Types of contract
In the work place there are a number of different types of contract and in the film industry there are certain contracts used that are not commonly used elsewhere.
Full-time and Part-time Contracts
These are generally the most common types of contract and are usually given for permanent positions. They set out your salary as well as other details such holidays pension information and sick pay. For a full-time contract you must work a minimum of 35 hours a week otherwise you will be given a part-time contract. On a part-time contract the number of hours you are scheduled should be visible and you have the option to work overtime if you wish. A part-time contract also allows you to work around any other commitments you may have. However, despite these being common elsewhere, they are quite rare in the film industry.
Fixed Term Contracts
A fixed term contract is one that lasts a specific amount of time which has been agreed beforehand. Occasionally a fixed term contract will not last for certain timeframe but instead end when the project has been finished. You are entitled to the same benefits of a permanent contract when on fixed term but some benefits may depend on the contract length.
Freelance
As a freelancer your contract will depend on the position you are currently working in. Freelancers are often considered self employed so you must take charge of your own tax and national insurance payments. A freelance contract may be for a specific length of time or based upon the completion of a piece of work, this means, despite being able to negotiate your own terms, you are not entitled to the same benefits as permanent contracts.
Self Employed
Being self employed means that you own and run your own business and are therefore responsible for its success or failure. You also do not have the same rights as an employed position and you are not covered by employment law. Being self employed also means that you get to set your own schedule and are able to set your own pay.
Casual Contracts
Someone on a casual contract is often known as a worker and they are given a contract, not necessarily in writing, in order to do work for money or any other benefit such as a promise of future work. For the duration of the contract the employer must have work for you to do and they must pay you at least minimum wage.
Piece Work
If you are given a piece work contract then you are payed per piece of work that you complete and at a fair rate. This commonly used when the employer is unsure of what hours you work and so pays you based on the time sheet you provide upon completion of the project.
Shifts
Shift work contracts are commonly used by companies that need to stay upon long hours in order to remain competitive. If, for example, the business needs to stay open for 24 hours, it is unreasonable to expect one person to wrok that time and must therefore employ you to work a number of shifts a week rotating with other employees. This means that the contract can then be flexible and working hours are not set. This is often used for teenagers and young adults who are working in between school, college or university hours.