Master Services Agreement for Video Editor: What to Include (Customizable Template)

Independent Contractor
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Small Business
5 min read
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Introduction

As a video editor, having a clear Master Services Agreement (MSA) is vital for managing multi-phase projects, approvals, and smooth handoffs. An MSA not only specifies what clients can expect but also protects your rights. Customize your Master Services Agreement now to make your workflow easier and more efficient.

Legal Terms: What Matters Most for Video Editors

IP Ownership and Usage Rights

  • Ensure that IP ownership of the video content transfers only after receiving full payment. This protects your work and ensures you are compensated for your creativity.
  • Specify that the client cannot use the work product in AI models, safeguarding your intellectual property from being fed into automated systems.
  • Add terms around attribution—when and how to credit your work, and how portfolio rights apply. It’s crucial you maintain rights to showcase your projects.

Revision Limits, Acceptance, and Payment Milestones

  • Set clear limits on revisions, such as a predefined number of rounds. This helps manage client expectations and keeps projects on track.
  • Outline acceptance criteria. Specify what constitutes an accepted piece of work to avoid any miscommunications.
  • Create a simple milestone payment schedule. This could be structured around project phases, ensuring you get paid regularly while keeping the client in the loop.

Scope Creep and Change Orders

  • Define triggers for change orders to curb scope creep. Be specific about what necessitates a change throughout your project.
  • Provide pricing guidance for additional work, so clients understand any potential extra fees upfront.
  • Include language that addresses schedule impacts for changes. This way, clients know delays may happen if they ask for substantial alterations.

Other Helpful Clauses for Video Editors

  • Portfolio rights: Make sure you can use completed projects as part of your portfolio, showcasing your talent to future clients.
  • Confidentiality: Protect both yourself and the client by including a confidentiality clause regarding sensitive project details.

How Counsel Club Helps

Counsel Club re-imagines legal for startups, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs. Our platform allows you to search for lawyer-drafted forms for startups, freelancers, content creators, and other creative professionals. Our platform guides you through modifications, both to the contract and the scope of work. Counsel Club has the most sophisticated drafting tool on the market, and it was designed and developed by lawyers. If you want more help, reach out to a Counsel Club lawyer through our Concierge program. Our legal agent, Amicus, was trained on proprietary legal data to be your best legal assistant. Finally, legal for today, that is fast, protective, and cost effective.

Questions to Ask Amicus

  • What are my rights regarding the use of my work in AI projects?
  • How many revisions should I include in my agreement?
  • What triggers a change order, and how does it impact my payment?

Closing CTA

Creating a Master Services Agreement is essential for ensuring everything runs smoothly between you and your clients. Pair it with solid Statements of Work (SOWs) for a complete approach. Customize your Master Services Agreement now and protect your creative endeavors.

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