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Crew Deal Memo

For a production hiring any crew member — cinematographer, editor, sound designer, gaffer, production designer, etc. A short-form deal covering rate, dates, credit, equipment, and overtime.

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 a crew member for a production. It fits short, clear engagements that need a set role, rate and overtime, work dates, any kit fees, and clear ownership of the work created on the job.

Good fit for

  • Producers or production managers hiring crew
  • Department heads bringing on crew members
  • Crew members confirming their rate and dates
  • Shoots that involve kit or equipment fees
  • Productions that need clear ownership of work product

You may also need

Before you start

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

  • The crew member's name and role
  • The department and reporting line
  • The rate and overtime terms
  • Any kit or equipment fees
  • The work dates and expected hours
  • Who owns the work created on the job
  • Travel and expense reimbursement

What's Inside This Contract

Term and schedule

Sets the work dates and expected hours for the crew member.

Compensation

Covers the rate, overtime, and any kit or equipment fees.

Credit

States how and where the crew member is credited.

Work product and intellectual property

States who owns the work created on the job.

Production obligations

Covers conduct, safety, and on-set responsibilities.

Term and termination

Covers how the engagement can end.

Disputes and general provisions

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

Points Worth Negotiating

  • The rate and overtime terms
  • Any kit or equipment fees
  • The work dates and expected hours
  • Who owns the work created on the job
  • Travel and expense reimbursement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a crew deal memo?
It is a short agreement that records a crew member's role, rate, dates, and key terms for a production.
What is a kit fee?
A kit fee is extra pay for a crew member who brings their own equipment or tools to the job. The memo states whether one applies.
How is overtime handled?
Overtime is negotiated. Memos set a base rate plus overtime after a set number of hours, and the memo confirms the terms.
Who owns the work a crew member creates?
The production owns it when the memo says so. This is handled as work made for hire, which the memo states clearly.
What should I have ready before creating it?
Have the role and department, the rate and overtime, any kit fee, the work dates and hours, and who owns the work product.
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 a crew deal memo?

These are common issues to watch for in any crew deal memo:

  • No clear rate or overtime terms
  • Vague work dates or hours
  • Unclear ownership of work product
  • No mention of kit or equipment fees
  • No safety or conduct terms
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