Indie Film Actor Employment Agreement

What a good one includes

• Detail the exact payment rates, overtime terms, deferred payment structures, and the schedule of when disbursements will be made.
• Specify the exact shooting schedule, rehearsal days, promotional obligations, and clauses regarding potential re-shoots or ADR sessions.
• Explicitly define how the actor’s name will appear on screen, in promotional materials, and the size and placement relative to other cast members.
• Secure the irrevocable right to use the actor’s name, voice, likeness, and biographical material for the distribution and promotion of the film.
• Outline expectations for meal breaks, rest periods, turnaround times, and specific safety protocols for stunts or intimate scenes.
• Establish clear rules for how either party can terminate the agreement due to force majeure, disability, or breach of contract.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to secure a broad, irrevocable likeness release means you could lose the legal right to distribute or promote your completed film if a dispute arises.
• Omitting precise details on how and where the actor's credit will appear often leads to post-production conflicts and distribution delays.
• Using a standard non-union agreement for a union actor can result in heavy fines, production shut-downs, or loss of union clearance.
• Neglecting to define the actor's post-production publicity requirements can leave you without your lead talent when it comes time to market the film.

Frequently asked questions