor or on-camera performer — covers day rate, overtime, travel, credit, residuals, and guild compliance.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Is this the right contract for your project?

This contract is built for hiring an actor or performer for a production. It fits roles that need set shoot dates, agreed pay, credit, clear use of the performance, and any travel or conduct terms.

Good fit for

  • Producers or production companies casting a role
  • Casting teams locking in an actor or performer
  • Actors confirming pay, credit, and usage terms
  • Projects that need clear rights over the performance
  • Shoots that involve travel, holds, or scheduling

You may also need

Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

  • The actor's name and the role
  • The shoot dates and schedule
  • The pay and how it is structured
  • How the actor will be credited
  • How the performance may be used and promoted
  • Travel, lodging, and expenses
  • What happens if dates change or the shoot is canceled
  • Whether the actor is a union member or a minor

What's Inside This Contract

Engagement

Sets the role, services, and shoot schedule for the actor.

Compensation

Covers the pay, structure, and payment timing.

Grant of rights

Sets how the performance may be used in the project and its marketing.

Credit

States how and where the actor is credited.

Representations and warranties

Confirms each side can enter the deal and covers indemnification.

Term and termination

Covers how long the deal lasts, cancellation, and any union or minor terms.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Points Worth Negotiating

  • The pay and how it is structured
  • How the actor is credited
  • How the performance may be used and promoted
  • Travel, lodging, and expenses
  • What happens if dates change or shooting is canceled

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an actor and performer agreement?
It hires an actor for a project. It sets the role, dates, pay, credit, and how the performance is used.
How are actors paid?
Pay ranges from a flat fee to daily or weekly rates, plus back-end on larger projects. The agreement sets out the structure and timing.
What usage rights does the production get?
The production gets the right to use the performance in the project and its marketing. The agreement defines how broad those rights are and whether they cover future uses.
What happens if shoot dates change?
The agreement covers rescheduling, holds, and cancellation, including whether pay is owed if the production cancels.
What should I have ready before creating it?
Have the role, the shoot dates, the pay and structure, how the actor is credited, how the performance may be used, and any travel terms.
Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?
Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.
What are common warning signs in this type of agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any agreement of this kind:

  • Unclear usage rights over the performance
  • No credit terms
  • Vague schedule or commitment
  • No cancellation or rescheduling terms
  • Broad publicity rights with no limits
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