Fixers

If you’re enlisting the help of a fixer to get your shoot together, make sure you've agreed upon:

• Work expected
• Dates needed
• Credit title that will be given
• Rate you'll pay before they start working
  • Remember: Don’t ask a fixer to do any work without project and budget approval. A fixer should not be working for free and costs for said work need to be pre-approved.

Some things fixers can help with are:

• Vetting local characters
• Collecting possible shoot beats
• Gaining access to locations that can only be achieved on the ground through permits, etc.
• Sourcing local crew and gear

These expectations must be set in a Service Agreement contract. Once you decide on what you need from your fixer, send these terms to Sergio (U.S. Procedure) so a contract can be drafted.

If a fixer needs money up front for expenses, a Service Agreement must be in place before a cash advance wire will be approved (refer to Finance section on Cash Advances for more info on this). Make sure reconciliation terms are discussed and that they will need to provide record of all receipts. Their day rate will be paid upon completion of the work, via invoice, net 30 days, just like any foreign freelancer.

Beyond a day rate, what a fixer can be sent cash advances for and invoice for varies by project and the scope of tasks. Be clear on what types of costs can be expensed based on the tasks. Make sure your fixer knows that you and production management have final approval on all expenses and our T&E policy still applies (see Finance T&E Policy for more on this).

UPDATED 3/17