Before you sign…

This is a quick Contracts checklist for Locations crew: what to check, what to push back on, and how to protect yourself if the paperwork lands late.

This is guidance, not legal advice. If you are a member and need support on a specific contract issue, contact our Branch Official or bectulocations@gmail.com.

📥 What you should receive

Most jobs come with a mix of:

  • Offer email or text

  • Deal memo

  • Full contract

  • Start form or onboarding pack

✅ Treat all of it as the agreement. Save everything in one place.

🚦 Starting without a contract (juniors and dailies)

It is common for juniors and dailies to start before seeing paperwork. Not ideal, but it happens.

✅ Your goal is simple: get the key terms confirmed in writing as early as possible (email or text is fine), even if the contract lands later.

📲 Copy and paste message

“Hi [Name], just confirming I’m booked as [Role] on [Production] for [date or dates] at £[rate] per day. Standard day is [X] hours with overtime after that as per the agreement. I’m on [PAYE / invoicing] and will send [timesheets / invoice] to [email or person]. Please confirm mileage and parking expenses are reimbursed. Thanks.”

📌 Quick habits that save you later

  • Screenshot booking texts and emails

  • Note call time, wrap time, and breaks each day

  • Keep receipts and log mileage as you go

  • Note who approved any spend

⚠️ If the contract arrives later and it is different

“Thanks. Happy to sign once it reflects what was agreed when I was booked, especially rate, overtime and expenses. Can you update it or confirm by email?”

🚩 Common red flags

If you spot any of these, query it early and get it confirmed in writing.

⏱️ Overtime

Overtime unclear, overtime “included”, or overtime trigger missing.

🧰 Unpaid prep and wrap

Prep or wrap expected, but not paid or not in the dates.

🚗 Travel days not treated as work

Travel paid as half day, or not counted as a work day, especially on long distance moves.

📅 Pro rata weeks changed without consultation

A five day contract quietly reduced to four or fewer days.

📍 Extended mileage boundaries

Base boundary expanded, or the “base” is moved mid job, changing what is claimable.

😴 Broken turnaround

Turnaround broken without proper agreement or compensation.

📄 Clauses that ignore agreements (TV & MMP Only)

Wording that says an agreement is not applicable, or that contract terms override it.

🚌 Moveable production base

“Moveable base” language that increases travel, hours, and costs without clear protection.

🧾 PAYE vs invoicing: check what you are signed up to

If you are not sure what route you should be on, head to the IR35 page. If your still not sure, get in touch with bectulocations@gmail.com.

✅ For contracts, the key is simply this: make sure the engagement route on your paperwork matches what you have agreed, and what is right for you.

Check your contract, deal memo, or start form for:

  • PAYE, self employed, or invoicing through a Ltd company (Loan-Out)

  • Any wording about status, IR35, or deductions

  • Who you send timesheets or invoices to, and when

🔗 Useful links