Creative Contract Template

Free Videographer Contract Template

Set clear terms before videographer work begins. Cover scope, payment, intellectual property, and revisions in one document.

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What is a Videographer contract?

A videographer contract is a written agreement that defines what creative work will be produced, who owns it, and how and when the videographer will be paid. Without a contract, creative projects are vulnerable to scope creep, late payment, and disputes over intellectual property. This template covers the essential clauses for videographer engagements. It is a starting point only and is not legal advice: have a solicitor review it before use.

What to include in a Videographer contract

Common videographer contract line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Filming Day Rate $500 - $2,000 per day
Video Editing $75 - $150 per hour
Corporate Video Production $2,000 - $10,000 per project
Drone Footage $300 - $800 per half-day
Motion Graphics / Animation $100 - $200 per hour
Color Grading $50 - $150 per hour
Commercial Usage License $500 - $5,000 per project

How to write a videographer contract

Before sending a videographer contract, agree the scope verbally first so the document reflects a shared understanding. Define deliverables precisely: list every file format, resolution, and component that will be supplied. Set a revision policy that limits included changes to a specific number of consolidated rounds, with additional rounds billed separately. Agree IP transfer terms up front: most videographers retain copyright until final payment is received and delivered. Sign before work begins. For anything above a small project, have a solicitor review the contract first. This template is not legal advice.

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This videographer contract template is provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Tidybill does not guarantee that this template is suitable for any particular situation or enforceable in any particular jurisdiction. Before signing or relying on any contract, consult a qualified solicitor or attorney in your jurisdiction. Laws differ between countries and regions.

Frequently asked questions

Can either party cancel the contract?
Yes, if the contract includes a termination clause. Your contract should state how much notice is required to cancel, what happens to work completed to date, whether the deposit is refundable, and what the client owes for work already delivered. A common approach is: either party may terminate with 14 days' written notice; the client pays for all work completed up to the termination date; and the deposit is non-refundable unless the videographer is in breach. Tailor the terms to your business and seek legal advice if the sums involved are significant.
Is an electronic signature legally binding?
In most jurisdictions, yes. The UK Electronic Communications Act 2000, the US ESIGN Act, the EU eIDAS Regulation, and equivalent legislation in many other countries recognise electronic signatures as legally binding for most commercial contracts. Tools such as DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or even a typed name in an email confirming agreement are generally sufficient. However, some document types (such as deeds, wills, or land transfers) require wet signatures. For a standard videographer services contract, an e-signature is almost always acceptable. Confirm with a solicitor if you are unsure for your jurisdiction.
What if the client disputes the work?
Your contract should include a dispute resolution clause. A typical approach is: first, the parties attempt to resolve the dispute informally within a specified period (say, 14 days); if that fails, the matter goes to mediation before any legal action. Some contracts specify which courts have jurisdiction and which country's law governs. These clauses do not prevent disputes, but they make resolution cheaper and faster. Keep records of all communications, approved revisions, and milestone sign-offs throughout the project: these are your evidence if a dispute escalates.
Is this template valid in the UK, US, or South Africa?
This template is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contract law differs between countries and even between states or provinces within a country. What is standard or enforceable in one jurisdiction may not be in another. Before relying on this template for any real project, have a qualified solicitor or attorney in your jurisdiction review and adapt it. Tidybill does not guarantee that this template is suitable for any particular situation or enforceable in any particular jurisdiction.
How many revision rounds should I include in a videographer contract?
Most videographers include two to three rounds of revisions in the base fee. A revision round is typically defined as one consolidated set of feedback, not a series of individual requests sent piecemeal. Define "revision" specifically in your contract: what counts as a revision, what counts as a new deliverable, and what you charge for additional rounds. Being specific here prevents misunderstandings and protects your time. Some videographers charge a flat fee per additional round; others bill at their hourly rate.
Should the contract specify a governing law?
Yes. A governing law clause states which country's or state's law applies to the contract and which courts have jurisdiction if there is a dispute. For most freelance and small business contracts, this is the videographer's home jurisdiction. Clients in other countries may push back, but it is generally in your interest to use your own jurisdiction. Without a governing law clause, both parties may disagree about which rules apply, making any dispute significantly more complicated and expensive to resolve.