Deal Memo: What It Means in Filmmaking
By Muhammad Wisal and Muhammad Ali / 2 min read
A deal memo is a short written agreement that sets out the key terms of a cast or crew member's job on a film, such as role, dates, pay and credit, and is signed by both sides before work starts.
What does deal memo mean?
A deal memo records what was agreed in a phone call or email, in one or two pages. It is usually prepared by the production office or line producer once an offer is accepted. On larger productions it comes before a longer contract, which adds the full legal language. On many indie and short films, the deal memo is the only agreement anyone signs, so it carries more weight than its length suggests.
A typical deal memo covers the person's name and position, start and end dates, the rate (daily or weekly), overtime terms, kit or equipment rental, per diem and travel if any, how and when payment is made, screen credit, and a statement that the work belongs to the production. Cast deal memos often add the number of work days, hold days, whether drop and pick up is allowed, and any ADR or reshoot terms. Union productions use the union's forms and minimums, and employment rules vary by country, so get templates checked by a production lawyer before you rely on them.
Example: a crew deal memo
Here is how the key terms might look for the sound mixer on a six-day short film called Low Tide:
| Term | Agreed |
|---|---|
| Name and position | Odalys Ferreira, Production Sound Mixer |
| Dates | June 8 to June 13, plus one prep day on June 6 |
| Rate | Flat daily rate for a 10-hour day, overtime at an agreed hourly rate |
| Kit rental | Sound cart, boom, two wireless lavs, agreed daily amount |
| Payment | Within 14 days of the final shoot day, by bank transfer |
| Credit | "Sound Mixer" in the end credits |
| Ownership | All recordings made for the film belong to the production |
| Signatures | Producer and crew member, with date |
In the signed version, write the actual amounts into the rate, overtime and kit lines instead of "standard rate". Clear numbers prevent most pay disputes later.
Related terms
- Deal memos for cast and crew: the full guide, with what to include for each department.
- Talent release: the form that gives you the right to use an actor's image and performance.
- Hold day: a booked, non-working day that cast deal memos should mention.
- Long-form contract: the full agreement that can follow a deal memo.
FAQ
Is a deal memo legally binding?
A signed deal memo is generally treated as an agreement, though how enforceable it is depends on its wording and local law. Ask a lawyer if the stakes are high.
When should a deal memo be signed?
Before the person's first day of work, ideally as soon as the offer is accepted, so nobody arrives on set with different expectations.
