A deal memo is a short agreement that records the main terms of a deal before, or instead of, a full contract. It’s most common in film, TV, theater and music, where producers use it to hire crew and performers quickly. In a page or two, it confirms the role, pay, dates and credit.
Here are 41+ free deal memo templates. The set includes a crew deal memo, a performer deal memo, a basic version, a detailed version and a deal memo form you can fill in for each hire. A sample deal memo shows how the finished document reads. All are editable.
Fill in one memo per person and keep the signed copies with your production paperwork, so payroll and screen credits match what was agreed. A signed memo can be binding, so have a lawyer check any unusual terms.
A deal memo is usually followed by a full contract. See our short form agreement templates, confidentiality agreement templates to protect early discussions, and contract amendment templates if terms change later.
Best Deal Memo Templates
Crew Deal Memo Template
Custom Deal Memo Template
Detailed Deal Memo Template
Deal Memo Form Template
Routine Deal Memo Template
Performer Deal Memo Template
Basic Deal Memo Template
Sample Deal Memo Template
Prodcuer’s Deal Memo Template
Blank Deal Memo Template
Contractor’s Deal Memo Template
Director’s Deal Memo Template
Production Company’s Deal Memo Template
Director of Photography’s Deal Memo Template
When a Deal Memo Template is Needed?
A deal memo template is more useful when you know where and when to use one. A deal memo template is typically required for:
1. Directors:
For any film, the director is its backbone. The director plays a key part in many areas, such as selecting actors and other cast members and directing the technicians.
But like everyone else, the director is part of the film’s crew. So the director should sign a deal memo that sets out and records their deal with the production company.
2. Actors:
All actors should sign a deal memo so that their rights and the production company’s rights are protected.
With this document in place, actors cannot simply leave the project without a reason. Likewise, the production company cannot fire actors without a concrete reason.
3. Crew Members:
These are the individuals or companies the production company hires for particular tasks, such as assistants, technicians or make-up artists. They also play an important part in completing a film project.
So, before hiring them, have them sign the deal memo. It shows that the crew members are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities.
4. Protecting the Content:
The production company should have everyone who is part of the project sign the deal memo. The purpose is to protect the project’s content and other details and keep them confidential.
5. Employees:
Companies and other organizations can also use deal memo templates for employees. Such a document can be used when hiring an employee or when assigning them a specific task or activity.
6. Other Purposes:
As mentioned earlier, deal memo templates are mostly used in the film industry. However, that does not mean they cannot be used elsewhere. They work well for other general purposes or other types of deals.
Useful Deal Memo Templates
Weekly Deal Memo Template
Simple Deal Memo Template
Example Deal Memo Template
Cast Deal Memo Template
Crew Member’s Deal Memo Template
Short Deal Memo Template
Scheduled Deal Memo Template
Writer’s Deal Memo Template
Sponsor’s Deal Memo Template
Particular Deal Memo Template
Videographer’s Deal Memo Template
Employee’s Deal Memo Template
Contract Deal Memo Template
Sample Deal Memo Template
Importance of a Deal Memo Template
A deal memo is an important document signed between the cast and crew members and the production company. It is more than an ordinary paper; it includes important details about a film or other project.
Having everything in writing is best for everyone. The signatures of everyone involved in a project on the deal memo are evidence that they agree to perform their promises. After that, everyone is legally bound to perform their part.
The basic purpose of a deal memo is to make sure no party is harmed by another party’s breach of the agreement. With this document in place, it is easy to protect the rights of all the parties involved in the project.
Anyone creating something or working on a project has the right to keep it confidential. So a deal memo can also be used to keep the important details of a project confidential.
More Deal Memo Templates
Plain Deal Memo Template
Company’s Deal Memo Template
Craft Crew’s Deal Memo Template
Exclusive Deal Memo Template
Highlighted Deal Memo Template
Deal Memo Format Template
Brief Deal Memo Template
Casting Deal Memo Template
Practical Deal Memo Template
Freelancer’s Deal Memo Template
Handy Deal Memo Template
Editorial Deal Memo Template
Elemental Deal Memo Template
Particular Deal Memo Template
Recording Deal Terms Without Leaving Gaps
Choose a memo that captures the actual agreement being discussed. A deal memo can have legal consequences depending on its wording and context, even when a longer document is expected later.
- Identify the parties, project and subject of the proposed arrangement.
- Record services, compensation, dates, rights and approval points accurately.
- Clarify unresolved terms and obtain appropriate review before signing.
Worked Example
Example: a production memo states the engagement dates and fee but leaves travel expenses unresolved. Mark that issue explicitly rather than assuming it is included. If a fuller agreement will follow, explain the intended relationship between the documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid assuming “memo” means non-binding or that a sample settles rights ownership. Do not sign blanks or contradictory terms.
Related Templates
- Confidentiality Agreement Templates
- Short Form Agreement Templates
- Patent Agreement Templates
- Contract Amendment Templates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a deal memo always informal?
No. Its effect depends on its terms and applicable law. Obtain advice when it records a significant commitment.
What if negotiations are still ongoing?
Identify open items and avoid presenting proposed terms as fully agreed. Keep versions and approvals traceable.
