Most disputes between editors and clients start with one word: "editing". To the client it might include color grading, sound mixing, subtitles, music, thumbnails, and unlimited tweaks. To you it means a cut. A contract makes sure you both mean the same thing before any work starts.
The 9 clauses every video editing contract needs
1. Scope of work and deliverables
List exactly what you deliver: number of videos, length, aspect ratios (16:9, 9:16), export formats, and which post-production services are included (color correction, audio cleanup, captions, basic motion text) and which are not.
2. Footage and asset delivery
Your timeline depends on the client. State when they must send footage, logos, fonts, and scripts, in what format, and that deadlines move if materials arrive late.
3. Revisions
Set the number of revision rounds per video and the price of extra rounds. Define a revision too: changes to the agreed edit, not a new creative direction, new footage, or new motion graphics. Those are change orders.
4. Timeline and turnaround
Give turnaround times for the first cut and for each revision round, and how long the client has to give feedback. Add a percentage rush fee for faster delivery.
5. Payment terms
Deposit amount, payment schedule, due dates, accepted payment methods, and a late fee. For retainers, bill monthly in advance. See our video editing pricing guide for rates.
6. Music, stock footage, and licensing
Say who licenses music and stock assets, who pays for them, and that usage is limited by the license terms. This matters most for ads and paid social, where unlicensed music can get content taken down.
7. Ownership and raw files
The client typically receives ownership of the final exported videos once paid in full. Project files (Premiere, DaVinci, After Effects) and custom templates usually stay with you unless the client pays extra for them. Write it down either way.
8. Portfolio rights
Ask for permission to show the finished work in your portfolio and on social media, with an option for the client to request a delay until the content is public.
9. Cancellation and kill fee
If the client cancels mid-project, they pay for the work completed. A kill fee of around 25% of the project price is a common starting point, and many freelancers charge more when the work is nearly finished.
Free video editing contract template
Copy this, replace everything in brackets, and remove anything that does not apply.
VIDEO EDITING SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made on [date] between [Your name / business] ("Editor") and [Client name / company] ("Client").
1. SCOPE OF WORK
Editor will deliver: [number] videos, each approximately [length], in [aspect ratios], exported as [format/resolution].
Included: [cutting, color correction, audio cleanup, captions, basic motion text].
Not included unless agreed in writing: [advanced motion graphics, voiceover, thumbnails, translation].
2. CLIENT MATERIALS
Client will provide all footage, logos, fonts, and scripts by [date] via [method]. Delivery dates move by the same number of days that materials are late.
3. REVISIONS
Each video includes [2] rounds of revisions. A revision is a change to the agreed edit. New creative direction, new footage, or additional deliverables require a written change order. Extra revision rounds are billed at [$ per round].
4. TIMELINE
First cut delivered within [X] business days of receiving all materials. Revisions delivered within [X] business days of receiving consolidated feedback. Client will provide feedback within [X] business days. Rush delivery is available for a [X%] fee.
5. FEES AND PAYMENT
Total fee: [$ amount] / [$ per month for retainers].
Deposit: [50%] due before work begins. Balance due [on delivery / within 14 days of invoice].
Late payments incur a fee of [X% per month]. Editor may pause work on any account more than [14] days overdue.
6. MUSIC AND STOCK ASSETS
[Editor / Client] is responsible for licensing music and stock assets. Licensing costs are [included / billed separately]. Use of licensed assets is limited to the terms of their licenses.
7. OWNERSHIP
Upon full payment, Client owns the final exported videos. Project files, raw exports, and custom templates remain the property of Editor unless purchased separately for [$ amount]. Until full payment, all rights remain with Editor.
8. PORTFOLIO
Editor may display the final videos in portfolio and marketing materials after they are publicly released, unless Client requests otherwise in writing.
9. CANCELLATION
Either party may end this Agreement with written notice. Client will pay for all work completed to date, plus a kill fee of [25%] of the remaining project fee. The deposit is non-refundable once work has started.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
Editor will keep Client's unreleased footage and business information confidential.
Signed:
Editor: ______________________ Date: __________
Client: ______________________ Date: __________Retainer clients: add these lines
- Monthly volume: how many videos per month, and whether unused videos roll over (usually they do not).
- Billing date: invoice on the 1st, due before that month's work begins.
- Notice period: 30 days' notice to cancel or change the package.
- Queue rules: how many videos can be in progress at once.
Common mistakes
- Writing "unlimited revisions" to win the client
- Starting work before the deposit clears
- Handing over project files for free
- Using a "friendly email" instead of a signed agreement
- Not saying who pays for music licensing
Even with a contract, clients sometimes pay late. Keep our unpaid invoice escalation plan handy.
Frequently asked questions
Do freelance video editors need a contract?
Yes. A contract defines what editing includes, how many revisions the client gets, who owns the files, and when you get paid. It prevents most scope and payment disputes before they start.
Who owns the raw footage and project files?
It depends on the agreement. Commonly the client owns the final exported videos after full payment, while project files stay with the editor unless the client pays extra for them. Put it in writing.
What is a kill fee in a video editing contract?
A kill fee is what the client pays if they cancel the project partway through. Around 25% of the project price is a common starting point, with higher fees if the work is nearly done.