Free Cinematographer Invoice Template

What is a Cinematographer invoice?

A cinematographer invoice documents fees for the creative and technical responsibility of capturing images on a production — encompassing camera operation, lighting design, and visual storytelling. Cinematographers (Directors of Photography) work on feature films, television, commercials, branded content, and documentary productions. They are responsible for managing the camera and lighting crew, choosing lenses and camera systems, designing the lighting for each scene, and working closely with the director to achieve the intended visual look. In commercial and independent production, the DP's fee is separate from camera and lighting equipment hire, which is typically billed through the production budget. On smaller independent productions, the DP may own and bring their own equipment, in which case a camera package hire fee is included in the invoice.

What to include on a Cinematographer invoice

• Your name or company name and contact details
• Production company or client
• Invoice number and issue date
• Production name
• Prep days, shoot days, and wrap days
• DP fee (creative fee for cinematography services)
• Camera package hire (if owner-operator, separate)
• Lighting and grip package hire (if applicable)
• Travel and accommodation expenses
• Payment terms and due date
• Project / production title and shoot dates
• Kit fee itemized separately from labor day rate
• Number of hours worked door-to-door (to justify OT and half/full day)
• Union/non-union status and any applicable agreement reference

Common cinematographer invoice line items

Setting your cinematographer rates

Cinematographers bill primarily on a 10-hour day rate (non-union DPs run roughly $650-$750 low end, up to $1,500-$2,500 for experienced commercial DPs), with equipment billed separately as a kit fee. Major markets (LA, NYC, Chicago) command 20-40% above the national median, and union rates sit above comparable non-union scale.

Payment terms

Net 30 is common on agency/production-company work; independent and smaller clients often pay 50% deposit on booking with the balance net 15 on wrap. Rental/kit fees are frequently invoiced up front.

Billing pitfalls to avoid

• Never fold your camera/kit fee into the labor day rate: it should be a separate line, both so production can rent-vs-hire compare and so it is not taxed as personal service income.
• Overtime is standard and expected: 1.5x hourly past 10 hours and 2x past 12, calculated from an agreed hourly derived from the day rate. Not billing it trains clients to run long days for free.
• Meal penalties accrue automatically when the crew is not broken within the agreed window (typically every 6 hours). Track break times on the call sheet or you cannot substantiate the charge.
• Half-day rates are not half a day rate: most DPs bill 60-75% because setup/teardown is fixed regardless of shoot length.
• Get a kill fee / cancellation clause in writing. Holding a shoot date means turning down other bookings, so a late cancellation should still bill 50-100% of the day.

Tax notes

Freelance DPs are paid on 1099-NEC and owe self-employment tax on labor income; separating the equipment rental (kit fee) line can matter because rental income is treated differently and equipment is depreciable. Some states levy sales/use tax on equipment rental portions of an invoice.

This is general guidance, not tax advice. Tax rules vary by country, state, and situation, so confirm with a qualified accountant before relying on it.

How to invoice as a cinematographer

Invoice your DP creative fee and camera package hire as separate line items so the production can easily distinguish between creative services and equipment rental. Collect the deal memo-agreed rate with payment terms typically Net 30 for larger productions. For independent and low-budget productions, Net 14 is more appropriate given the smaller scale. Recce and prep days may be invoiced at a reduced day rate (50-75% of your standard rate) unless otherwise agreed.