Top Tips for Contracting Crew in the UK
Photo credit: Stephanie Yaich
Crew are the powerhouse behind every production. Despite their importance, crew contracts often receive less attention than cast or contributor deals, which can risk costly disputes, delays, or even derailed shoots.
Here are five essentials for engaging crew effectively.
1. Know the Rules and Industry Standards
Start with a clear understanding of union and industry agreements, and budget accordingly. The Pact/Bectu Scripted Agreement governs independent drama and comedy, and the Pact/Bectu Major Motion Picture Agreement applies to features over £30 million. Even if outside their scope, it’s useful to use these terms as benchmarks, and crew will often expect it. Refer also to Bectu rate cards for relevant departments to ensure fair and transparent pay. Using industry-standard terms demonstrates professionalism and prevents later claims of unfairness or discrimination.
2. Clarify Employment Status
Decide from the outset whether crew are employed or self-employed, as this affects tax, NI, and legal rights. Use HMRC’s Check Employment Status Tool to assess status and to conduct any required IR35 determinations when engaging personal service companies (“loan-outs”). Keep determinations on file and include an inducement letter so the individual personally guarantees services. Always verify the right to work in the UK as fines can reach £45,000 per illegal worker, but compliant checks provide a statutory defence.
3. Agree Clear Deal Terms Early
Before issuing long-form contracts, lock in the key points (role, rate, period, credit, allowances, special conditions) in a deal memo. Avoid sprawling email chains as these are confusing at best and waste time and money when it comes to the long form. A concise, agreed memo sets expectations and prevents future disputes, saving both time and money.
4. Issue Contracts Before Work Begins & Cover Key Clauses
Have crew sign contracts before they start. Once work begins, your bargaining power drops and misunderstandings can quickly sour relationships. Ensure contracts are tailored for your production and contain key clauses to reduce risk (such as conditions precedent, AI, morals, termination, policies, etc.). I would always advise you have a lawyer do this for you to ensure you are appropriately covered. Keep contracts properly filed to ensure consistency.
5. Foster a Positive Work Environment
Even the best contracts can’t replace good communication. Properly onboard crew, share essential policies, and maintain transparency around pay, overtime, and expectations. Address issues promptly and professionally as failure to do so can trigger duty-of-care or discrimination claims. Consider offering third-party support such as HR or counselling services, and invest in industry wellbeing or mental-health training to strengthen loyalty and morale.
That’s a Wrap
Good crew contracting is about clarity, fairness, and trust. Do it right, and you’ll keep your production compliant, your crew happy, and your shoot on track. At Reviewed & Cleared we advise on every kind of contract required for a production, so do get in touch if you have any queries. lawyers@reviewedandcleared.com
Atlanta Webster
Atlanta is a highly experienced Business Affairs consultant in the media and entertainment industry, with more than 17 years of top tier firm, broadcaster, platform, and in-house experience (including as Director of Legal), advising companies, creators and A-list talent and individuals.
News & Views Category: Film & TV
