ClauseryFree video production contract template (Word)
A contract between a video producer/videographer and client covering the concept, shoot days, deliverables (edit length, formats), revision rounds, licensing of footage/music, fees and cancellation terms.
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A video production contract covers pre-production (script, planning), production (shoot days, crew, locations, talent) and post-production (editing, revisions, color grading, audio mixing, delivery formats).
Video projects are expensive to crew and shoot — lock scope, shoot dates, revision rounds, music licensing and deliverables clearly to avoid massive scope creep.
What to include#
- Producer and client. Production company/DP name; client name and contact; project title/concept; estimated production and delivery dates.
- Scope and deliverables. Video concept and length (e.g. 3 minute brand film + 30s cutdown), shoot days/locations, crew included (DP, sound, gaffer), number of edited versions, delivery formats (4K, 1080p, social cuts).
- Production responsibilities. Client provides: talent, locations, access, approvals. Producer provides: crew, gear, basic editing. Stated turnaround for first cut and final delivery.
- Fees, expenses and revisions. Total production fee, deposit (typically 50%), payment milestones, included revision rounds (typically 2-3), rate for extra revisions/shoot days, and pass-through expenses (travel, talent, location permits, stock/music licensing).
- Licensing, cancellation and liability. Usage rights/license for the final video (web, broadcast, in-perpetuity or time-limited); music/stock licensing; cancellation/reschedule terms; weather backup; liability caps; and producer portfolio rights.
How to fill it in#
Step 1: Sign off on the script/storyboard
Pre-production is where you prevent costly reshoots — get script and storyboard approved before shooting.
Step 2: Lock shoot dates
Confirm crew/location/talent availability and book with deposits.
Step 3: Limit revision rounds
2-3 rounds of edits is typical; extra rounds billed hourly or per day.
Step 4: Clarify music licensing
State who pays for licensed music; royalty-free music has terms that must be respected.
Step 5: Include a cancellation schedule
Cancellations within X days of shoot may forfeit the deposit; rescheduling weather dependent shoots.
Related templates and guides
Questions
Who owns raw footage?
Production company typically owns raw footage unless the contract says otherwise; client receives the final edited video. Raw footage can be purchased separately.
Is music included?
Specify who pays for stock/licensed music and whether commercial/broadcast rights are included.
Can the client demand unlimited edits?
Include a revision cap (2-3 rounds); extra revisions are billed at an hourly/day rate.
Do talent/location releases come with the project?
Producer typically coordinates releases for talent/location they arrange; client is responsible for releases for their own employees/locations.
What if weather ruins an outdoor shoot?
Include a weather day/reschedule clause — often at client cost or shared.
These are general templates, not legal or tax advice. Have anything unusual reviewed for your jurisdiction.