Invoice templates for lighting technicians and LDs covering event and venue lighting design, rigging, programming, and operation.
A lighting technician invoice records the labour and equipment charges for designing, rigging, programming, and operating lighting for live events, theatre productions, concerts, corporate presentations, and weddings. Freelance lighting technicians (LDs) in the UK work across a wide range of venues and events, often supplying their own equipment alongside providing skilled labour. UK event lighting professionals may be members of BECTU (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union) and should follow standard industry rates for freelance day rates. When supplying equipment, charges include rig hire and transport as well as operation. Invoices should clearly separate labour from equipment hire, as these have different tax and depreciation implications. For larger productions, lighting technicians often work from a production schedule with defined prep, show, and get-out days, and invoices should reflect this structure. Always issue invoices promptly after the production — many clients operate on tight post-production budgets.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting technician day rate (show day) | 320 | day |
| Lighting technician day rate (prep/get-out) | 270 | day |
| Lighting design and programming fee | 500 | flat |
| Moving head fixture hire (per unit per day) | 55 | unit/day |
| LED wash/par hire (per unit per day) | 25 | unit/day |
| Control desk hire (per day) | 75 | day |
| Transport and equipment carnet | 0.45 | per mile |
Freelance lighting technicians should invoice immediately after each production or event. For longer runs or touring productions, monthly invoicing covering all show days in the period is efficient. Always itemise labour days separately from equipment hire — production companies often need to split these for their own budgeting and grant reporting. If you are operating under a self-employed PAYE arrangement via a production company, clarify whether they will issue payment via their payroll or expect a self-employed invoice. IR35 considerations apply for some long-term engagements — if in doubt, take advice from an accountant familiar with the entertainment industry. Include your BECTU or union rates if applicable, and always confirm the agreed day rate in writing before the engagement. For equipment-heavy rigs, provide a kit list with your invoice so the production company can reconcile hire costs against their production budget. Net 14 is standard for event work; some corporate clients operate on Net 30.