How do you create a video proposal and contract that covers your scope of work and payment terms?

1 Identify your client's needs

Before you write your proposal and contract, you need to understand your client's goals, vision, and expectations for the video. You can do this by asking them questions, reviewing their brief, or conducting a discovery session. You should also research their industry, target audience, and competitors to get a sense of their market and challenges. This will help you tailor your proposal and contract to their specific needs and show them how you can add value to their project.

2 Define your scope of work

Your scope of work is the foundation of your proposal and contract, detailing what you will deliver, how you will deliver it, and when you will deliver it. It should include a project overview, outlining the purpose, objectives, and deliverables; video specifications, such as format, length, style, tone, and quality; production process with its steps and phases from pre-production to post-production; milestones and deadlines with key dates and deliverables for each stage of the production; and revisions and feedback with the number of revisions allowed, the process for requesting them, and the timeline for implementing them.

3 Set your payment terms

Your payment terms should be clearly defined and include the total amount you charge for your services, any additional costs incurred, the preferred method of payment and schedule, the format and frequency of invoicing and receipts, and the penalties for late or non-payment. Furthermore, you should include your conditions for cancelling or terminating the contract, such as notice period, refund, or compensation. All of these elements are necessary to ensure that you get paid on time and in full for your services.

4 Include your terms and conditions

Your terms and conditions are the legal clauses that protect your rights and obligations as a videographer. These should include ownership and licensing rights of the video and any materials used in it, such as music, images, or logos, and the restrictions and permissions for using them. Additionally, liability and indemnity clauses should be included to limit your responsibility for any damages or losses caused by or related to the video, as well as requiring the client to cover any costs or claims arising from their breach of the contract or misuse of the video. Confidentiality and privacy clauses should also be included to prevent you and the client from disclosing any sensitive or personal information about the project or each other. Lastly, dispute resolution and jurisdiction clauses should be specified to determine how you and the client will handle any conflicts or disagreements arising from the contract, as well as what laws will govern and enforce the contract.

5 Format and present your proposal and contract

Your proposal and contract should be clear, concise, and professional. You should use a consistent and readable font, style, and layout, and avoid any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. You should also use headings, bullet points, tables, charts, or images to organize and illustrate your information. You should also include your contact details, logo, and signature on your document. You can use a template, a software, or a platform to create and present your proposal and contract, or you can create your own from scratch. You should also send your proposal and contract as a PDF file or a secure link to ensure its integrity and accessibility.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?