What to include on a video production invoice
Break the job into phases
Pre-production, production and post-production as separate sections help clients connect your invoice to the original proposal line by line.
Itemize crew and gear
Show each crew role with its day rate and list rental equipment separately. If overtime kicked in after a 10-hour day, add it as its own line.
State what happens to raw footage
Clients often assume they own every clip you shot. Say whether raw files are included or available for an additional fee.
Include licensing for music and stock
Licensed tracks or stock clips should be listed with their cost so clients know the final video is cleared for its intended use.
Example video production line items
These sample entries show how to describe video production work clearly. Rates are illustrative only; use your own pricing.
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-production: scripting and shot list | 1 | $750.00 | $750.00 |
| Shoot day: director/camera operator | 2 | $1,100.00 | $2,200.00 |
| Audio technician day rate | 2 | $550.00 | $1,100.00 |
| Cinema camera and lighting package rental | 2 | $400.00 | $800.00 |
| Editing and color grading (hourly) | 20 | $95.00 | $1,900.00 |
| Licensed music track | 1 | $79.00 | $79.00 |
| Subtotal | $6,829.00 | ||
Payment terms for video production invoices
Our suggestion: 50% deposit before the shoot, balance due Net 15 after final delivery.
Sample terms you can paste into the invoice: “Two rounds of edit revisions are included. Additional edits are billed at $95 per hour. Usage rights to the final video transfer upon full payment; raw footage is not included unless itemized.”
Not sure what Net 15 or 2/10 Net 30 mean? Payment terms explained.
Video Production invoice FAQ
How do videographers bill for shoot days?
Most quote a full-day rate (often 10 hours) or a half-day rate per crew member, plus overtime beyond that. Equipment is usually billed as a separate rental line. Travel days are often charged at a reduced rate.
Should I charge for editing revisions separately?
It is common to include one or two revision rounds and bill extra rounds hourly. Writing the limit on both the quote and invoice keeps post-production from growing without end. Major creative changes after approval are typically treated as new work.
Do I give clients the raw footage?
Not by default in most arrangements. Raw footage often has value for future edits, so many producers charge for it or archive it for a set period. Clarify this in your contract and note it on the invoice.