A videographer contract template that says what “one small change” costs.
A free videographer contract template for UK weddings, events and brand films. It covers what you deliver, the fee and payment dates, rounds of changes, delivery times, raw footage, copyright, music and cancellation, with the UK rules behind each clause. Copy it, fill in the square brackets, and send it before anyone books a venue.
The videographer contract template
Eleven clauses, written in plain English, because the client needs to understand it and so does the version of you reading it at 1am.
Videography agreement
VIDEOGRAPHY AGREEMENT 1. The parties This agreement is between [your name or business] ("the Videographer") of [address] and [client name] ("the Client") of [address], dated [date]. 2. The work The Videographer will film [event or project] on [date] at [location], from [start time] to [end time], and deliver: • [1 highlight film of 3 to 5 minutes] • [1 full length edit of the ceremony and speeches] • [3 social cuts, 9:16, up to 60 seconds each] Anything not listed here is outside this agreement and will be quoted separately. 3. Fees and payment The total fee is £[0,000] [plus VAT at 20%, if registered]. A deposit of £[000] is due on signing and reserves the date. The balance of £[0,000] is due on [date or "before final delivery"]. Invoices are payable within [14] days. 4. Changes to the edit The fee includes [2] rounds of changes to each film. A round is one consolidated list of changes sent in writing. Further rounds are charged at £[00] per hour. 5. Delivery Draft films will be shared within [6] weeks of the event. Final films will be delivered within [2] weeks of the last round of changes, through a private online gallery, once the balance is paid. 6. Raw footage Unedited footage is not part of the delivery unless listed in section 2. Footage is kept for [6] months after delivery and then deleted. 7. Copyright and use The Videographer owns the copyright in the footage and films. The Client receives a licence to use the delivered films for [personal and family use / the commercial uses listed in Schedule A]. The Videographer may use clips in their portfolio and promotion [unless the Client opts out here: ___]. 8. Music Films use music licensed for this purpose. If the Client wants a specific commercial track, the Client accepts that platforms may mute or remove the film, or the Client will pay for the licence. 9. Cancellation If the Client cancels, the deposit covers the date that was held and work already done. [Set out what is due at each stage, for example: more than 90 days before the date, the deposit only; within 90 days, [X]% of the fee.] If the Videographer cannot attend because of illness or emergency, they will try to arrange a suitable replacement and, if that is not possible, refund all money paid. 10. Liability The Videographer’s total liability under this agreement is limited to the fees paid. Nothing in this agreement limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence. 11. Signatures Signed for the Videographer: ____________ Date: ______ Signed by the Client: ____________ Date: ______
These templates are a practical starting point, not legal or tax advice. If a job is large or unusual, have a solicitor or accountant check the wording.
The clauses that save the most arguments
Rounds of changes. Define a round as one consolidated list in writing. It turns “could we just” into a number, and a number can be priced.
Copyright. UK law makes the creator the first owner of copyright unless you agree otherwise in writing (GOV.UK: ownership of copyright works), and a transfer of copyright is only effective if it is in writing and signed (Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90). Keep copyright and license the use; that way you can still show your work.
Portfolio use for private commissions. When someone commissions a film for private and domestic purposes, such as a wedding, they have a right not to have it shown in public without permission (section 85). Ask in the contract, and honour an opt out.
Cancellation. If you sell to a consumer at a distance or away from your premises, they usually get 14 days to cancel (Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 30). If they ask you in writing to start within that time and then cancel, they pay a proportionate amount for what you have done (regulation 36). Keep cancellation charges in line with your real costs and lost work.
Raw footage. Say whether it is included and how long you keep it. Clients ask for raw footage roughly when you have just bought a new drive.
Signed online, filed on the project
In Veyra this contract becomes a template you send from the project. The client signs on their phone, you countersign, and the signed copy sits next to the deposit invoice and the gallery. See the videographer CRM, or grab the videographer invoice template next.
Questions people ask
What should a videographer contract include?
The parties, exactly what you will film and deliver, the fee and payment dates, how many rounds of changes are included, delivery times, what happens to raw footage, who owns the copyright and how the client may use the films, music, cancellation, and limits of liability.
Who owns the copyright in a video I film for a client?
You do, by default. Under UK law the creator is the first owner of copyright unless you agree otherwise in writing, and a transfer of copyright only works if it is in writing and signed. Most videographers keep copyright and license the films to the client.
Can a couple cancel a wedding video booking within 14 days?
If you sold the booking at a distance, online or by phone, or away from your premises, a consumer usually has 14 days to cancel. If they ask you in writing to start work within those 14 days and then cancel, they pay a proportionate amount for what you have already done.
Can I put wedding films on my website?
Ask in the contract. When someone commissions a film for private and domestic purposes, UK law gives them a right not to have it shown to the public without their permission, so a clear portfolio clause matters.