Videography Invoice Example: Annotated Template with Line Items

TL;DR: A videography invoice should separate filming from editing, list deliverable formats and durations, include equipment rental or crew charges, and specify usage licensing. Below is a fully annotated example.

Sample videography invoice

Payment Terms: Net 15. 40% deposit before production; balance due upon final delivery. Wire transfer or ACH.

Notes: Deliverables: 60-sec hero video (4K, H.264), 30-sec social cut (1080p, 9:16 and 16:9), project files upon request. Client receives a 1-year non-exclusive license for web, social, and in-store display. Broadcast rights available for additional licensing fee. Two rounds of revisions included.

Field-by-field breakdown

• From: Production company name, office address, and billing email.
• To: Client company and the marketing contact who approved the project.
• Project reference: Name the specific video project for clear record-keeping.
• Pre-production: Concept, storyboarding, and planning time billed separately from the shoot day.
• Production day rate: Includes the director and DP. Note the camera setup (single vs. multi-cam).
• Crew: Additional crew (PA, gaffer, sound tech) as separate line items.
• Post-production: Editing, color, and sound. The most time-intensive phase deserves its own line.
• Additional cuts: Each version (social, vertical, long-form) should be a separate line item.
• Music licensing: Pass through at cost or include in your production fee -- be transparent.
• Usage licensing: Define the scope in your notes. Broader rights cost more.

Common line items for videographers

Variations

• Event videography: Bill a flat half-day or full-day rate plus editing hours. Deliverables are typically a highlight reel and full recording.
• Hourly billing: For open-ended projects, bill actual editing hours with a time log attached.
• Documentary / long-form: Invoice by phase (pre-production, principal photography, post) with milestone payments.
• Social media content packages: Monthly retainer for a set number of short-form videos (e.g., "$2,500/month for 8 Reels").

Tips for videography invoicing

1. Collect a deposit before the shoot day -- you have significant crew and equipment costs upfront.
2. Separate each deliverable (60-sec cut, 30-sec cut, vertical version) as its own line item so clients see the value.
3. Specify revision rounds on the invoice to manage expectations and prevent endless changes.
4. Include licensing terms on every invoice so both parties have a written record of usage rights.

FAQ

Q: Should videographers charge sales tax? A: In New York, video production services are generally taxable. Rules vary by state -- some tax the final deliverable, others tax the service. Consult your accountant.

Q: How do I price additional cuts or formats? A: Each additional version (different length, aspect ratio, or platform) should be 20-40% of the original edit price. List them as separate line items.

Q: What if a client wants unlimited revisions? A: Never offer unlimited revisions. Include 2 rounds in the project price and charge hourly ($100-$200/hr) for additional rounds. State this on the invoice.

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Create professional videography invoices with the InvoiceQuickly videography template.