You do not need a ten page contract to work calmly. You need five clauses written in a message, accepted by the client before starting. That settles ninety per cent of the disputes that show up later.

One: exactly what gets delivered

Number of videos, approximate length, vertical or horizontal format, whether subtitles are included and whether a voiceless version is delivered. If this is not written, each person imagined something different and the argument arrives at the worst moment.

Two: how many revisions are included

One or two, and what counts as a revision. Fixing a wrong figure is a correction, remaking the video with a different angle is a new job. Writing it down prevents the endless adjustment cycle that turns a profitable job into a loss.

Three: usage rights

This is the clause that decides what the work is worth. Channels where it runs, territory, duration, and whether paid advertising is included. A video for the client's own profile and a video for paid ads for a year do not cost the same and are not the same job.

Four: price, currency and payment term

Amount, in which currency, when it is paid and whether there is a deposit. On large jobs a percentage upfront makes sense. It is not distrust, it is normal practice in any professional service.

Five: what happens on cancellation

If the client cancels after you filmed, the completed part is paid. If they cancel before you start, the deposit is returned or a percentage is retained. Defining it upfront makes cancellation a formality rather than a fight.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a formal contract?

No, five written clauses are enough.

Which clause defines the price?

The usage rights one.

How many revisions should I include?

One or two, defining what a revision is.

Should I ask for a deposit?

On large jobs, yes.