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Video Editing Retainer Agreement Template

YouTubers, brands, and agencies increasingly hire editors on retainer, and the retainer only works if everyone agrees what a month buys. This template defines the number and length of videos per month, turnaround from footage upload, revision rounds per video, who licenses music and stock footage, how long footage is stored, and whether the project files are delivered. Clients pay at the start of each month and sign from their phone.

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Video Editing Retainer Agreement Template

Between
Jane Rivera (Rivera Studio)
And
Alex Chen (Acme Bakery)
Total fee
$2,400.00
Deposit
$720.00
Delivery deadline
October 24, 2026

Monthly Deliverables

Each month, the Sender will edit the number and type of videos described in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration (for example, 4 videos up to 12 minutes each, plus short vertical clips). Unused videos do not roll over. Additional videos are billed at the per-video rate stated in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration.

Footage & Turnaround

The Client uploads footage and a brief to the agreed shared drive. The first cut of each video is delivered within 5 business days of complete footage. Footage is kept for 30 days after the final export and then may be deleted; the Client is responsible for keeping their own originals.

Music, Stock & Project Files

Music, stock footage, and fonts are licensed through the Client's own accounts or billed at cost, so licenses sit with the Client. Final exports are delivered as agreed; editable project files are delivered only if stated in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration.

Payment Terms

The total fee for this engagement is $2,400.00. The retainer is billed in advance at the start of each month.

A deposit of $720.00 is due before work begins. The remaining balance is due upon completion and delivery of the final work, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Invoices are payable within 7 days of receipt. Late payments may accrue a 1.5% monthly late fee, and work may be paused until outstanding balances are settled.

Revisions

This engagement includes 2 rounds of revisions on the agreed deliverables. Additional revision rounds, or changes that materially expand the scope described in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration, will be quoted separately and require written approval before work begins.

Revision requests should be consolidated and submitted together where possible, to keep the project on schedule.

Ownership & Intellectual Property

Upon receipt of full payment, all final deliverables produced under this agreement become the property of the Client, who receives full rights to use, reproduce, and modify them for their intended purpose.

Until full payment is received, all work product remains the property of the Sender. The Sender retains the right to display the work in their portfolio and marketing materials unless the Client requests otherwise in writing.

Any third-party assets used (fonts, stock media, libraries) remain subject to their own original licenses.

Confidentiality

Both parties agree to keep confidential any non-public business, technical, or financial information shared during this engagement, and to use it only for the purpose of completing the work described in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration.

This obligation survives the completion or termination of this agreement and continues for 2 years afterward.

Termination

Either party may terminate this agreement with 14 days' written notice. If the Client terminates before completion, the Sender will be paid for all work completed up to the termination date, and the deposit is non-refundable.

If the Sender terminates, any portion of the deposit exceeding the value of work already completed will be refunded to the Client within 14 days.

Independent Contractor Relationship

The Sender is engaged as an independent contractor, not an employee, partner, or agent of the Client. The Sender is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits, and is free to accept other engagements during the term of this agreement, provided they do not conflict with the confidentiality obligations above.

Governing Law & Entire Agreement

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

This document represents the entire agreement between the parties regarding a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration and supersedes any prior discussions or proposals. Any changes must be made in writing and agreed to by both parties.

By signing below, both parties confirm they have read, understood, and agree to the terms above.

FAQ

How many videos should a monthly editing retainer include?

Whatever you can deliver well. The template asks you to set both the count and a maximum length, and bills extra videos at a stated rate.

Do I have to hand over project files?

Only if the scope says so. Many editors charge extra for them; this template makes it explicit.

Who pays for music licensing?

The client, through their own accounts or at cost, so the licenses are theirs if you part ways.

Is this Video Editing Retainer Agreement legally binding?

Yes. Signatures collected through Clinch are Simple Electronic Signatures, valid for standard business contracts under the US ESIGN Act and the EU's eIDAS regulation. See our legality page for the full picture.

Can I customize this template?

Every section is editable before you send it — add, remove, or rewrite clauses, and fill in your own fees, deadline, and party details. Nothing is locked until you send it for signature.

How do I send it for signing?

Click "Use this template," edit the details, and send it — your client signs from their phone in about 30 seconds, no account required on their end.

Is it really free?

Yes — every Clinch account can send contracts for free (see /pricing for the exact monthly limit). No credit card required to start.

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