Write down the scope, deliverables, revisions, schedule, payment, ownership, credit and confidentiality. This is general information, not legal advice. Ask a lawyer for anything complex.
You don't need a long contract for a small video. You do need a written agreement that covers the same ground. This checklist is general information, not legal advice.
The checklist
- Scope. What video or videos, how long, and in what style.
- Deliverables. File formats, sizes and any extra versions (vertical, square, captions).
- Materials. What you will provide and by when.
- Schedule. Dates for the first draft, feedback and final delivery.
- Revisions. How many rounds are included and how extra rounds are priced.
- Price and payment. Total price, deposit, milestones and due dates.
- Ownership. Who owns the final video and the project files after payment.
- Credit. Whether the editor may show the video in their portfolio.
- Third-party material. Who is responsible for music, stock footage and fonts, and their licenses.
- Confidentiality. Whether the project is private until release.
- Changes and cancellation. What happens if the scope changes or the project stops.
Marketplaces help
Platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr give you a contract structure, milestones and payment protection. Use them if you are new to working together.
Keep it simple
A clear one-page agreement or a detailed project message that both sides confirm in writing is often enough for a single video.
Portfolio permission matters
If your video is confidential, say so. Many editors like to show finished work, so agree on this before you start.
Whenever money or intellectual property is significant, ask a qualified lawyer to review the agreement.
Related: how many revisions to include.
A sample scope paragraph
Here is an invented example of a short scope statement you might confirm in writing: "One 60-second 16:9 explainer video, including script polish, 2D animation, licensed music and one voice-over by [name or AI voice with license]. Two rounds of revisions. First draft in 10 working days after receiving materials. Final delivered as MP4 and a vertical 9:16 version. Price: [amount], 50 percent deposit." Adapt the details to your project.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Agreeing by chat and never writing it down
- Not stating who owns the final files
- Forgetting to cover music and font licenses
- Leaving out what happens if the project is cancelled
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer for a small video?
Usually a clear written scope is enough. For larger or sensitive projects, a lawyer's review is a good idea.
Who owns the video?
It depends on the agreement. Many clients receive full rights to the final video after payment, and editors keep the right to show it in their portfolio unless otherwise agreed.
What about project files?
Ask for them up front if you need them. Some editors include them, some charge extra.
Is a marketplace contract enough?
Marketplaces provide a standard structure. Add your project details in the job description or messages.
Bhavesh Vaghela
Freelance video editor and motion designer in Rajkot, India. I make short-form videos, motion graphics, SaaS explainers, logo animations and AI video for clients worldwide.
