2021General Discussion forum
Compensation when a booked commercial shoot is cancelled after the first day
What the thread found
- When production cancels a shoot day with less than 48 hours notice, the crew member is typically owed full daily salary and full equipment rental fees.
- A producer may offer partial compensation below the standard rate for cancellations, which the crew member can negotiate based on their service agreement.
- Sending a written memo deal before production that specifies cancellation terms can prevent disputes and establish that non-response to the memo constitutes acceptance of those terms.
- Equipment rental should be paid even when gear was delivered to set and the work does not proceed, as the equipment remains unavailable for other work.
- Clear written agreements stating compensation for cancellations with less than 7 days notice should specify full payment, while longer cancellation windows might allow for reduced rates.
Depends on
- The standard 48-hour cancellation notice mentioned may vary by region or contract type.
- Actual outcomes depend on individual service agreements and negotiating power of the crew member.
- The advice about written memo deals represents one person's practice and may not reflect all production standards.