Whether you’ve just returned from shooting on location or you’re stepping into the industry for the first time, you need to sort out how exactly you’ll be paid. Hollywood is notoriously run on the backs of gig workers and freelancers, as your employment depends on the project you’re currently working on. So, while you aren’t alone in navigating invoicing in this industry, you need to know how to do it correctly to get that paycheck.
This is where videography invoice templates and filmmaking invoice templates come in. These templates include all of the necessary sections for your professional invoice, and all you need to do is plug in your applicable information.
Is this your first time invoicing? Don’t worry, we can walk you through all of your questions and get you started in the right direction.
Can I Legally Make My Own Invoice?
While some accountants or bookkeepers might try to sell you on the idea you can’t create or issue your own invoices, that’s false. If you are the sole proprietor (freelancers generally fall into this category), you can invoice your clients as necessary once you’ve provided a good or service in exchange for a fee.
What Should I Include on My Invoice?
It doesn’t matter if you need a makeup artist or production assistant invoice template, your invoice should always include all of the following information:
- The title “invoice”
- An invoice number (any type of unique identification number)
- Your name or business’ name, address, and contact information
- The name and business address of your client
- Date of invoice issuance (the date you submitted your invoice to the client)
- A purchase order or contract number
- The supply date (the date or dates your goods or services were delivered)
- Description of goods or services you are charging for
- The amounts charged after adjusted for taxes
- Value added tax (or VAT) if applicable, including the VAT registration details and amount
- Total amount payable
- Payment details (how clients can pay)
- Payment due date (an example would be, “please pay within thirty days of invoice issuance”)
If you are missing any of the above information, there is a chance you will not be paid on time.
Can I Get Paid in Different Currencies?
If you’ve just returned from shooting on-location in a foreign country, or worked with a production company based abroad, they may try to pay you in their currency and not your country of residence. Don’t worry–invoicing software like Invoice Ninja is a true solution for global payments.
Invoice Ninja can adjust for currency formatting and is offered in multiple languages and currencies, which makes submitting your invoices to foreign companies easier than ever.
What Happens If I’m Not Paid on Time?
Is one of your clients past due on their payment for your services? Start by contacting the finance department of your client to see if they can tell you when to expect payment. They could have delays in their system or your invoice may have fallen through the proverbial cracks. If you cannot reach the finance department, reach out to your client contact.
If you haven’t been paid by the estimated date, send a firm reminder in writing to both your contact and the finance department, explaining you want the outstanding payment settled within a specified period. If this issue persists, submit a final demand.
If you are part of a union, reach out to a union representative to see your options regarding legal advice. This should be your final resort, as litigation is a stressful process for both you and your client. Most industry bodies include legal support for members, so discuss your options with a representative.
Invoicing Made Easy
Take the stress out of invoicing with Invoice Ninja. The film industry is fast-paced and competitive, so you shouldn’t need to chase down clients for payment.
With Invoice Ninja templates, we allow you to customize your invoices, submit them to clients, and send out reminders to ensure you get paid. You’ll even receive alerts when clients view and pay your invoices, accept deposits and partial payments, and convert approved quotes into payable invoices.
