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Actor & Performer Agreement

For actors and on-camera performers working with filmmakers or production companies on a film or series.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Custom Contract

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Recommended for most users

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About 2 to 5 minutes

Editable Template

Download a blank version in Word or PDF that you fill out yourself. Every spot to fill is highlighted in yellow.

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Custom Contract or Editable Template?

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Feature	Custom Contract	Editable Template
Best for	Most users	Editing everything yourself
How it works	Answer guided questions	Fill highlighted fields yourself
Word and PDF	Yes	Yes
E-signature	Yes	No
Time required	About 2 to 5 minutes	Depends on your edits
Price	$50	$50

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Is this the right contract for your project?

This contract is built for hiring an actor or performer for a production. It fits roles that need set shoot dates, agreed pay, credit, clear use of the performance, and any travel or conduct terms.

Good fit for

Producers or production companies casting a role
Casting teams locking in an actor or performer
Actors confirming pay, credit, and usage terms
Projects that need clear rights over the performance
Shoots that involve travel, holds, or scheduling

You may also need

Producer Agreement - when hiring a producer for the project
Director Agreement - when hiring a director for the project
Crew Deal Memo - when hiring crew for the same production
Actor Endorsement Agreement - when the actor also promotes a brand
Non-Disclosure Agreement - before sharing private project details

What's Inside This Contract

Engagement

Sets the role, services, and shoot schedule for the actor.

Compensation

Covers the pay, structure, and payment timing.

Grant of rights

Sets how the performance may be used in the project and its marketing.

Credit

States how and where the actor is credited.

Representations and warranties

Confirms each side can enter the deal and covers indemnification.

Term and termination

Covers how long the deal lasts, cancellation, and any union or minor terms.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Not sure what a section means? Every contract you create includes a built-in "Explain Sections" view with a plain-English note for each part of the document.

Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

The actor's name and the role
The shoot dates and schedule
The pay and how it is structured
How the actor will be credited
How the performance may be used and promoted
Travel, lodging, and expenses
What happens if dates change or the shoot is canceled
Whether the actor is a union member or a minor

Points Worth Negotiating

The pay and how it is structured
How the actor is credited
How the performance may be used and promoted
Travel, lodging, and expenses
What happens if dates change or shooting is canceled

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an actor and performer agreement?

It hires an actor for a project. It sets the role, dates, pay, credit, and how the performance is used.

How are actors paid?

Pay ranges from a flat fee to daily or weekly rates, plus back-end on larger projects. The agreement sets out the structure and timing.

What usage rights does the production get?

The production gets the right to use the performance in the project and its marketing. The agreement defines how broad those rights are and whether they cover future uses.

What happens if shoot dates change?

The agreement covers rescheduling, holds, and cancellation, including whether pay is owed if the production cancels.

What should I have ready before creating it?

Have the role, the shoot dates, the pay and structure, how the actor is credited, how the performance may be used, and any travel terms.

Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?

Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.

What are common warning signs in this type of agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any agreement of this kind:

Unclear usage rights over the performance
No credit terms
Vague schedule or commitment
No cancellation or rescheduling terms
Broad publicity rights with no limits

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