Videographer contract template
Video shoots have more moving parts than most creative work: crew, gear, locations, licensing and weeks of editing after the day. This contract covers the shoot and the edit in one page.
The template
1. Shoot[Date(s)], [location(s)], coverage from [time] to [time] with [one] videographer [and one assistant]. Extra hours on the day at [rate] per hour, agreed before continuing.
2. Deliverables[A 3–5 minute highlight film and a 60-second social cut], colour graded, with licensed music and captions, delivered via download link within [6] weeks of the shoot. [Raw footage is not included / Raw footage available for an additional amount.]
3. Revisions[One] round of revisions to the edit is included, as one consolidated list of timestamped notes. Structural re-cuts and additional versions are quoted separately.
4. FeesTotal [amount]. Non-refundable retainer of [30]% to reserve the date; balance due [7] days before the shoot. Travel beyond [30] miles and overnight stays billed at cost.
5. Footage and rightsVideographer owns the copyright in the footage and the films. Client receives a licence to use the delivered films for [personal / internal and marketing] purposes. Videographer may use excerpts in a portfolio and on social media unless Client opts out in writing.
6. Music and permissionsMusic is licensed through [service] for the agreed use. Client obtains permission for locations and for people appearing on camera where required.
7. Cancellation and weatherIf Client cancels, the retainer is retained; within [14] days of the shoot the full balance is due. Outdoor shoots postponed for weather are rescheduled once at no charge.
The Video editor template in Paperwork pre-fills deliverables, formats and revision terms.Paperwork fills the proposal, contract, invoice, SOW, NDA and change order from one form, and your client signs from a link. $19 once. Try the free demo first.
Raw footage is a product
Decide in advance. Most videographers exclude it, some sell it as an add-on. Either is fine; silence is what causes the argument after delivery.
Balance before the shoot
Editing happens after the client already has what they wanted (the day filmed). Collecting the balance before the shoot means you are never editing for free while chasing an invoice.
Timestamped notes
"0:42 use the other angle" is a note. "Make it feel more exciting" is a new brief. Asking for consolidated, timestamped feedback keeps revision rounds honest.