Video production agreement template

Video Production Agreement

Parties: Producer · Client

1. Purpose

This agreement sets out the terms on which the Producer plans, shoots and edits a video for the Client, from the brief to the delivered files, and the rights each party has in the result.

2. Production brief and deliverables

The Producer will produce the following video content:

[[Describe the services and deliverables]]

The deliverables are [[1]] main video of about [[2]] minutes and [[2]] short cut-downs for social media, in the languages and aspect ratios and with the subtitles stated in the brief. The brief, agreed in writing or in electronic form before pre-production starts, records the purpose, audience, tone, references and the channels the video will be used on. Deliverables not listed are outside this agreement unless the parties agree on them in writing or in electronic form.

3. Script and storyboard

The Producer prepares a treatment, script and storyboard or, for documentary-style content, a shooting plan. The Client reviews each within [[5]] business days and approves it or asks for specific changes in one consolidated list. Shooting starts only after the Client has approved the script and storyboard in writing or in electronic form. Changes to an approved script or storyboard that require reshooting are treated as changes under this agreement.

4. Shoot days

The production includes [[2]] shoot days of up to [[10]] hours each, including set-up and travel on the day, at [[Locations]] on [[Dates]]. The Client arranges the locations, permits, the people appearing on camera and their availability, and tells the Producer in advance about hazards and restrictions on site. Time lost because locations or people are not ready counts towards the shoot day; additional hours and days are charged at [[Rate per hour and per day]].

5. Editing and revision rounds

The Producer edits the approved footage, adds the agreed graphics, music, voice-over and subtitles, and delivers a first cut by [[Date]]. The fee includes [[2]] rounds of revisions; the Client gives each round of feedback in one consolidated list within [[5]] business days of receiving a cut. Further rounds, re-edits after approval and changes that require new footage are charged at [[Hourly or per-round rate]].

6. Approval and delivery formats

The Client approves the final cut in writing or in electronic form. The Producer then delivers the final files in [[Formats and resolutions, e.g. MP4 in 4K and 1080p, 16:9 and 9:16]] through a download link within [[7]] days of approval and full payment. Project files and raw footage are not delivered unless the price schedule says so. The Client checks the delivered files within [[10]] days; defects reported within that period are corrected free of charge.

7. Schedule and delays

The production follows this schedule: [[Milestones: pre-production, shoot days, first cut, final delivery]]

Each date depends on the Client giving approvals and feedback in the agreed time and on the people and locations being available; a delay on the Client’s side moves the later dates by at least the same period. The Producer tells the Client without delay about any delay on its own side and offers a new date.

8. Fees and payment

The Client pays the fees shown in the price schedule of this contract: [[40]]% on signing, [[30]]% after the last shoot day and the balance on approval of the final cut, before the final files are delivered, unless the price schedule says otherwise. Travel, accommodation, location fees, actors, voice-over artists and other third-party costs are charged as stated in the price schedule or, if not stated, at cost after the Client has approved them. If a payment is more than [[7]] days late, the Producer may pause the production after notifying the Client.

9. Changes

Either party may ask for changes to the brief, script, deliverables or schedule. The Producer tells the Client what a change costs and how it affects the schedule, and starts the change only when the Client has approved it in writing or in electronic form.

10. Footage ownership and licence

When the Client has paid in full, the Producer transfers to the Client the rights in the final delivered videos or, where the applicable law does not allow a transfer, grants the Client an exclusive, perpetual licence to use them for [[Permitted uses, e.g. all purposes in all media]]. The raw footage, project files and material not used in the final videos remain the Producer’s; the Producer keeps them for at least [[12]] months after delivery and may provide them to the Client against the fee stated in the price schedule. The Producer does not use unused footage of the Client’s people, premises or products for other clients.

11. Music and stock licences

Music, stock footage, fonts, graphics and other third-party materials are licensed for the uses and channels stated in the brief, at the cost stated in the price schedule or, if not stated, at cost after the Client has approved them. The Producer names the materials used and the scope of each licence. Use of the video outside that scope, for example in paid advertising or broadcasting, may need a wider licence, which the Client obtains at its own cost. The Client is responsible for the rights in material it supplies, such as logos, images, music or footage.

12. Cancellation

The Client may cancel the production at any time by notice in writing or in electronic form. On cancellation the Client pays for the work done until then, the third-party costs the Producer can no longer cancel and a cancellation fee of [[25]]% of the remaining fee; amounts already paid are credited. A shoot day cancelled with less than [[5]] business days’ notice is charged at [[50]]% of the day rate plus any non-refundable costs. Either party may terminate this agreement by notice in writing or in electronic form if the other party seriously breaches it and does not remedy the breach within [[14]] days of being asked to.

13. Credit and portfolio

The Producer may show the final video or excerpts of it in its portfolio, website, social media and festival or award entries, and name the Client as a reference, once the Client has published the video or [[3]] months after delivery, whichever comes first, unless the Client objects in writing or in electronic form. A producer credit in the end titles is included where the format allows; the Client is not required to credit the Producer elsewhere.

14. Liability

The Producer works with reasonable care and skill but does not promise particular view counts, engagement or sales. The Client is responsible for the accuracy of the statements the video makes about its products and services, and for the consents of the people appearing on camera whom it provides. Except for intent, gross negligence, personal injury or where the law does not allow a limitation, each party’s total liability under this agreement is limited to the fees paid or payable under it.

15. Governing law and disputes

This agreement is governed by the law stated under Governing law. The parties will first try to settle any dispute in good faith. Otherwise the courts stated under Jurisdiction decide, unless mandatory law provides otherwise.

Payment terms

Each instalment is payable within [[14]] days of receiving the invoice, by bank transfer to the account stated on the invoice. The final files are delivered once the final payment has been received.

Governing law

[[Country or state whose law applies]]

Jurisdiction

[[Courts that decide disputes, e.g. the courts of your city]]