What’s in a Videographer's Contract and Services Agreement

Jamie Perez • August 30, 2024

Hiring a videographer is an exciting step when you have a video project in the works! Most videographers, just like most professional service-based industries, will have their clients sign contracts or agreements before the project begins to ensure everyone is on the same page about everything and that all important details are in writing. So what can you expect to see in these agreements? Here are some key elements that professional videographers typically include in their contracts:

1. Scope of Work:

The contract should outline the scope of the videographer's services in detail. This includes the type and style of video, the event's date, duration, location, and any specific shots or moments that the client wants to capture. A well-defined scope ensures both parties have a clear understanding of the project.

2. Payment Terms:

Clearly specify the payment terms, including the total cost, payment schedule (e.g., deposit, installment, final payment), and accepted payment methods. Additionally, mention any additional fees for overtime, travel, or special requests.

3. Deliverables and Timeline:

Define what the videographer will deliver, such as the number of edited videos, their length, and the format (e.g., DVD, USB drive, online streaming). Include a timeline that outlines when the client can expect to receive the final product. This helps manage expectations and avoids misunderstandings.

4. Cancellation and Refund Policies:

Address the procedures and policies for canceling or rescheduling the event or project. Clearly state whether deposits are refundable and under what circumstances. Having these policies in place protects both parties in case of unforeseen events.

5. Copyright and Usage Rights:

Discuss who will own the rights to the video content. Typically, videographers retain copyright but grant the client usage rights for personal or promotional purposes. Outline any restrictions on how the client can use the video.

7. Liability and Insurance:

Address liability issues, including what happens in the event of equipment failure, accidents, or unforeseen circumstances that prevent the videographer from fulfilling their obligations. Ensure the videographer has liability insurance to cover potential mishaps.

8. Privacy and Consent:

If the event involves capturing people's images or personal information, include clauses about obtaining necessary permissions, model releases, and any privacy considerations. This helps protect the videographer and the clients from legal issues.

9. Termination Clause:

Define the conditions under which either party can terminate the contract, including reasons for termination and any associated fees or penalties.

10. Dispute Resolution:

Include a clause outlining how disputes will be resolved, whether through mediation, arbitration, or legal action. This can help avoid costly and time-consuming legal battles.

11. Signatures:

Both parties should sign and date the contract to make it legally binding. Having a signed agreement ensures that both the client and videographer are committed to fulfilling their respective responsibilities.

Remember that a well-crafted contract and services agreement is a crucial foundation for a successful collaboration between a videographer and their client. It protects the interests of both parties, clarifies expectations, and ensures that the project runs smoothly from start to finish. If you have any questions or concerns about the contract, communicate them with the videographer before signing.

Camera Lens

Here's Why Nonprofits Should Be Sharing Donor Stories

By Jamie Perez • May 29, 2025
Most of the time when nonprofit organizations are sharing stories, we are hearing from staff members, the founder and clients. All of these are perfectly fine stories to tell... but what about sharing the donor stories? When a nonprofit has regular donors, there's probably a story behind WHY they believe in your cause so much. There's a heartfelt element to why out of all the nonprofits they could donate to -- why do they choose YOURS to give to time and time again? They most likely relate to your mission. They believe what you believe about a problem that needs to be addressed and they wanted to be part of the solution. Maybe they went through a traumatic situation that your organization is helping people solve. Get to know your donors. Be curious. They're just as much a part of your organization as your staff and clientele. By sharing their stories, they not only feel more involved in an organization they already care so deeply about, but it also could be a great way to attract MORE donors who can relate to their story. Donors give because of stories -- their gifts don't come from coercion; they come from emotion, a desire to connect. It opens up a relationship and this is how wallets open and lives are transformed. People want to know they belong to something and that they're making a difference. It feels good for anyone to know they're needed, wanted and appreciated. Show them the impact of their gift through storytelling. Don't just focus on them when you need something from them. Engage them. Make them part of the organization's journey. To help get you started, here are a couple questions that could ignite some great soundbites when interviewing your donors: What happened in your life that makes you so compelled to support our cause? Why is this need so important to address? With these questions, you're not only asking them to address the need that your organization is addressing, but you're still focusing on THEIR story. By bringing them along this journey and asking these questions, it helps remind them why they give monetary gifts to you. And their story and their reasons could encourage others to do the same. BE CURIOUS. THESE ARE THE TYPES OF STORIES THAT ARE NEVER TOLD BECAUSE WE NEVER ASK . By being curious, sharing THEIR story, you're showing them you not only care about them helping your cause, but you care about them as people. And who doesn't like to share their story with someone who is truly interested?
Owner of Beyond Words Jamie Perez interviews woman on camera in studio setting

3 Tips for Ethical Storytelling

By Jamie Perez • April 30, 2025
Owner of Beyond Words Jamie Perez interviews woman on camera in studio setting
A person is holding a video camera on a tripod.

Three Mistakes Organizations Make When Creating Video

By Jamie Perez • April 28, 2025
We see this time and time again... organizations wanting to tell an emotive story through video and then being disappointed that the final product wasn't as heart-tugging as they'd hoped. This mainly happens for three reasons: 1. Controlling the narrative. There are too many cooks in the kitchen. Organizations want to include everyone in the conversation and then there's too many opinions on what should be included in the video, who should be included, what should be shown, etc. This convolutes the message and becomes a jamboree of information and takes away from the natural flow of what the true story should be. 2. Trying to fit everything into one video. Organizations often don't think about what it truly means to tell a story. It's not talking about all the facts and features of the organizations, the different types of programs, showing the building, etc. We don't need to know everything about you. We KNOW you're doing incredible work, but we can read the facts and figures through the caption or text on your website. What we want to see and feel is the stories and emotions that accompany what you do. Which brings us to the next point... 3. Focusing on the features rather than the people. While it's great to inform people of the logistics of your organization -- those things are often not unique and they don't really retain people's attention. What does accomplish these two things, however, is gripping people by the heartstrings by focusing on one or two people's stories to show the audience the impact you make. It's not about telling me all the generalities of your organization. We really need to hyperfocus on ONE story that embodies the difference you make in people's lives. Remember what a story truly is. It has characters, it follows a journey, it presents a problem, a solution, has layers, and evokes emotion. If your videos are mostly just a summary of what you do as an organization, then you haven't really told a story. You've told me WHAT your organization does. The true heartfelt stories are always found in the WHY.
More Posts