Freelance Videographer Contract Template (UK 2025)
Last updated: February 2025
When You Need This Contract
Videography contracts are more complex than photography contracts due to the additional elements of motion, sound, music licensing, and post-production editing. The contract must address ownership of raw footage and edited videos, music licensing for any soundtrack used, the number of edit rounds included, deliverable formats and resolutions, and the important question of who retains raw footage after the project is complete.
Key Clauses
- Video copyright assignment or usage licence with scope definition
- Music licensing responsibilities and restrictions
- Edit rounds included and revision process
- Deliverable formats, resolutions, and aspect ratios
- Raw footage ownership and storage obligations
What to Watch Out For
- Not addressing music licensing, risking copyright infringement claims from music rights holders
- Failing to specify deliverable formats and resolutions for different platforms
Sample Clauses
- Sample music clause: 'The Videographer is responsible for sourcing and licensing all music used in the videos. Music must be licensed for the agreed usage scope including [social media, website, advertising]. Licence costs are [included in the fee / charged separately at cost]. The Videographer shall provide documentation of all music licences used.'
- Sample deliverable clause: 'Final videos shall be delivered in the following formats: Full HD (1920x1080) MP4 for web, 4K (3840x2160) for archival, vertical (1080x1920) for social stories/reels, and square (1080x1080) for social feed posts. Each version shall be colour-corrected and audio-balanced.'
FAQ
Who owns raw video footage from a freelance videographer?
The videographer owns copyright in all footage unless the contract assigns it. If you want access to raw footage for future editing, this must be explicitly stated. Some videographers charge a premium for raw footage delivery. At minimum, ensure the contract requires the videographer to retain raw footage for a specified period, typically 12 months, in case re-edits are needed.
What music licensing does a videography contract need to cover?
Any music used in commercial video requires appropriate licensing. The contract should specify who sources and pays for music licences, ensure licences cover the intended usage, including social media, website, and paid advertising, and require the videographer to provide licence documentation. Using unlicensed music in commercial video exposes both parties to copyright infringement claims.
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Get Started FreeThis is guidance for UK businesses, not legal advice. Templates are illustrative. Consult a solicitor for complex matters.
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