Video & Audio Invoice Template

Free Drone Videographer Invoice Template

Invoice clients for drone videography, aerial footage, and post-production editing. Get paid on time with Tidybill.

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What is a Drone Videographer invoice?

A drone videographer invoice covers fees for capturing aerial video footage using unmanned aerial vehicles for commercial, promotional, or creative purposes. Drone videographers work with production companies, real estate agents, event organisers, construction firms, and tourism brands. The work combines flying skills, cinematographic judgment, and video editing. In the UK, commercial drone operations require CAA registration and appropriate operational authorisation. Because drone videography is weather-dependent and requires advance airspace planning, invoices should reflect the planning and regulatory compliance work involved, not just the filming day itself. Post-production editing of drone footage is often invoiced separately from the flight day.

What to include on a Drone Videographer invoice

Common drone videographer invoice line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Drone Videography (half-day) £300 - £700 per half-day
Drone Videography (full-day) £500 - £1,200 per day
Video Editing (drone footage) £60 - £150 per hour
Promotional Video (1-2 min, drone + ground) £600 - £2,000 per video
Airspace Authorisation & NOTAM At cost per application
Colour Grade & Grade £50 - £120 per hour

How to invoice as a drone videographer

Collect a deposit before the flight day to secure the booking and cover pre-flight planning. Invoice the balance on delivery of the edited video. Airspace authorisation costs are a pass-through at actual cost. Include your CAA Operator ID on the contract and available on request. For construction monitoring or regular site visits, invoice monthly for that month's flights.

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Frequently asked questions

What CAA certification do I need for commercial drone videography?
For commercial drone operations in the UK, you need to register as a CAA drone operator and hold an appropriate operational authorisation (GVC or working within Open Category sub-categories). PFCO (now superseded) holders transitioned to the new system. Always carry your proof of registration and authorisation when flying commercially.
How do I price drone videography versus drone photography?
Drone videography typically commands higher rates than drone photography because it requires more piloting precision, flight planning, and significantly more post-production time (editing footage vs. selecting still images). A combined photo and video drone session should be priced higher than either service alone.
Can I fly a drone for commercial work near buildings or people?
Operations near people or structures fall under higher operational categories requiring specific authorisation. Standard Operational Authorisation (formerly PFCO) covers many of these scenarios. For operations in very congested areas or very close to people, specific permissions from the CAA are required. Always assess the site in advance.
What should I do if weather prevents the flight on the scheduled day?
Include a weather cancellation policy in your contract. Reschedule at no charge for genuinely unsuitable conditions (high wind, rain). If you have incurred airspace authorisation costs, these are typically recoverable from the client. For client-initiated postponements with less than 24 hours' notice, a rebooking fee is reasonable.
Do I need to notify neighbours or nearby properties before flying?
There is no legal requirement to notify neighbours for most commercial drone operations, but it is good practice for urban or residential shoots to notify nearby properties and avoid misunderstandings. For operations in sensitive areas (near schools, hospitals), notification and communication with the relevant authorities is advisable.
Can I use this template for free?
Yes. Tidybill's free plan lets you create up to 5 invoices per month at no cost, with no credit card required. You can use the Drone Videographer invoice template straight away after signing up.