Home/Video Editing Agreement

Video Editing Agreement

Hire a video editor. Agree on cuts, technical formats, revisions, delivery, and project-file access.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

How would you like this contract?

Pick an option to continue.

Custom Contract

Answer a few guided questions and we'll create your contract with your answers built in. E-sign or download when you're done.

Recommended for most users

Answer a few questions

About 2 to 5 minutes

Editable Template

Download a blank version in Word or PDF that you fill out yourself. Every spot to fill is highlighted in yellow.

Get the contract template

Download instantly

Custom Contract or Editable Template?

Compare the two options before you choose.

Feature	Custom Contract	Editable Template
Best for	Most users	Editing everything yourself
How it works	Answer guided questions	Fill highlighted fields yourself
Word and PDF	Yes	Yes
E-signature	Yes	No
Time required	About 2 to 5 minutes	Depends on your edits
Price	$50	$50

Need more than one contract? Buy this contract for $50, or compare plans for multiple contracts.

Compare plans

Is this the right contract for your video edit?

Use this agreement when hiring an editor to turn existing footage into finished videos. Agree on the edits, delivery dates, revisions, and files the client will receive. New filming is not included unless separately agreed.

Good fit for

Video editors working from client-supplied footage
Clients commissioning a defined edit or set of cuts
Parties clarifying whether project files are part of delivery

You may also need

Videography Services Agreement - if new filming is also required
Photo, Video & Audio Release - if footage includes identifiable participants
Non-Disclosure Agreement - when unreleased footage is confidential

What's Inside This Contract

Editing and delivery

Sets the work, delivery dates, revision rounds, and how the client approves the finished videos.

Finished videos and files

Describes the edits, formats, and files to be delivered. New filming requires a separate agreement.

Ownership and permissions

Sets ownership under the chosen terms, including limits on supplied music, footage, and other licensed material.

Payment and ending the job

Covers fees, expenses, and what each side must do if the job ends early.

Not sure what a section means? Every contract you create includes a built-in "Explain Sections" view with a plain-English note for each part of the document.

Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

Footage source and the editor's authorized access
The edit, versions, and delivery formats
Revision rounds and review process
Whether editable project files are included
Fee, payment timing, and delivery schedule

Points Worth Negotiating

Versions: agree on the length and number of videos, including any different cuts for social platforms.
Revisions: set the number of rounds and how feedback will be collected to avoid repeated conflicting requests.
Files and extra work: agree whether editable files are included and what additional versions or new footage will cost.
Permissions: identify who must clear the footage, music, and graphics before the finished video is released.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a video editing agreement cover filming?

No. It covers editing footage the client supplies. New filming or production must be separately agreed.

Are editable project files included?

Only if the parties select or separately agree to include them. Third-party software, fonts, music, or other licensed assets remain subject to their own restrictions.

Do corrections count against revision rounds?

Corrections needed to meet the agreed requirements are treated separately from revision requests. Agree on the requirements and review process before work starts.

What are common warning signs in a video editing agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any video editing agreement:

The edit scope or version count is undefined
The client assumes raw footage is included
Third-party music or assets have no identified permissions
Unlimited revisions are expected for a fixed fee

Related Contracts

Create Your Contract Browse contracts by industry