Understanding Editor’s Contracts for Film Producers

Film projects will pass through a number of stages including pre-production, production, and post-production during which there will be contracts between freelancers, contractors, and employees along the way. As an independent film producer, especially if you’re new to the industry, you might find yourself a bit confused at the many different contract terms that come up at each stage of production. Specifically, during post production when editor’s contracts for film come into play.

Producers must be ready to read between the lines. And be sure that they fully understand the terms of the agreement.

Contracts Between Editors and the Film Producer

The editor’s contracts for film will generally include a work for hire agreement or release forms. The contract between an editor and film producer represents the agreement made between the two parties.

As to the work that will be performed, how it will be performed, at what intervals or stages. And other important details related to the arrangement. Since this is an employment contract, details will also be included.

Regarding the payment that will be made and other terms of compensation. Such as how the editor will be compensated and any residual payments. Which may come as a result of profits the film project makes through the distribution of the film project.

Editor Agreements 

Most of the time, the editor’s contracts for film producers will be in the form of an agreement. Which specifies that the editor is not an employee and therefore is providing the work “for hire.”

The work made for hire agreement is vital to the subsequent transfer of ownership to copyright. Which otherwise could be challenging if the agreement does not clearly specify such.

Subcontracted Workers

Because editors are brought into the film project as subcontracted workers, the work for hire agreement is secondary and MUST be established.

Both the editor and the filmmaker must agree that the work being done by the editor is being done for hire. And that the editor will relinquish any right to copyright. That they may otherwise have had to the work.

Without this clause in the editors contract, the filmmaker does not technically have the right to copyright the work that is performed by the editor. As part of the final stage of post-production editing involved in the creation of a motion picture.

Things to Consider

Editors contracts for film producers should include a lot of important information. That will dictate the working relationship between the editor and the film producer. It’s important for all parties to not only agree to, but to sign the agreements.

Before entering into any working arrangement with any editors involved in your production. It’s important for you to have your editor’s contracts for film created by a licensed legal professional and reviewed by you for accuracy.