Contract at DVinfo.net

Danny Santos · October 14th, 2004, 09:28 PM

I am looking for a basic videography wedding contract. I've searched the internet and has no luck. California lawyers are too expensive. I do not know of any wedding videography in my area. Help! Anyone out there willing to share or can give me a site link to visit.

Thanks.

Kevin Shaw · October 15th, 2004, 06:50 AM

Videouniversity sells a book and CD package with ten sample wedding contracts as described at http://www.videouniversity.com/wedbook.htm. Do a Google search and you'll find other similar offerings.

My advice would be to start with basic common sense: make a list of all the legal and business concerns you can think of as a videographer, and then write those up using clear and precise wording. One thing to watch out for though is not to end up with a contract so imposing that no one will want to sign it: the videographer for my wedding gave us one like that and I made him tone it down a little. I try to keep my own contract as simple as possible with a description of what I'm going to do, how much I'm charging, a disclaimer that my liability is limited and a statement that I maintain copyright to the video and am allowed to use it for promotional purposes. You may also want to state that you're not liable for "errors & omissions," but be careful how you say that because that's the sort of thing which can be a real turn-off to customers.

Danny Santos · October 15th, 2004, 09:03 AM

Thanks Kevin. I will buy the book.

Yes, I agree with you. Keep it simple so not to intimidate prospective customers.

October 14th, 2004, 09:28 PM	#1
Danny Santos Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Antioch, CA USA Posts: 49	Contract I am looking for a basic videography wedding contract. I've searched the internet and has no luck. California lawyers are too expensive. I do not know of any wedding videography in my area. Help! Anyone out there willing to share or can give me a site link to visit. Thanks.

October 15th, 2004, 06:50 AM	#2
Kevin Shaw Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,488	Videouniversity sells a book and CD package with ten sample wedding contracts as described at http://www.videouniversity.com/wedbook.htm. Do a Google search and you'll find other similar offerings. My advice would be to start with basic common sense: make a list of all the legal and business concerns you can think of as a videographer, and then write those up using clear and precise wording. One thing to watch out for though is not to end up with a contract so imposing that no one will want to sign it: the videographer for my wedding gave us one like that and I made him tone it down a little. I try to keep my own contract as simple as possible with a description of what I'm going to do, how much I'm charging, a disclaimer that my liability is limited and a statement that I maintain copyright to the video and am allowed to use it for promotional purposes. You may also want to state that you're not liable for "errors & omissions," but be careful how you say that because that's the sort of thing which can be a real turn-off to customers.

October 15th, 2004, 09:03 AM	#3
Danny Santos Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Antioch, CA USA Posts: 49	Thanks Kevin. I will buy the book. Yes, I agree with you. Keep it simple so not to intimidate prospective customers.