Terms & Conditions – Freelance Camera Operator / Solo Creative DP

By confirming a booking with me whether verbally, via email, or message, you agree to the terms outlined below. These Terms & Conditions apply to all confirmed work unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to the booking.

1. Scope of Work

This agreement covers on-location camera operation, lighting, and setup. It does not include editing, colour grading, or post-production unless agreed in writing.

2. Rates & Payment Terms

All rates are exclusive of VAT.

Labour / Day Rates

  • Standard Day Rate applies to shoot and prep days (up to 10 hours).

  • Half Day Rate (up to 5 hours on site, incl. setup/packdown) is charged at 60% of the standard day.

  • Travel-only days are charged at 50% of the standard day.

  • Scouting, on-site meetings, and setup days count as full-rate working days.

  • Online meetings are not chargeable.

If a booked shoot day runs shorter than the agreed working day, the full day rate still applies unless previously agreed in writing.

Kit Hire

  • Kit is only available when I am present and operating on set.

  • Charged on shoot days only.

  • Discounts may apply for 3+ consecutive days at my discretion.

Travel & Expenses

  • Mileage: 45p per mile from OX14 1FG

  • Parking, tolls, and congestion charges

  • Meals if not provided (reasonable limits: £10 breakfast, £15 lunch, £25 dinner)

  • Accommodation if required

  • Taxis and public transport

  • For overseas work: flights, meals, local transport, luggage costs, hotel charges (Wi-Fi, early/late check-in, storage), and any other direct business expense

All expenses will be itemised and added to the final invoice unless otherwise agreed.

Payment Terms

  • Payment due within 30 days of invoice.

  • Late payments incur a 5% fee every 14 days overdue.

3. Booking & Cancellation Policy

Pencil vs. Confirmed Booking

  • A Pencil is a provisional hold with no obligation for either party.

  • A Confirmed Booking is agreed via email or message.

Cancellations

  • More than 7 days’ notice: No fee

  • 48 hrs – 7 days: 50% of the agreed labour fee

  • Less than 48 hrs: 100% of the agreed labour fee

Weather Contingency

  • Shoots reliant on weather must have a backup plan.

  • Cancellations due to weather within 24 hrs are charged at 100%, unless rescheduled within 7 days.

4. Working Hours & Overtime

  • A standard working day is up to 10 hours, including a minimum 30-minute paid lunch break.

  • If no break is provided, an additional £50 fee applies.

  • Overtime is charged at £75/hr beyond 10 hours.

5. Rights & Usage

  • All footage remains the property of the client or production company.

  • Unless agreed otherwise, I may use footage for personal showreel or promotional purposes.

  • If confidentiality is required, it must be requested in advance.

6. Footage Backup

  • I will keep two backups for 30 days after the shoot.

  • After this period, footage may be deleted without notice.

  • I am not liable for data loss after this period.

  • It is the client’s responsibility to ensure backups are made during this time.

7. Client Responsibilities

The client is expected to provide:

  • Call sheet, brief, and schedule

  • Parking and access details

  • Meals or reimbursement

  • On-site contact details

  • Visas and documentation for overseas work

8. Gear & Liability

  • All gear is supplied solely for use under my operation and supervision. It is not available as standalone hire.

  • A secure, lockable space must be provided for unattended kit.

  • If not, the client assumes responsibility for gear.

  • Any damage, theft, or loss caused by negligence will be invoiced at full replacement cost.

9. Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for missed obligations due to events beyond their control (e.g. illness, extreme weather, strikes, emergencies).

10. Confidentiality

If required, I will sign an NDA and will not use or share any content from the project, including for showreel or promotional use.