Crew
Freelance crew: how to quote your rate
Day rates, overtime, kit fees and advance payments — how to set terms so you get paid on time.
29 August 2026 · 6 min read
Freelancers in film and advertising often lose money not because their rate is low, but because the terms are unclear. A clear quote protects you and the production.
Know what a “day” means
Agree on shift length upfront — for example, a 12-hour shift including a meal break — and what happens after that. Put overtime in writing, even if it is a simple rule like “per extra hour at 1/10th of day rate”.
Separate your kit
If you bring your own camera, lights, recorder or edit system, quote the kit separately from your personal rate. It makes negotiation clearer and reflects what you actually bring to the job.
Travel and stay
For outstation shoots, ask who covers travel, stay, local conveyance and meals, and whether travel days are paid. Settle this before you say yes.
Advances and payment dates
- —Ask for an advance for longer projects; many freelancers ask for a part upfront.
- —Agree on when the balance is due — for example, within 30 days of the last shoot day.
- —Send a clear invoice with your PAN, and GST details if you are registered.
Put it in writing
Even an email or WhatsApp message summarising the rate, dates, overtime, kit and payment terms is far better than a verbal agreement. Keep a copy.
Put it into practice.
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