Why you should always have a written contract with your videographer.
- Scott Dawson
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Hiring a video production company can be an exciting step towards bringing your vision to life, whether it's for a corporate project, a wedding, or a promotional campaign. However, one of the most crucial aspects of this collaboration is often overlooked: a written contract. Without one, you risk miscommunication, unmet expectations, and even losing access to your footage. Here’s why a contract is essential and what it should include.
1. Clarity and Expectations
A contract serves as a roadmap for both you and the video company, clearly outlining expectations on both sides. It ensures that you and the videographer are aligned on key details, including:
The scope of work (e.g., concept, filming, editing, revisions)
The final deliverables (e.g., video length, format, resolution)
The deadline for completion
Without a written agreement, misunderstandings can lead to frustration, delays, and even additional costs.
2. Protection for Both Parties
A contract protects both you and the video company from disputes. It lays out what happens in different scenarios, such as:
What if the final video isn’t what you expected?
What if the company delays delivery?
What if the client requests extra work beyond the agreed-upon scope?
By having everything in writing, both sides have a clear point of reference to resolve conflicts amicably.
3. Payment Terms and Budget Transparency
A written contract details the cost of the project, payment schedule, and any additional fees. This prevents unexpected charges and ensures that both parties understand the financial expectations. It should specify:
The total cost of production
Payment milestones (e.g., deposits, final payment upon delivery)
Cancellation or refund policies
This transparency eliminates financial disputes and builds trust between you and the video company.
4. Ownership and Rights to Footage
One of the most common disputes in videography is the ownership of raw footage. Many clients assume they will receive all the footage after the project is completed, only to find out that the company retains full ownership. To avoid this issue, your contract should specify:
Whether the raw footage will be provided
Who owns the final edited video
How the footage can be used (e.g., commercial rights, social media usage, exclusivity)
If retaining footage is important to you, negotiate this upfront and ensure it is stated in the agreement.
5. Revision Policy and Project Timeline
Revisions are an integral part of video production, but without a contract, you might face excessive revision requests or, conversely, be charged for revisions you assumed were included. Your contract should define:
How many revisions are included in the price
Additional costs for extra revisions
The timeline for feedback and final delivery
Having a clear revision policy helps manage expectations and keeps the project on track.
6. What Happens If Things Go Wrong?
A contract should outline contingency plans in case something goes wrong. Key clauses should cover:
What happens if the company fails to deliver on time
Refund policies if expectations are not met
A dispute resolution process (e.g., mediation or legal recourse)
While no one enters a contract expecting problems, it’s better to be prepared than to be caught in a difficult situation without legal backing.
Final Thoughts
A handshake or a verbal agreement might seem like enough, but when money, time, and creativity are on the line, a written contract is essential. It ensures clarity, protects both parties, and keeps your project running smoothly. Before you hire a video company, make sure you discuss and agree upon a contract that covers all key elements.
If you’re looking for professional videography services with transparent agreements and no hidden surprises, let’s have a chat! I’m happy to provide guidance and ensure your video project is a success.
Do you have any questions about video contracts? Drop them in the comments, and I’d be happy to help!
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