Home/Film & TV/Production Designer Agreement

Production Designer Agreement

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

Drafted by a Harvard Law attorney.

How would you like this contract?

Pick an option to continue.

Custom Contract

Answer a few guided questions and we'll create your contract with your answers built in. E-sign or download when you're done.

Recommended for most users

Answer a few questions

About 2 to 5 minutes

Editable Template

Download a blank version in Word or PDF that you fill out yourself. Every spot to fill is highlighted in yellow.

Get the contract template

Download instantly

Custom Contract or Editable Template?

Compare the two options before you choose.

FeatureCustom ContractEditable Template
Best forMost usersEditing everything yourself
How it worksAnswer guided questionsFill highlighted fields yourself
Word and PDFYesYes
E-signatureYesNo
Time requiredAbout 2 to 5 minutesDepends on your edits
Price$50$50

Need more than one contract? The Industry Plan covers every contract in your industry for one year for $150.

See the Industry Plan

About this contract

For production designer work on a production, with agreed responsibilities, dates, and pay. No. The designer develops and supervises agreed visual work within approved concepts and budgets. Purchases, construction, designs, and material changes require designated approval.

Key points covered in this contract

  • Visual design: approved concepts, visual design, and art-department scope.
  • Design deliverables: design deliverables, budgets, and disclosure of outside materials.
  • Changes and approval: changes to production designer duties, additional dates, and who can approve them.
  • Payment and cancellation: payment timing and cancellation terms for this engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a production designer approve spending without the producer's permission?
Not necessarily. Developing the visual design and approving spending are different responsibilities. A production designer may manage an approved budget while needing permission for major changes or additional costs. The production arrangement determines those limits.
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.