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Videography Contract Template

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Videography Contract Template

Updated November 28, 2023

A videography contract is a legal agreement between a videographer and a client that outlines the services to be provided by the videographer and how they will be paid by the client.

Normally, videographers are hired for single events, but depending on the experience and available equipment, they may be contracted for multi-day shoots in varying locations.

Common Videography Services

  • Weddings
  • Special Events
  • Social Media Ads
  • Commercials

Table of Contents

What Should be Included?

Scope of Work

Open laptop with video editing application and light stand and boom microphone

Formalizing the scope of work helps the client and the videographer understand the limitations of videography and additions to normal services. This section can also set out a procedure for what should occur if services stretch beyond the scope of work, helping to avoid day-of or post-production dilemmas. An all-encompassing videographer shooting a small event might be able to cover sound, editing, or additional areas, but a larger-scale production might also require:

  • Gaffer/Grip
  • Sound
  • Editing
  • Colorist

If the videographer agrees to perform additional services beyond videography, they should be documented and additional charges may apply. If the client requires additional services on the day of the shoot, the videographer may require amendments to the contract.

Payment

Man looking through viewfinder of video camera

All details for the exchange of payment and due dates should be documented. Payments for video shoots are typically due after drives are delivered to editors or to the client, but it’s customary for videographers to charge significant deposits for first-time clients or large, multi-day projects.

Location

Man viewing outdoor landscape on video monitor

All primary and backup locations should be listed, as well as whether or not the client will reimburse the videographer for travel expenses. If the videographer has to fly to the location, reimbursement for all travel and hotel is typical.

Timeline

The videographer and client should agree on a date and hours. If the shoot is outdoors, terms regarding inclement weather should be included. If the shoot extends past agreed-upon hours, additional hourly rates should be noted.

Equipment

It’s customary for videographers to document the equipment used. Small-scale video shoots might require no more than a lower-end professional camera, but large shoots necessitate quality, expensive ($100K+) cameras commonly rented by videographers at the client’s expense. Common camera types:

  • Small event: Sony a7R iii
  • Professional Ad: RED Komodo or similar
  • TV Commercial: ARRI Alexa 35 or similar

Insurance

Many locations require vendors to be insured. Minimum coverage for liability and property (the videographer’s equipment) varies. Full Frame Insurance offers one-day event coverage starting at $59.

Usage

Videography prices may scale with usage. Using a video for social media posts or advertising typically garners a lesser price than a video made for full commercial use, like a television ad. If the client uses the videographer’s work in areas beyond the agreed usage, the videographer could pursue additional recourse.

Common Videography Rates by Project

Videography charges depend on the videographer’s experience and their access to top-of-the-line equipment. The better the camera and the more seasoned the videographer, the higher rates are charged.

  • Wedding: $2500[1]
  • Full-Day Event: $600-1000[2]

Sample

VIDEOGRAPHY CONTRACT

1. The Parties

This Videography Contract (“Agreement”) is made between:

Client: [CLIENT’S NAME] with a mailing address of [CLIENT’S ADDRESS] (“Client”), and

Videographer: [VIDEOGRAPHER’S NAME] with a mailing address of [VIDEOGRAPHER’S ADDRESS] (“Videographer”).

WHEREAS the Client intends to pay the Videographer for Services provided, effective [DATE], under the following terms and conditions:

2. The Services. The Videographer agrees to perform the following: [DESCRIBE THE SERVICES].

Hereinafter known as the “Services”. Upon completion of the Services, drives and/or the final product will be delivered on or before [DATE] to:

Editor: [NAME] with an address of [ADDRESS]
Client: [NAME] with an address of [ADDRESS]
Other: [OTHER].

3. Payment. In consideration for the Services to be performed by the Videographer, the Client agrees to pay the following: (check one)

– $[AMOUNT] / Hour.
– $[AMOUNT] for the Services.
– Other: [OTHER].

A deposit, [REFUNDABLE/NOT REFUNDABLE], due upon signature and applicable to the total price of the Services after completion, is:

– Required in the amount of: $[AMOUNT].
– Not required.

The Videographer agrees to be paid in full: (check one)

– At completion of the Services performed.
– Other. [OTHER].

4. Location. The location of the Services shall be performed at: [LOCATION ADDRESS].

5. Date/Time. The date of the Services shall be performed on [DATE] from [HOURS]. Extension of hours will incur an additional charge of [$/HOUR].

6. Equipment. The Videographer will use the following equipment: [DESCRIBE EQUIPMENT].

7. Liability Insurance (Minimum ($) Amount). The Videographer agrees to bear all responsibility for the actions related to themselves and their employees or personnel under this Agreement.

The minimum amount ($) for the Liability Insurance shall: (check one)

– Be a minimum amount of combined single limit of $[AMOUNT].
– Not have a minimum amount required.

8. Usage. The Client agrees to use the final product in the following manner: [DESCRIBE USAGE].

9. Ownership. The product of all work performed under this Agreement, including without limitation all photographic images, videos, audio recordings, work-in-progress and deliverables developed in whole or in part be exclusive property of: [THE CLIENT/THE VIDEOGRAPHER].

10. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate upon the: (check one)

– Completion and Payment of the Services provided.
– Date of [DATE]
– Other. [OTHER]

11. Independent Contractor Status. The Videographer, under the code of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is an independent contractor, and neither the Videographer’s employees or contract personnel are, or shall be deemed, the Client’s employees.

12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed under the laws in the state of [STATE].

13. Severability. This Agreement shall remain in effect in the event a section or provision is unenforceable or invalid.

Client Signature: _____________________ Date: ________

Print Name: _________________________________

Videographer Signature: ___________________ Date: _______

Print Name: _________________________________

Sources

  1. Fash.com
  2. Etownvideos.com