Invoice templates for lighting designers billing theatre, live events, and TV productions for design, programming, and operation.
A lighting designer invoice is issued by a freelance theatrical or event lighting designer to a theatre company, production company, event organiser, or television production for the design and realisation of lighting for performances, events, and broadcasts. Theatrical lighting designers create the visual atmosphere of a production through the control of light quality, colour, direction, and movement. Event lighting designers create the visual impact of concerts, corporate events, award ceremonies, and brand experiences. Architectural and installation lighting designers work on permanent or semi-permanent environments. Lighting design work involves design planning (a lighting design and associated specification), programming (setting up the lighting console to respond to the performance), and operation during performances or events. These phases have distinct invoicing patterns.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting design fee (fringe theatre) | 1500 | production |
| Lighting design fee (mid-scale theatre) | 4000 | production |
| Programming day rate | 350 | day |
| Get-in / rigging supervision (per day) | 350 | day |
| Live event lighting design and operation | 1500 | event |
| Television lighting design day rate | 600 | day |
Invoice in stages for theatre: design fee on signing, programming costs at the end of the technical rehearsal period, and any ongoing show operation fees weekly or at the end of the run. For live events and concerts, invoice the full amount after the event with a 50% deposit at booking. Concert and festival work often involves complex multi-day load-ins and rehearsals; ensure all working days are clearly itemised. For television work, invoice weekly or monthly during the production period. Confirm whether your rates are BECTU-scale or negotiated independently. Credit and portfolio rights are important for lighting designers. Include a clause in your contract (or note on invoice) confirming your right to photograph and reference the production in your portfolio.