Videographer Invoice Template: Free + What to Include
Video production invoicing has unique complexity β pre-production, shoot days, post-production, usage licences, and equipment all need separate line items. Here's exactly how to structure yours.
In this guide:
Videographer-Specific Invoice Items
A professional video invoice breaks the project into its three phases β plus usage rights and deliverables.
π Pre-production
| Item | Typical rate |
|---|---|
| Creative concept / treatment | β¬50β100/hr or flat fee |
| Scripting / storyboarding | β¬50β80/hr |
| Location scouting | β¬50/hr + travel |
| Talent casting coordination | Flat fee: β¬200β500 |
| Pre-production planning day | Day rate |
π₯ Production day
| Item | Typical rate |
|---|---|
| Videographer day rate | β¬400β1,500/day |
| Camera operator (additional) | β¬350β800/day |
| Camera & lens package | β¬150β400/day |
| Lighting package | β¬100β300/day |
| Audio package (boom, lav mics) | β¬50β150/day |
| Drone operation (+ CAA permit) | β¬300β600/day |
| Travel & accommodation | Actual cost + 10% |
βοΈ Post-production
| Item | Typical rate |
|---|---|
| Editing (per hour) | β¬50β100/hr |
| Colour grading | β¬50β120/hr or flat fee |
| Audio mix / music licensing | β¬50β80/hr + music cost |
| Motion graphics / titles | β¬80β150/hr |
| Subtitles / captions | β¬20β40/hr |
| Revisions included | Usually 2 rounds |
πΊ Deliverables & usage licence
Always specify exactly what you're delivering β and what the client can do with it:
Deliverables:
1Γ hero video (2:00), 3Γ social cuts (0:30), 1Γ square format (Instagram)
Format:
H.264 MP4, 4K UHD, 25fps; compressed web version (1080p H.265)
Usage licence:
Web & social media only β 2 years. Broadcast rights require separate licence.
Raw footage:
Not included by default. Available for additional fee of β¬[X].
Free Videographer Invoice Template
Chaser's invoice builder lets you add all these line items with custom descriptions, and sends automatic payment reminders when clients are late paying.
Build your video production invoice β free
Professional PDF + automated follow-ups. Free for 3 invoices.
Use free template βPayment Structure for Video Production
Never deliver final files without payment. Here are the standard payment structures by project type:
Standard project (most common)
- β50% deposit on contract signing
- β50% on delivery of final approved files
Note: Hold final files until balance received.
Large corporate production
- β30% on contract signing
- β30% on first shoot day completion
- β40% on delivery of final files
Note: Milestone payments reduce risk on long projects.
Monthly content retainer
- β100% upfront at start of month
- βInvoice sent on the 1st of each month
Note: Retainer clients get priority scheduling.
Protecting Yourself as a Videographer
Withhold final files until paid
Never deliver uncompressed or unwatermarked files before receiving final payment. This is your primary leverage point.
Send watermarked drafts for approval
During the revision process, share watermarked or low-resolution previews. Clients approve content before files are released.
State usage rights explicitly
If a client uses your video for broadcast without a broadcast licence, you have grounds for additional fees. Make usage rights part of the invoice.
Charge out music licensing separately
Music licences (Musicbed, Artlist, etc.) are a real cost. Invoice them at cost + 10% admin fee rather than absorbing them into your rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I invoice for a video project with multiple deliverables?
Create separate line items for each deliverable type. Group pre-production, production, and post-production as phases. Include a 'deliverables summary' section listing exactly what files will be delivered.
Should I include raw footage in the price?
Not by default. Raw footage is a separate product β charge an additional fee (typically β¬200β600 depending on volume). State clearly that raw footage is not included unless specified.
What's a standard videographer day rate in Europe?
Mid-level videographers typically charge β¬400β800/day in the EU/UK. Senior/specialist rates go to β¬1,000β1,500/day. Equipment hire is additional.
How do I invoice for travel on a video production?
Charge travel at actual cost + 10% admin. Accommodation at actual cost. Travel time at half-day rate or full day rate depending on distance. State this in your contract upfront.
Can I charge extra if the shoot runs over schedule?
Yes β and you should. Include an overtime clause in your contract: 'Additional shoot days or half-days billed at [rate]. Approved in advance or on the day by client.' Get it in writing.