Indie Film Daily Rate: What Actors Actually Get Paid
Indie film rates depend on the budget, your role, and whether the production is union-affiliated. Here's what real actors report making on indie sets.
Indie Film Rate Ranges
Student Film$0 — $100/day (often deferred)
Ultra Low Budget (<$250K)$125 — $350/day
Low Budget ($250K-$700K)$350 — $700/day
Modified Low Budget$600 — $1,000/day
Short Film (Non-Union)$100 — $500/day
Beyond the Day Rate
The day rate only tells part of the story. Consider:
- Hours: A 12-14 hour day at $500 is $35-42/hour. A 8 hour day at $350 is $44/hour.
- Meals: Productions that don't provide meals are cutting corners elsewhere too.
- Travel: Self-funded travel to location eats into your effective rate.
- Deferred pay: "Deferred compensation" on indie films almost never pays out.
- Credit/reel: Legitimate trade for new actors, but don't let it become exploitation.