Pay
We all want to know how much money we could make. So it's important to realise that rates of pay in the creative media industries can vary a lot, depending on where you live. This is because of differences in local demand for your skills as well as the cost of living.
When taking a job, check your employment status. Different terms are used - eg employee, casual, freelancer, self-employed - with implications for your rights and tax status.
Guidance from unions and guilds
Unions and guilds provide clear advice on national and regional rates of pay and conditions of employment for both freelancers and employees. These rates include travel allowances, working hours, meal breaks and holiday pay.
- BECTU is the independent union for those working in broadcasting, film, theatre, entertainment, leisure, interactive media and allied areas. Union agreed rates can be obtained from them, and for members, there is a "going rates" service
- The National Union of Journalists(NUJ) has the going rates for journalists
- The Writers Guild has recommended rates for writers in all areas of film and broadcast. These are minimum recommendations. Writers can and do earn more
- The Musicians' Union represents over thirty thousand musicians working in all sectors of the music business
- Equity is the only trade union to represent artists from across the entire spectrum of arts and entertainment
- The Association of Photographers (AOP) is a trade association of professional photographers who campaign for photographers' rights
National Minimum Wage
All UK workers have a right to earn the National Minimum Wage:
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Please note: apprentices under the age of 19 are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage. Also apprentices who are 19 or over and in the first 12 months of their apprenticeship are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage.
Look at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform website for FAQs about young workers and working time regulations.
Deferred payment?
Take advice before agreeing to any deferred payment scheme. Many people never recover their fees, even when the production they worked on makes money.
Freelancers and small business
The Enterprise Directorate will have information on starting and growing a small businesss. If you're a freelancer, that includes you.
There are also organisations that can provide advice and sometimes finance for young people wanting to set up businesses, for example The Prince's Trust.
