Professional Actor Invoice Template
Streamline your billing with our Actor Invoice Template. Save time, look professional, and get paid faster for your performances.
Everything You Need for Actor Invoicing
Our actor invoice template includes all the features you need to create professional invoices and get paid faster.
Automated Billing
Eliminate manual calculations with automated invoicing. Save time and reduce errors, allowing you to focus on your craft.
Customizable Templates
Tailor your invoices to match your brand. Professional designs enhance your image and make a lasting impression on clients.
Expense Tracking
Easily track expenses related to performances and auditions. Keep your finances organized and maximize your deductions come tax time.
Multiple Payment Options
Offer clients various payment methods to streamline transactions. Get paid faster and improve cash flow with convenience.
Instant Invoice Delivery
Send invoices immediately after performances. Speed up payment cycles and maintain professionalism with timely communications.
Detailed Performance Records
Maintain a comprehensive history of all your performances and invoices. Easily reference past work to support future opportunities.
Complete Guide to Actor Invoicing
As an actor, your talent brings stories to life on screen, stage, and beyond. Whether you're performing in film, television, theater, commercials, or voice work, your craft deserves professional business management. Clear, organized invoicing ensures you get paid fairly and on time for your performances, maintains your professional image, and helps you manage the financial side of your acting career. This guide covers everything you need to create professional actor invoices.
- Personal/Business Information: Your legal name or loan-out company name, address, phone, email, and SAG-AFTRA ID if applicable.
- Client/Production Details: Production company name, show/film title, producer name, billing address, and contact information.
- Project Information: Project title, production dates, role name, and episode/scene numbers if applicable.
- Work Dates: Specific dates worked, including rehearsals, fittings, and travel days.
- Rate Information: Day rate, weekly rate, or session fee. Include scale rate if union work.
- Session Type: Principal, background, voice-over, commercial, theatrical, etc.
- Usage/Buyout Terms: If non-union or buyout, specify what usage rights are included.
- Overtime/Penalties: Meal penalties, forced calls, overtime, and any other union-mandated payments.
- Expenses: Travel, wardrobe, per diem, or other reimbursable expenses.
- Subtotal, Tax, Total: Clear breakdown of all fees and final amount due.
- Payment Terms: Due date (typically Net 30), payment method, and payee information.
- Know Union vs. Non-Union Rules: Union work has specific payment timelines and requirements. Non-union work requires careful invoicing.
- Invoice Promptly: Send invoices immediately after wrap or within the first week. Don't let weeks pass.
- Keep Detailed Records: Log all work dates, call times, wrap times, and any overtime or penalties.
- Understand Your Contract: Review your deal memo or contract before invoicing. Invoice according to agreed terms.
- Track Residuals Separately: Residuals come through different channels. Keep records to verify payments.
- Consider a Loan-Out Company: Many actors use loan-out corporations for tax benefits. Invoices come from the company.
- Include All Required Details: Production company accounting needs specific info. Missing details delay payment.
- Follow Up Professionally: If payment is late, follow up professionally with production accounting.
- Keep Tax Records: Save all invoices and 1099s. Actor taxes are complex—stay organized.
- Document Everything: Photos of call sheets, deal memos, and communications can resolve disputes.
Actor compensation varies widely by project type, union status, and experience. Here's an overview:
Union (SAG-AFTRA) Scale Rates (2026):
- Theatrical (Film) Day Rate: ~$1,100/day
- Theatrical Weekly Rate: ~$3,800/week
- TV Principal Day Rate: ~$1,100/day
- TV Principal Weekly Rate: ~$4,000/week
- Commercial Session Fee: ~$750-$1,000+/session
- Voice-Over (Principal): ~$400-$1,000+/session
- Background/Extra: ~$200-$300/day
Non-Union Rates (Varies Widely):
- Indie Film Day Rate: $150-$500/day
- Student/Ultra-Low Budget: $125-$200/day
- Commercial (Buyout): $500-$2,500+ depending on usage
- Corporate/Industrial: $500-$1,500/day
- Voice-Over (Non-Union): $200-$800/session
Additional Compensation:
- Overtime: Time and a half after 8/10 hours
- Golden Time: Double time after 12 hours
- Meal Penalties: ~$25-$50 per violation
- Wardrobe Allowance: If using personal wardrobe
- Travel/Per Diem: For distant locations
- Fitting Fees: Separate rate for costume fittings
- Residuals: Ongoing payments for reuse (union)
Payment terms vary by union status and project type:
SAG-AFTRA (Union) Work:
- Theatrical: Payment within 15 business days of work
- Television: Payment within 15 business days
- Commercials: Initial payment within 15 business days, holding fees ongoing
- Late penalties: Union mandates late payment penalties
- Residuals: Paid on separate schedule based on usage
Non-Union Work:
- Standard: Net 30 (payment within 30 days)
- Net 15: For smaller productions
- Upon completion: Some indie projects pay at wrap
- Milestone payments: 50% on signing, 50% on completion
Commercial Buyouts (Non-Union):
- Full buyout fee paid per contract
- Specify usage period and territories
- Renewal terms for extended use
Loan-Out Company Billing:
- Invoice from your corporation
- Include Fed ID or EIN
- Payment made to company, not personally
Late Payment Handling:
- Follow up after due date
- Second notice at 15 days late
- Consider involving agent/manager for collections
- Not Invoicing at All: Union work pays automatically, but non-union requires invoicing. Don't assume payment will just arrive.
- Missing Project Details: Include production title, role, dates—accounting needs these to process payment.
- Wrong Payee Information: If using a loan-out company, invoice from the company, not your personal name.
- Not Tracking Overtime: Log your call times and wrap times. Overtime and penalties add up.
- Forgetting Expenses: Travel, wardrobe, and per diem should be invoiced if not prepaid.
- Unclear Usage Terms: For non-union commercial work, specify exactly what usage rights are included.
- Not Following Up: Production accounting is busy. Professional follow-up is expected and necessary.
- Poor Record Keeping: Keep copies of all deal memos, call sheets, and invoices. You may need them later.
- Ignoring Tax Obligations: Actor income is complex. Keep organized records and work with an entertainment accountant.
- Not Understanding Your Contract: Read your deal memo before invoicing. Invoice according to the agreed terms.
Ready to put these best practices into action?
Use our free actor invoice template to get started in minutes.
Actor Invoice FAQ
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