Overtime

When you start working in the film or fashion industry, you often come across technical terms you may not have heard before. This article defines the word ‘overtime’ and explains how it may affect you as an actor/model. The term ‘overtime’ originally comes from sport, but is also frequently used in the fashion and film industry, especially internationally. It refers to the length of time that models and actors are present at a photo shoot or film shoot beyond the previously agreed time, or in short: overtime.

A daily working time of eight hours plus a one-hour break is usually contractually agreed. If there are delays on a day so that the shoot does not end at the agreed time, the client must pay the model/actor extra. Overtime can barely be avoided- it is difficult to exactly plan how a shoot with run. You must learn how to communicate your needs because of this. If you aren’t able to continue the shoot beyond the agreed time, you can say this to the team. Consent to be held overtime is important to get before the shoot- verbal consent is ok but better to record it in writing. In Germany, the law stipulates that only in justified exceptional circumstances one should be permitted to work more than 12 hours a day. 

The client should state how much money one earns from overtime in the terms and conditions of a contract. In a contract, this will be headed ‘Agreement on overtime’. It is common for a grace period to be agreed on in the contract. This is technically overtime that you won’t get paid for. If the actor or model is needed on set beyond the grace period, the additional working time can be charged to the client. Usually, overtime increases the original hourly fee by around 15%. .

In order to receive the full remuneration to which they are entitled, it is important for models and actors to keep accurate records of their working hours. This includes preparations (e.g. for make-up ) and travelling time that elapses if the shoot is continued on another set. Overtime, on the other hand, does not include travelling to and from the shoot, for example. However, depending on the contract, some of this is included in the working time.

The model/actor should inform their agency of the overtime worked within 24 hours to ensure that this is included in the invoice.