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Art Director Agreement

For art director work on a production, with agreed responsibilities, dates, and pay.

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About this contract

For art director work on a production, with agreed responsibilities, dates, and pay. The art director coordinates execution of approved designs, drawings, and schedules. The production designer develops and supervises the broader visual design. The agreement keeps spending and design changes subject to approval.

Key points covered in this contract

  • Design execution: execution of approved production designs and drawings.
  • Fabrication and handoffs: fabrication schedules, specialist trades, and department handoffs.
  • Changes and approval: changes to art director duties, additional dates, and who can approve them.
  • Payment and cancellation: payment timing and cancellation terms for this engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the art director differ from the production designer?
The production designer develops the film's overall visual approach. The art director helps turn that approach into practical designs, construction work, and schedules. Duties can overlap on smaller productions, but the roles do not automatically carry the same spending or approval authority.
What is a film crew kit fee?
A kit fee pays a crew member for bringing and using their own equipment, separately from their labor. It might cover a sound kit or specialist tools. Paying that fee does not mean the production owns the equipment, and insurance or damage responsibility is a separate issue.
Does a day rate include unlimited hours or extra shoot dates?
No. A day rate covers an agreed workday, not unlimited availability. Additional hours or dates may require extra pay, and mandatory overtime or rest rules can still apply. A flat fee does not automatically remove those protections.
Does a film crew contract replace required union paperwork?
No. Applicable law and binding collective bargaining terms still apply. A private contract cannot determine worker classification contrary to law or replace required union forms.

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