Filmmaking Law: What to Include in a Film Editor Contract

Every contract is different and largely depends on the aspects of the project at hand. As such, it’s really important to have your film contracts reviewed by your attorney prior to sealing the deal. Contracts are incredibly valuable when it comes to outlining the various tasks and important aspects of an agreement for work to be performed as part of a film editing project. But do you know what to include in a film editor contract?

The Basics of a Film Editor Contract

Every contract should include certain basic aspects or details about the people that are making a particular agreement for contracted work. Legal video editing contracts can likely be purchased online for your use. And all you’ll be required to do is fill in the blanks.

But be weary before taking the easy route and purchasing a cheap film editor contract template online. Make sure that you have your attorney review to ensure all of the important aspects of your project are covered and that nothing is missing. 

You’ll need to include the following basic info in any film editor contract that is prepared for the purpose of your project:

• Your full name & the name of your client or the company that will perform the film editing work.
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• A description of the work to be performed including what type of work is being performed and the type of project. For example, “Freelance editor for a short film project on XYZ”. Where XYZ represents the title of or topic of your project.

Terms & Conditions of the Project

In addition to the basics, you’ll need to include details on the terms and condition of the project in your film editor contract. Be prepared to outline the rates that you are planning to pay (or collect) for the project, and be specific about how payments will be made.

If you’ll pay for work when the entire project is complete, this too should be part of the contract. If payments will be made at intervals, or for certain phases of the project, these should be clearly outlined to the best of your ability to reduce the risk of any potential confusion or grey area. 

Timeline of Completion & Overtime

A well-crafted film editor contract is going to outline the most appropriate timeline for completion. In addition to all of the other important data listed prior.

If there will be any chance of revisions (which there always is with creative works like this) the number of revisions, how they are to be handled, and any additional payment requirements for a revision should also be specified in the film editor contract.

Questions to Keep in Mind

It’s also important to address overtime. As in what will happen if the freelancer spends more time than expected on the project? Will they get paid, and if so how is the time or payment determined?

You’ll also want to include details regarding what happens if the project is not completed on time? Will additional time be granted? Does the contract default? What other options are available if the contract is struggling to complete the project on time?

Signatures are a Must

Finally, there are certainly other details that you could include in a short filmmaker’s contract. Ones which dictate the terms and conditions of a film editing project. But the single most important element to NOT overlook is the signature!

A contract is not worth much without a signature by any and all parties entering into the agreement together. Thus, make sure that your film editor contract is signed by you and your freelancer! To ensure all of the important details that you negotiated for the project are covered legally.