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Actor Contract

June 23, 2023

Between:

Actor Contract

FIRST_NAME
LAST_NAME
Corporation Corp.
‍ Acme LLC.
Client

FIRST_NAME
LAST_NAME
Corporation Corp.

Acting Contract


This contract (the "Agreement") provides details for the services provided by cool company (the "Actor") for Sample Client (the "Producer" and together with Actor, the "Parties"), dated as of June 2, 2023 in the production of the project currently entitled "[PROJECT NAME]" (the "Project").


As a condition of the Producer hiring the Actor and other valuable considerations, the Parties to this Agreement agree as follows:


Project Title: [PROJECT NAME]

Actor Role: [ROLE NAME]

Actor Contact Email: prateek.maitra@hellobonsai.com



1. Actor's Services

The Producer is hiring the Actor to provide the following services for the Project:

The Actor will be responsible for performing their Role in the Project, as well as attend any connected rehearsals and costume fittings. The Actor shall render services customarily rendered by actors in motion picture and television projects and promptly comply with Producer's reasonable instructions. Photography shall be exclusive and rendered consecutively until the completion of the Project. After the completion of principal photography, the Actor will be available for customary post-production services, subject to his then existing prior professional commitments.

[OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES & LIMITATIONS]


2. Payment

The Producer will pay the Actor at a rate of [PAYMENT RATE] per hour.

The Producer agrees to pay the amount owed within 14 days of receiving the invoice, otherwise the Actor will not be expected to continue to provide services for the Project. Payment after that date will incur a late fee of [LATE FEE PERCENT] per month on the outstanding amount.


3. Term

The term of employment hereunder shall begin on or about [START DATE] and continue until the completion of the photography and completion of said Role in Project. Principal photography is currently contemplated to take place on [SHOOT DATE], but this may change at the option of the Producer.

The Actor agrees that in the event of retakes, changes, dubbing, extra audio dialogue work, transparencies, added scenes, further photography, trailers, process shots or other language versions, contemplated or not, the Actor will continue to render services in such scenes until the Project is completed, as determined by Producer.


4. Role Credit

Provided the Actor appear recognizably in the Project as released and further provided that Actor is not in breach of any provision of this Agreement, the Actor shall receive credit in substantially the following form unless otherwise agreed to by the Actor and Producer:

cool company in the role of [ROLE NAME]


The Actor's credit will be in the end titles of the Project. Other aspects of Actor credit and all other credits shall be at the sole discretion of Producer. The Producer is under obligation to provide the Actor credit in paid advertising or publicity. Any casual or inadvertent failure of the Producer or its assignees or licensees to comply with the foregoing credit provisions shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Producer shall exert its reasonable best efforts to cure any failure upon receipt of written notice from the Actor.


5. Expenses, Transportation & Accommodation

The Actor will provide their own accommodation and pay for their own transportation for the production of the Project. Any expenses committing the Producer to pay any sum of money for any reason whatsoever in connection with the Actor's services in the Project must obtain written approval by the Producer first.


6. Publicity & Promotion

The Producer has the unlimited right to use the name, voice and likeness of the Actor to promote and advertise the Project. No product endorsement may be implied.


7. Representations & Warranties

The Actor represents and warrants that they are free to enter this Agreement and will not do or permit any act which will interfere with or detract from the full performance of the Actor's services or Producer's exercise of the rights herein granted.


8. Nudity

If the Project includes a scene including nudity, partial nudity or simulated sexual acts with the Actor, a separate legally binding contract shall be provided and signed by both Parties. In the absence of an additional contract providing consent by the Actor, the Actor is under no obligation to continue to provide services for the Project and may withdraw at any time.


9. Name & Likeness

The Actor grants the Producer and its assignees and licensees the perpetual, non-exclusive right and license to use and to permit others to use and reproduce the Actor's name, pseudonym, sobriquet, photograph, likeness, voice, caricature, biographical data, sound effects, imagery and performances rendered hereunder on and in connection with:

  1. All advertising and publicity relating to the Project, the general business activities of Producer and distributors and exhibitors of the Project, the character and role portrayed by Actor in the Project, all incidental services rendered by the Actor and all other services which the Actor may render pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement including, without limitation, in trailers and promotional films relating to the Project (including featurettes, "behind the scenes" and "making of" films), souvenir programs and booklets, press books, clothing, merchandise, posters and other advertising materials and accessories used in connection with the distribution, publicity and advertising of the Project;
  2. Commercial tie-ups and promotions and the manufacturing, distribution and sale of any product, commodity or service which is based upon, developed or created from any part of the Project, the Role or the screenplay thereof, or any other plot, character, incident, object or element contained in the Project or the screenplay; provided that the Actor shall not be portrayed, directly or indirectly, other than in character in the Project Role, as recommending, endorsing, or suing any such product, commodity or service without the Actor's written consent.


10. Producer Owns Production

The Actor hereby acknowledges that all of the results and proceeds of the Actor's services produced for the Project hereunder are owned by the Producer or Producer's assignee. The Producer shall have the right to use the Actor's name and likeness with respect to distribution and exploitation of the Project. The Producer may make such use of the Project and distribution of the Project as the Producer, in its sole discretion, shall deem appropriate.

The Actor hereby irrevocably grants, sells and assigns to the Producer, its successors and assigns, all of Actor's rights, title and interest of any kind and nature, in and to the Project, including, without limitation, all copyrights in connection therewith and all tangible and intangible properties with respect to the Project, in perpetuity, whether in existence now or as may come into existence in the future.

The Actor acknowledges that the Producer owns the copyright in and to the motion pictures and recordings that the Producer is creating for the Project and that the Actor has no interest therein.


11. Termination

This Agreement will continue in perpetuity unless otherwise specified in this Agreement or ended by either party with at least 30 days written notice. Termination of this Agreement or of the Actor's services rendered, for any reason whatsoever, shall not extinguish or limit any of the Producer's rights, interests or property in, or title to, the results and proceeds of the Actor's services.


12. Other Terms & Conditions

Any permits, licenses, approvals or other variances required by the Actor for the Project to provide services will be provided by the Producer.

The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this document shall be governed by the laws of the United States of America.



THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE TO THE FOREGOING AS EVIDENCED BY THEIR SIGNATURES BELOW.

Actor Contract

First_name
Last_name
Acme LLC.
Client

First_name
Last_name
Corporation Corp.

Free Actor Contract Template

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Coaching
Contract

Date: March 8th 2023


Between:

Coach:

First_name
Last_name
Acme LLC.
Client:

First_name
Last_name
Corporation Corp.

This Contract is between Client (the "Client") and Acme LLC, a California limited liability company (the "Coach").

The Contract is dated January 23, 2023.

1. WORK AND PAYMENT.

1.1 Project. The Client is hiring the Coach to develop a coaching relationship between the Client and Coach in order to cultivate the Client's personal, professional, or business goals and create a plan to achieve those goals through stimulating and creative interactions with the ultimate result of maximizing the Client's personal or professional potential.

1.2 Schedule. The Coach will begin work on February 1, 2023 and will continue until the work is completed. This Contract can be ended by either Client or Coach at any time, pursuant to the terms of Section 4, Term and Termination.

The Coach and Client will meet by video conference, 4 days per month for 2 hours.

1.3 Payment. The Client will pay the Coach an hourly rate of $150. Of this, the Client will pay the Coach $500.00 (USD) before work begins.

1.4 Expenses. The Client will reimburse the Coach's expenses. Expenses do not need to be pre-approved by the Client.

1.5 Invoices. The Coach will invoice the Client in accordance with the milestones in Section 1.3. The Client agrees to pay the amount owed within 15 days of receiving the invoice. Payment after that date will incur a late fee of 1.0% per month on the outstanding amount.

1.6 Support. The Coach will not be available by telephone, or email in between scheduled sessions.

2.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

- A coaching relationship is a partnership between two or more individuals or entities, like a teacher-student or coach-athlete relationship. Both the Client and Coach must uphold their obligations for the relationship to be successful.

- The Coach agrees to maintain the ethics and standards of behavior established by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

- The Client acknowledges and agrees that coaching is a comprehensive process that may explore different areas of the Client's life, including work, finances, health, and relationships.

- The Client is responsible for implementing the insights and techniques learned from the Coach.

3. REPRESENTATIONS.

3.1 Overview. This section contains important promises between the parties.

3.2 Authority To Sign. Each party promises to the other party that it has the authority to enter into this Contract and to perform all of its obligations under this Contract.

3.3 Coach Has Right To Give Client Work Product. The Coach promises that it owns the work product, that the Coach is able to give the work product to the Client, and that no other party will claim that it owns the work product. If the Coach uses employees or subcontractors, the Coach also promises that these employees and subcontractors have signed contracts with the Coach giving the Coach any rights that the employees or subcontractors have related to the Coach's background IP and work product.

3.4 Coach Will Comply With Laws. The Coach promises that the manner it does this job, its work product, and any background IP it uses comply with applicable U.S. and foreign laws and regulations.

3.5 Work Product Does Not Infringe. The Coach promises that its work product does not and will not infringe on someone else's intellectual property rights, that the Coach has the right to let the Client use the background IP, and that this Contract does not and will not violate any contract that the Coach has entered into or will enter into with someone else.

3.7 Client-Supplied Material Does Not Infringe. If the Client provides the Coach with material to incorporate into the work product, the Client promises that this material does not infringe on someone else's intellectual property rights.

4. TERM AND TERMINATION

This Contract is ongoing until it expires or the work is completed. Either party may end this Contract for any reason by sending an email or letter to the other party, informing the recipient that the sender is ending the Contract and that the Contract will end in 7 days. The Contract officially ends once that time has passed. The party that is ending the Contract must provide notice by taking the steps explained in Section 9.4. The Coach must immediately stop working as soon as it receives this notice unless the notice says otherwise.

If either party ends this Contract before the Contract automatically ends, the Client will pay the Contractor for the work done up until when the Contract ends. The following sections don't end even after the Contract ends: 3 (Representations); 6 (Confidential Information); 7 (Limitation of Liability); 8 (Indemnity); and 9 (General).

3. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.

The Client is hiring the Coach as an independent contractor. The following statements accurately reflect their relationship:

- The Coach will use its own equipment, tools, and material to do the work.

- The Client will not control how the job is performed on a day-to-day basis. Rather, the Coach is responsible for determining when, where, and how it will carry out the work.

- The Client will not provide the Coach with any training.

- The Client and the Coach do not have a partnership or employer-employee relationship.

- The Coach cannot enter into contracts, make promises, or act on behalf of the Client.

- The Coach is not entitled to the Client's benefits (e.g., group insurance, retirement benefits, retirement plans, vacation days).

- The Coach is responsible for its own taxes.

- The Client will not withhold social security and Medicare taxes or make payments for disability insurance, unemployment insurance, or workers compensation for the Coach or any of the Coach's employees or subcontractors.

6. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

6.1 Overview. This Contract imposes special restrictions on how the Client and the Coach must handle confidential information. These obligations are explained in this section.

6.2 The Client's Confidential Information. While working for the Client, the Coach may come across, or be given, Client information that is confidential. This is information like customer lists, business strategies, research & development notes, statistics about a website, and other information that is private. The Coach promises to treat this information as if it is the Coach's own confidential information. The Coach may use this information to do its job under this Contract, but not for anything else. For example, if the Client lets the Coach use a customer list to send out a newsletter, the Coach cannot use those email addresses for any other purpose. The one exception to this is if the Client gives the Coach written permission to use the information for another purpose, the Coach may use the information for that purpose, as well. When this Contract ends, the Coach must give back or destroy all confidential information, and confirm that it has done so. The Coach promises that it will not share confidential information with a third party, unless the Client gives the Coach written permission first. The Coach must continue to follow these obligations, even after the Contract ends. The Coach's responsibilities only stop if the Coach can show any of the following: (i) that the information was already public when the Coach came across it; (ii) the information became public after the Coach came across it, but not because of anything the Coach did or didn't do; (iii) the Coach already knew the information when the Coach came across it and the Coach didn't have any obligation to keep it secret; (iv) a third party provided the Coach with the information without requiring that the Coach keep it a secret; or (v) the Coach created the information on its own, without using anything belonging to the Client.

6.3 Third-Party Confidential Information. It's possible the Client and the Coach each have access to confidential information that belongs to third parties. The Client and the Coach each promise that it will not share with the other party confidential information that belongs to third parties, unless it is allowed to do so. If the Client or the Coach is allowed to share confidential information with the other party and does so, the sharing party promises to tell the other party in writing of any special restrictions regarding that information.

7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.

Neither party is liable for breach-of-contract damages that the breaching party could not reasonably have foreseen when it entered this Contract.

8. INDEMNITY.

8.1 Overview. This section transfers certain risks between the parties if a third party sues or goes after the Client or the Coach or both. For example, if the Client gets sued for something that the Coach did, then the Coach may promise to come to the Client's defense or to reimburse the Client for any losses.

8.2 Client Indemnity. In this Contract, the Coach agrees to indemnify the Client (and its affiliates and their directors, officers, employees, and agents) from and against all liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) related to a third-party claim or proceeding arising out of: (i) the work the Coach has done under this Contract; (ii) a breach by the Coach of its obligations under this Contract; or (iii) a breach by the Coach of the promises it is making in Section 3 (Representations).

8.3 Coach Indemnity. In this Contract, the Client agrees to indemnify the Coach (and its affiliates and their directors, officers, employees, and agents) from and against liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) related to a third-party claim or proceeding arising out of a breach by the Client of its obligations under this Contract.

9. GENERAL.

9.1 Assignment​. This Contract applies only to the Client and the Coach. Neither the Client nor the Coach can assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Contract to a third-party (other than by will or intestate), without first receiving the other's written permission.

9.2 Arbitration. As the exclusive means of initiating adversarial proceedings to resolve any dispute arising under this Contract, a party may demand that the dispute be resolved by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its commercial arbitration rules.

9.3 Modification; Waiver. To change anything in this Contract, the Client and the Coach must agree to that change in writing and sign a document showing their contract. Neither party can waive its rights under this Contract or release the other party from its obligations under this Contract, unless the waiving party acknowledges it is doing so in writing and signs a document that says so.

9.4. Noticies.

(a) Over the course of this Contract, one party may need to send a notice to the other party. For the notice to be valid, it must be in writing and delivered in one of the following ways: personal delivery, email, or certified or registered mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested). The notice must be delivered to the party's address listed at the end of this Contract or to another address that the party has provided in writing as an appropriate address to receive notice.

(b) The timing of when a notice is received can be very important. To avoid confusion, a valid notice is considered received as follows: (i) if delivered personally, it is considered received immediately; (ii) if delivered by email, it is considered received upon acknowledgement of receipt; (iii) if delivered by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), it is considered received upon receipt as indicated by the date on the signed receipt. If a party refuses to accept notice or if notice cannot be delivered because of a change in address for which no notice was given, then it is considered received when the notice is rejected or unable to be delivered. If the notice is received after 5:00pm on a business day at the location specified in the address for that party, or on a day that is not a business day, then the notice is considered received at 9:00am on the next business day.

9.5 Severability. This section deals with what happens if a portion of the Contract is found to be unenforceable. If that's the case, the unenforceable portion will be changed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, unless that change is not permitted by law, in which case the portion will be disregarded. If any portion of the Contract is changed or disregarded because it is unenforceable, the rest of the Contract is still enforceable.

9.6 Signatures. The Client and the Coach must sign this document using Bonsai's e-signing system. These electronic signatures count as originals for all purposes.

9.7 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this document shall be governed by the laws of the United States of America.

9.8 Entire Contract. This Contract represents the parties' final and complete understanding of this job and the subject matter discussed in this Contract. This Contract supersedes all other contracts (both written and oral) between the parties.

THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE TO THE FOREGOING AS EVIDENCED BY THEIR SIGNATURES BELOW.

Coach

First_name
Last_name
Acme LLC.
Client

First_name
Last_name
Corporation Corp.
Table of contents
Actor Contract Template
Use this actor contract now for free

What Is a Standard Actor Contract?


A standard actor contract is a written agreement of employment between an actor and the client or employer. This is a legally binding document, so it protects the interests of both parties involved and outlines all their terms and conditions to complete an acting job.

Whether you’re in films and movies, live performances, or TV, a standard actors contact will go a long way in helping you to secure your rights, as well as create an atmosphere of professionalism and prestige.

When you expect to get more than one acting role, an actor contract template is going to be your next best friend. With this, you'll be able to have all your standard requirements written down and ready to go for when you land your next big role.

Note: Ready to get straight into it? Sign up to Bonsai to make your own freelance actor contract now.

What’s the Difference Between an Actor Contact and a Release Form?

It’s important to remember that an actor contract may not always contain a release form, which will be a separate legal document in itself. An actor contract provides security in employment and protects the rights and interests of all parties involved, whereas a release form will state that the actor gives their ownership of their performance to be used in conjunction with the show.

Basically, if you want your show to belong to you, the actor will need to sign a release form.

What Should Be Included in a Standard Actor Contract?


Below you will find some standard sections and details to include in your actor contract template. For freelancers, it’s good to note that you may need to add other specifics in your freelance contract.

Detailed descriptions of the work

This is the part of the contract where you’ll outline what the role and responsibilities of both parties are, as well as any performance expectations and requirements.

Besides the glitz and glamour of being an actor, you also have a responsibility for performing at a certain level that the director, producers, and you have agreed upon. Carefully detailing your performance expectations will help you and your client get a clear image of what is expected from you during the performance—this at least gives you a bar to aim for. Often, actors would also need to sign a performance agreement.

For a director or production company, creating call sheets and outlining specifics will give you more control over the entire production. This will allow you to communicate your wishes to the actor a whole lot better for when it's showtime.

Hours and timeline of the project

You should agree to the start and end dates of the employment before you sign. For instance, if the client wants the actor to sign on for a TV series, they may have to dedicate months or years to the performance. This could affect the type of employment contract that’s needed, such as a retainer contract or freelance contract.

Your actor contract should also state the total number of hours that the client wants the actor to dedicate to the new job. For example, the deal might include a clause stating that the actor must be available for 11 hours every day for the job. Also, it may indicate the number of times and dates that freelancing actors will have to perform.

Payment details

Here you’ll want to include all your payment conditions. For example, you could want payment per performance, per hour, or a flat rate for the performance. It’s a good idea when creating an actor invoice to include your preferred payment method, so that you’re prepped and ready to go when sending it through to your client.

Remember that how much you charge is totally up to you and will vary depending on the other party involved. It’s always wise to discuss your payment options early on in the contract agreement as this can usually make or break a contract.

Expenses

Every actor contract should include a section on expenses. This means an actor will be compensated for travel, accommodation, food, or anything else that’s relevant to the production. A production company may specify whether they offer such amenities on-set or at shooting locations, or provide monetary equivalent.

Sometimes, a location agreement may be necessary, as actors will have to move to different locations to be able to perform on set.

Merchandising agreement

Many actors will have to come to a merchandising agreement for appearances in books, posters, t-shirts. Sometimes, you may have to make appearances in talk shows, premiers, and other events which go beyond the scope of filming and production. While this may not apply to every actor, it’s important to discuss whether or not this applies to you in your actor contract. You should always seek professional advice for anything related to merchandising and what you should be asking as compensation.

Certain actor agreements may request the actor to grant rights to the employer to use the actor’s name and image for the project. This clause allows you to use it as a bargaining chip to secure a handsome compensation for the usage of your image, name, or likeness for merchandising or promotional purposes.

Exclusivity

This is an essential section for actors because it can restrict their right to feature in another acting role. Sometimes, an actor will want to take on other roles that get offered to them during the timeline of the contract. This means they might be unavailable on certain days and disrupt the flow of production.

An exclusivity agreement doesn’t have to be either yes or no. You can come to an agreement on what days, dates, months, or years the actor has to be on location. Outside of those agreed times, they can be free to do whatever acting job they choose! Keep in mind that a flexible exclusivity agreement should include restrictions on any physical changes the actor may undertake for other roles.

It’s a good idea to get yourself some legal advice from an attorney about exclusivity rights in your country.

Termination of contract

Every contract needs a termination clause. This could be after the film, movie, or finished product has premiered, or a date that the production company and director specify.

It should also include any reasons for early termination and who's responsible should one party break the contract. Two or more parties should agree to these reasons for a seamless signing experience.

Other factors

Other factors to consider are public liability insurance for the business, photography sessions for the actor, or intellectual property rights.

Liability insurance is something to consider because it will cover the business should any accidents happen on set. Photography sessions may be necessary for actors, which include principal photography and when the principal photography begins. Intellectual property rights can be important when considering ownership of catch-phrases, imagery, or something else that requires permission to use.

Only you will know everything that’s needed for your contract, however, an actor contract template is a sure-fire way of making sure all your needs and requirements are met for every contract agreement.

Actor Contract Example Template


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, it's free to do and from there you can choose the actor contract to edit and use for your next booking.

What’s the Benefit of Using Bonsai, Instead of Editing a Template Yourself?


Let’s admit it, creating and editing a contract yourself is a lot of effort that can slow down your journey towards stardom. However, contracts are a necessary form for every actor. So, instead of spending a lot of time making one from scratch, you can use an actor contract template from Bonsai.

Everything necessary for you to get a fair deal will be included in the template. What’s better is that every template can be easily edited and customized to fit your professional requirements.

How to Create an Actor Contract With Bonsai


Creating an actor contract template with Bonsai is a breeze. There are only a few short steps:

  1. Select your template
  2. Add your basic info
  3. Add the details of the job
  4. Add your payment details
  5. Review and sign the contract

Once you’re at step five, you'll be able to review your fully vetted actor agreement. If you want to make any edits to the template, you can do it at this stage. Once you're completely happy, you and e-sign and send it to your client to do the same. 

Acting Contract FAQs


What is fair compensation for an actor?

An actor’s rate will always be dependent on a wide variety of things. Fame might be the first thing to come to mind, with big-name movie stars charging obscene amounts over your average TV show extra.

For the average actor or performer in the U.S., fair compensation usually falls between $23-$34 per hour. Remember it's not only experience and fame that will determine your fair rate, but there's also the type of production it is, what state or country you're in, and other factors that can change what you consider a reasonable rate. 

What happens if an actor breaks the contract?

It's not unknown for actors to break their contracts, leading them to suffer financially with a hefty fine. While most actors won't have to worry about fines that large, a breach of contract is definitely considered serious misconduct for any party involved. Depending on the termination clause that you and the actor agree to, you may be entitled to compensation should an actor break their contract with you. If this situation occurs, it's always wise to get advice from a legal expert or attorney about what the right procedure is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about this template.

Do actors get contracts?

An actor is typically required to sign a contract with their employer when they are hired for an acting position. This could be referred to as an actor agreement or an actor contract. Ready for your next big role? Create your own freelance actor contract by registering with Bonsai today!

How long are acting contracts?

In the world of middle-class working actors, a one-year contract is usually considered the industry standard. Anything longer than a year is not normal, so feel free to question your agent about it. Make sure you create a contract that covers all this important information, using Bonsai's freelance actor contract.

How do contracts work for actors?

Use Bonsai's freelancer actor contract to outline the work description, shooting schedules, payment terms, termination agreements, etc. The contract protects the interests of both parties—you and the production house. If one of you violates the contract terms, the other party may choose to sue, terminate the agreement, or receive compensation.

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