Freelance Video Editing Contract Template

Freelance Video Editor:

[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName]

[Sender.Street]

[Sender.City], [Sender.State], [Sender.Zip]

[Sender.Email]

[Sender.Phone]

[Client.Company]

[Client.FirstName][Client.LastName]

[Client.Street]

[Client.City], [Client.State], [Client.Zip]

[Client.Email]

[Client.Phone]

Project Title: [Project Title]

‌Project Description: [Project Description]

‌Fee: [Project Fee]

This Contract is between [Client.Company] (“the Client”) and [Sender.Name] (“the Freelancer”).

Video editing project overview

The Client is hiring the Freelancer to assist the Client with video editing services. Collaboration and communication between the Freelancer and the Client is crucial to completing the project in a timely manner. This section outlines the main phases of the video production process the Client can expect to participate in and outlines the scope of services the Freelancer will assist with.

[Preproduction]

The first step in video creation is to establish a plan for the project. This is the longest phase of the project and may require multiple meetings between the Client and the Freelancer.

When both Parties maintain strong collaboration during the first phase of video production, the remaining phases produce a stronger quality of work.

Open communication is the key to success. The Client responsibilities in this phase include providing detailed information about their target audience and anticipated outcomes.

The Freelancer’s responsibilities include establishing realistic expectations for the Client, so they know what to expect through each step of the project.

[Production]

Depending on the complexity of video elements, the Client can expect shooting video footage to take hours or days to complete. A detailed estimated timeline is provided below in the “Project Outline” below. The Freelancer’s goal in this phase of production is to get sufficient footage so that they have options to work with in the post-production phase. 

If the Client requests multiple videos for a project, the Freelancer may suggest completing all footage before creating and editing the videos to put everything together. Scheduling additional video recording sessions may result in additional charges to the Client. 

The Freelancer may need to rent equipment for a short time or hire subcontractors who specialize in niche areas of production. Fees related to these aspects of production are outlined in the “Project Payment” section of this contract.

It is important to maximize time and resources by making the most of production time when the team and equipment are all together and accessible to reduce overall costs of production.

Both parties must be flexible during the production phase. The Client should anticipate that previous expectations may not work out as planned, and new ideas may come to light during production.

It is crucial for both the Client and Freelancer to be present for all aspects of production so they can collaborate on details that need adjusting.

Postproduction

The Freelancer’s video editing work begins in postproduction. Working from footage, the Freelancer brings the Client’s vision to life and creates an initial rough draft of the video.

The Client and Freelancer work together to make edits to the draft and finalize details. The second draft of the video is much closer to the final version, although it may still need edits.

The Freelancer’s responsibility is producing the video in varying file formats for each Client need. For example, a video that the Client plans to use on television may be different from a video used for display advertising online. Requesting additional file sizes and formats after the contract is signed may result in additional fees. 

During the second round of edits, the Client needs to provide any and all feedback to the Freelancer for finalizing the video.

Once the second round of edits is complete, additional changes may incur charges above the price agreed in the contract. Keep in mind that the Freelancer is not obligated to provide edits beyond the scope of the contract. 

If the Client requests additional changes, the Freelancer may request an amendment to the agreement to outline Client requests.

Creating an amendment is a great way for both parties to work together to manage their expectations. 

Terms

This agreement dated [MM/DD/YYYY] is a legally binding contract between [Client.FirstName][Client.LastName], referred to as “Client” in the document, and [Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName], referred to as “Freelancer” in the document.

Collectively, the Client and Freelancer are referred to as “Parties” in the document. Both parties agree that:

• The Freelancer works as an independent contractor and is not an employee of the Client Company
• The Client is not responsible for providing any benefits like medical, dental, or 401K
• The Freelancer is responsible for paying their own taxes
• The Freelancer will use their own professional tools and equipment
• The Freelancer is responsible for the day-to-day project management
• The Client is not financially responsible for any training
• The Freelancer may not enter into any other agreements on behalf of the Client
• The Freelancer is not eligible for worker’s compensation or unemployment as a result of this contract

Project outline

The Client is entering into this agreement with the Freelancer to complete video editing services for the following projects:

Work begins on [MM/DD/YYYY] and continues until the project is completed. The anticipated timeline for the video(s) listed above are as follows:

Project payment

The Client agrees to pay the Freelancer a fee of [Fee Amount] for the video editing services listed above. Any additional edits are billed monthly to the Client at a rate of [Rate Amount] per hour.

The Client agrees to reimburse the following video editing expenses to the Freelancer:

Any additional expenses are at the discretion of the Freelancer and do not need to be pre-authorized by the Client.

The Client will pay the Freelancer a deposit of [Deposit Amount] upon finalizing this agreement. The remaining balance will be due on the estimated completion date of [MM/DD/YYYY], whether the project is finalized or not.

The Freelancer will then bill additional hours to the Client on a monthly basis, due to be paid by the [Day of the Month] of each month for the previous month.

The Freelancer will provide a final invoice to the Client upon completion of the project with any billable hours and reimbursable expenses added.

The Client agrees to pay this invoice by the [Day of the Month] of the following month, or the Freelancer may impose a late fee of [Late Fee Amount] per week that the payment is not received.

Ownership and licensing

After paying the full balance owed, the Client will own the rights to all finished products provided by the Freelancer. Finished products will include all video or scripting drafts, physical materials, designs, and notes on which the Freelancer works.

This list is not all-encompassing and may extend to other creative works that derive from the Client’s project.

Prior to completion of the project, which is defined by when the Client makes the final payment for the project, the Freelancer will retain all rights to all completed work.

After final payment, all intellectual property rights will transfer to the Client immediately and irrevocably.

It is at the sole discretion of the Client if or how they use the final product(s) of this agreement. This means that the Client may make additional edits, sell the project, or destroy it.

The Freelancer agrees to sign a document outlining proof of ownership for the Client in case they seek to patent the final video or utilize it in any commercial capacity.

Freelancer project rights

The Client agrees that the Freelancer may use the project as part of their professional portfolio. This includes using the project on the Freelancer’s website or providing digital or physical assets to potential clients at their sole discretion.

The Freelancer understands that they retain no rights to the finished project aside from using it as a work sample. 

If the Freelancer uses the project in any way that breaches this agreement, they may face legal action from the Client. This may result in the Freelancer giving up all rights to the project and having to pay reparations to the Client.

Freelancer intellectual property

The Client understands that some aspects of the finished product may be excluded from exclusive intellectual property rights.

The Freelancer retains rights to any intellectual property that belonged to them prior to signing this agreement. Examples of retainable intellectual property include fonts, designs, coding algorithms, and licensed stock photos.

The Client may request that all intellectual property is unique from other projects that the Freelancer creates. However, granting this request will be at the sole discretion of the Freelancer and may result in the Client incurring additional fees.

Client intellectual property

The Client understands that the Freelancer may need access to the Client’s intellectual property, including but not limited to, logos, brand fonts and colors, scripting, and other design elements.

The Client agrees to provide complete access in a timely manner to any intellectual property necessary for the completion of the project.

Representation

Both Parties agree that they have the individual authority to enter into this agreement and perform the outlined obligations as stated in this agreement.

If it is later determined that either party was not able to sign for legal or other reasons, the contract will be voided in totality.

The Freelancer agrees that any intellectual property utilized in the project is obtained legally. If the Freelancer utilizes other employees or subcontractors, those individuals are also subject to the terms of this agreement.

The Freelancer agrees to have any partners sign similar agreements on behalf of the Client for the purposes of working on this project.

The Freelancer commits to working within all applicable laws as they apply to intellectual property. It is solely the responsibility of the Freelancer to ensure they comply with all legal guidelines, even if it requires additional research to ensure compliance.

Along these lines, the Freelancer guarantees that no work completed on behalf of the Client infringes on the intellectual property rights of others.

The Client agrees to review the work project as outlined in the tables above. The Client will also give timely responses for all feedback, questions, and project decisions to the Freelancer.

Termination

The tentative ending date of this agreement is [MM/DD/YYYY]. If the Client requests additional edits, it is at the sole discretion of the Freelancer to extend the terms of the agreement.

Either party may terminate the agreement by providing [Number of Days] days’ written notice to the other party. After [Number of Days] days, the contract will be void and all work completed up to that point is due for payment.

Terminating this agreement does not change any of the following terms:

• Confidentiality
• Ownership and licensing
• Intellectual property
• Representation
• Indemnification

Confidentiality

Both Parties are subject to the terms of confidentiality. The Freelancer understands that they may have access to privileged client information like customer files, research data, and business strategies.

Similarly, the Client understands that they may have access to Freelancer processes and strategies that are unique to their business.

‌

Each party agrees to maintain confidentiality on behalf of the other party while the contract is active and once it is completed.

If either party is unsure of the confidentiality of any information, it should be assumed confidential unless otherwise stated by the other party.

If the Freelancer works with any employees or subcontractors, those individuals must also sign a confidentiality agreement.

If any information was considered confidential at the time of contract signing but becomes public later on, the confidentiality clause is no longer applicable to that information.

Neither party may share confidential information from their third-party partners unless they have explicit permission to do so. If a third party agrees to share confidential information as part of the project, both Parties agree to maintain confidentiality on behalf of those third parties.

Limited liability

If unforeseen circumstances impact either party’s ability to complete the contract, damages are limited to the costs outlined in this agreement. Neither party may pursue legal action or claim losses that extend beyond these terms.

Indemnification

If the Client faces any legal action as a result of this completed agreement, they hold harmless the Freelancer against any and all claims, costs, and expenses, including attorney’s fees, due to materials in the design at the request of the

Client to which they do not possess copyright permission or usage rights. For example, if someone pursues legal action against the Client for any reason, the Client may not name the Freelancer in the arbitration or involve the Freelancer in any way.

Severability

If, during the course of arbitration, the contract is deemed unenforceable, the contract is terminated. The Client should pay any completed work in full and in a timely manner.

‌The Freelancer must provide all physical and digital products to the Client, even if they are not completed as outlined in this agreement.

Amendments

If either the Freelancer or the Client wishes to change the terms of this agreement, both parties must agree and adjustments must be put into writing as an amendment to this contract. 

Governing Law

If the Parties enter into a disagreement that requires legal action or arbitration, the state of [STATE] shall oversee all proceedings. In the case of arbitration, an unbiased third party reviews the terms of this agreement and claims from both Parties to provide a final judgment.

Reviewers may determine that the entire agreement can be voided, or individual parts. If any single section of the agreement is terminated, the Parties must carry out all other pieces of the agreement as outlined in the Terms.

Communication and notices

Both Parties agree to maintain consistent communication over the course of this agreement. If possible, all communication should be in writing.

If the Client and Freelancer have an in-person or phone conversation, all notes from the discussion should be documented and agreed upon via email.

Parties should deliver official notices in person, via email, or using certified mail to the contact information listed in this agreement.

If either Party changes their contact information, they agree to notify the other Party and make a written amendment to this agreement with appropriate additions.

Acceptance

After both Parties sign this freelance video editing contract template, it becomes a legally binding agreement.

By signing electronically, the Freelancer and the Client both agree to enter into this freelance video editing agreement as partners and agree to the terms outlined herein.