ASSISTING PHOTOGRAPHER TERMS & CONDITIONS

Bookings

Bookings can either be verbal or via written communication e.g. text message or email between Sheila Udeagu (“the Assistant”) and “the Third Party” (Photographer, Agent, Producer or Production Company). It should be understood if the work is provisional or confirmed. On confirmation the following should be agreed:

  • Dates, start times and daily hours
  • Venue and travel arrangements
  • Special requirements (clothing, kit hire, equipment knowledge, etc.)
  • Fee and invoicing details
  • Expenses and overtime (where appropriate)
  • Weather contingency for location work
  • Possible overlaps with assistant’s other confirmed jobs
  • Contact names and numbers

If the assistant has a provisional booking with another Photographer, the Photographer will be given the option to confirm before another booking is accepted.

Cancellation and Postponement
Cancellation is only acceptable with unavoidable reason, e.g. illness, and the substitution of another assistant will be made with the Photographer’s prior knowledge and consent. The Photographer has the right to approve any replacement before commencement of the shoot.

Where a booking is confirmed which may overlap a previously confirmed job, the Photographer will be informed immediately and given the option to book another assistant.

Cancellation fees are only payable for confirmed bookings, although once the booking is confirmed, the Assistant will not be cancelled unless the job itself is cancelled. The Assistant should be regarded as a chargeable item and therefore covered by expenses when the “Third Party” is charging the client a cancellation fee. The Assistant reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee at the following rates together with all incurred expenses unless otherwise agreed:

  • On shoots of 2 days or less duration, with cancellation within 2 days notice: 50% of fees plus expenses.
  • On shoots of 2 days or less duration, with cancellation within 1 days notice: 100% of fees plus expenses.
  • On shoots in excess of 2 days with cancellation within 2 days notice: 50% of fees plus expenses.

In the case of a postponement, where a new date is given and confirmed, fees may become payable to cover costs and inconvenience, by mutual agreement between “the Third Party” and “the Assistant”.

Fees and Payment

Fees
Rates are dependent on the type of work the Photographer has been hired for e.g. advertising or editorial productions. These are charged at a daily rate unless otherwise agreed. A normal day is any 10-hour period worked between 7am and 7pm. Overtime may be charged for weekends, public holidays and in addition to the standard 10 hours, at a rate previously agreed with the Third Party. “Day” means working day. “The Shoot” is defined as the number of confirmed days whether the job is undertaken as a whole or in separate parts. “Expenses” include any and all costs incurred by the Assistant pursuant to the Client’s brief.

Payment
Payment should be made at the end of the shoot unless otherwise agreed at the time of booking. If immediate payment is not agreed, then credit terms of 30 days is given on receipt of invoice. All expenses incurred on behalf of the Photographer, Third Party or Client will be agreed in advance and are payable immediately the shoot is completed or on receipt of invoice, where agreed with the Photographer or Third Party. Fees and mileage for the use of the assistant’s car will be agreed at the time of confirmation.

Location Work
The Photographer or Third Party is responsible for the cost of accommodation, meals and travel within, to and from location unless otherwise agreed. Personal expenses (e.g. telephone calls) and travel within Melbourne central zone 1 are the responsibility of the assistant. Medical and travel insurance will be discussed with the Photographer or Third Party before the shoot begins. Weather-permitting bookings should be agreed with the Assistant at the time of confirmation, but postponement due to bad weather will result in the assistant being paid 50% of the fee. The Photographer or the Client may have weather insurance to cover these events.

Applicable Law
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Victorian Courts.

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