Invoice templates for set designers billing theatre, film, and TV productions for set design, draughting, and art direction.
A set designer invoice is issued by a freelance or production designer to a theatre company, television production, film production, or opera house for the design of theatrical and screen environments. Set designers create the visual world of a production through sketches, scale models, technical drawings, and supervision of construction. Set designers in the UK typically hold degrees from theatre design or fine art programmes and often build their careers through assistant positions in major theatre companies or television productions. Professional membership with the Society of British Theatre Designers (SBTD) demonstrates professional standards. Sets for theatre are typically billed as a design fee for the creative work (sketches, model, drawings) and a separate supervision fee for the build period. Television and film work is usually day-rated.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Design fee (fringe/small-scale) | 2500 | production |
| Design fee (mid-scale theatre) | 6000 | production |
| Technical draughting package | 1500 | production |
| Scale model construction | 800 | model |
| Build supervision (per day) | 350 | day |
| TV set design day rate | 600 | day |
Theatre set design fees are typically invoiced in stages: 50% on signing of contract, 25% on delivery of technical drawings, and 25% on completion of build supervision. For small fringe productions with tight budgets, a simpler two-stage structure (50/50) works well. For television work, invoice weekly or on completion of the design phase and then on completion of filming. Keep detailed records of days worked on-set. Include credit and publicity rights on your invoice or contract. Set designers are entitled to named credit in programmes, press materials, and promotional content. This is standard industry practice. For co-productions or touring productions with multiple organisations, confirm who is the primary contracting party and how fees are shared. Invoice the lead organisation and let them manage cost-sharing with co-producers.