Crew budget calculator
Add the roles you need and their day rates. We’ll work out overtime, weekends, prep, travel, kit, contingency and VAT, so your crew line adds up before you book anyone.
| Role | Shoot days | Day rate £ | Overtime hrs a day | Saturdays | Sundays | Prep days | Travel days | Kit £ a day | Total | Remove |
|---|
Rate settings (APA Crew Terms by default)
An estimate, not a quote. Overtime uses the APA Crew Terms (September 2026): a 10-hour working day plus lunch, with the hourly rate at a tenth of the day rate and multiplied by 1.5, 1.25 or 1 depending on the day rate. Prep days are 8 hours and travel days are a 5-hour minimum. Crew on Bectu or other agreements may differ, so check terms when you book. Your figures stay on this device.
Not sure what to budget per day?
Rates vary by role, region and the kind of job. Bectu publishes rate cards for many grades, and we’ll happily sense-check a budget for free.
Common questions
How is overtime worked out?
The hourly rate is a tenth of the day rate. Under the APA Crew Terms (September 2026), overtime is paid at 1.5 times that for day rates of £458 or less, 1.25 times for £459 to £696, and the same hourly rate for £697 or more. A standard day is 10 working hours plus an hour for lunch.
What do weekends cost?
Under the APA Crew Terms, a Saturday is 1.5 times the day rate and a Sunday or bank holiday is double. You can change both in the settings.
Do I need to add VAT?
Only if the crew you book are VAT registered. Freelancers turning over more than £90,000 a year must charge VAT at 20%. Tick the VAT box to include it.
Where do the day rates come from?
You add your own. Rates vary by role, region and type of production. Bectu publishes rate cards for many grades, and Crew&Co members can see what crew really charge in the members' rate guide.