Video checklist

Before you sign a video contract

8 clauses worth a second look, with what is off-market and the one-line fix for each. Work down the list against the contract in your inbox.

1. 01

   Kill fee

   Red flag

   A flat "20% cancellation fee at any stage" clause, which underpays the freelancer when a project is cancelled after the shoot but overpays when nothing has happened yet.

   The fix

   Tie the tiers to project phases the contract already names: pre-production, shoot day, first cut, delivery. Each phase locks in a higher percentage.

   What is normal for kill fee →
2. 02

   Deposit

   Red flag

   A deposit that does not cover the pre-production spend the freelancer will incur before the shoot. If crew and location will cost 30% of the fee, a 20% deposit is under-collateralized.

   The fix

   "A 50% deposit is due at contract signature to cover pre-production. The remaining 50% is due on delivery of the final edit."

   What is normal for deposit →
3. 03

   Net payment terms

   Red flag

   Net-60+ on a project where the freelancer fronted crew, gear, and location costs. The freelancer has already paid vendors and is now waiting two months to be reimbursed.

   The fix

   "The balance is due on delivery of final files, Net-15. Late amounts accrue a 1.5% monthly fee." Front-load with a deposit that covers all third-party spend.

   What is normal for net payment terms →
4. 04

   Unlimited revisions

   Red flag

   Unlimited revisions across the whole edit, or the ability to reopen a signed-off stage. Re-editing after picture lock can mean redoing color, sound, and graphics work.

   The fix

   "Each stage includes 1 round of revisions. Once a stage is approved it is locked; reopening it is billed at [rate]. Changes to the agreed brief are a new scope."

   What is normal for unlimited revisions →
5. 05

   IP transfer

   Red flag

   "Client owns all footage, project files, and all underlying assets" with no mention of the third-party licenses the freelancer only rents, and transfer triggered on creation rather than payment.

   The fix

   "Client owns the final edit on full payment. Raw footage and project files are available for an additional fee. Third-party licenses (music, stock) are the client's responsibility to license for their use."

   What is normal for ip transfer →
6. 06

   Exclusivity

   Red flag

   A clause blocking the videographer from working with any brand in a broad category, extending well past the project, with no retainer or premium to compensate.

   The fix

   "For the term of this engagement plus [60 days], Freelancer will not produce competing content for [named competitors]. This is reflected in the agreed rate."

   What is normal for exclusivity →
7. 07

   Liability cap

   Red flag

   Uncapped liability making the freelancer responsible for any claim connected to the production, including talent releases the client managed or locations the client secured.

   The fix

   "Freelancer's liability is capped at fees paid. Client is responsible for permissions, releases, and locations it provides. Neither party is liable for consequential damages."

   What is normal for liability cap →
8. 08

   Non-compete

   Red flag

   A clause barring the freelancer from shooting for any brand in the client's category for a year after a one-off project, uncompensated.

   The fix

   "Freelancer will keep Client's materials confidential and is otherwise free to work with other clients. Any competitor restriction names [specific companies] and lasts [3 months], reflected in the rate."

   What is normal for non-compete →