The scope of the work, across pre-production, production and post-production, is set out in the quote and agreed before anything starts.

The fee, the schedule it is paid against, and what happens to a late payment.

The dated schedule, the milestones along it, and the deadlines each deliverable is due against.

How many rounds of revisions are included, how feedback is submitted, and what falls outside them.

Who owns the finished film, what may be done with it, and what stays licensed rather than owned.

What happens to anything sensitive shared while the work is under way.

The conditions under which either side may end the agreement, and what is owed at that point.

The extent of each party’s liability if something goes wrong.

Events outside anyone’s control that may delay or prevent the work being finished.

How a disagreement is resolved, including mediation and arbitration.