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Emmy® Award - winning video production studio

Understanding Our Service Agreement

Legal agreements shouldn’t require a decoder ring.

We’ve translated ours into plain English because we’re regular humans, not lawyers.

Introduction

Let’s be honest—legal agreements can feel like they’re written in a secret code only lawyers understand. We’re not lawyers either (though we’ve seen enough courtroom dramas to think we’d be pretty decent at it). But since legal jargon isn’t exactly light reading, we’ve translated our service agreement into plain English so it’s easier to understand.

Our goal? To make sure we’re on the same page—without needing a law degree. If you have any questions after reading this, just let us know. We’re here to help!

Service Agreement Table
Original Clause Plain Language Explanation
1. Change Process for Deliverables:
If it becomes necessary to change the Deliverables, we can discuss the changes and both parties will sign an addendum to this Agreement, memorializing the changes we’ve agreed on.		 If we need to change what we’re delivering, we’ll talk about it, agree on the changes, and update the contract. Changes might happen if new decision-makers join, goals shift, or delays occur. We’ll let you know right away if adjustments are needed.
2. Requirements:
Throughout the project, it’s important that You maintain communication with Us...		 We’ll do our part to keep the project moving, but we need your help too. This might mean providing feedback, names, or photos on time. If either of us falls behind, it could delay the project.
3. Pre-Production & Planning Phase Requirements:
Prior to production of your project, You agree to (1) complete our online pre-production planning guide...		 Before filming, fill out our planning guide and have at least one meeting with us to finalize the plan. This helps everything run smoothly.
4. Production/Shooting Phase Requirements:
You agree that only those project participants identified in the pre-production plan will participate in production/shooting...		 Only the people we planned for should be present on shoot days. If someone new joins last minute, it could impact the budget or schedule.
5. Editing/Post-Production Phase Requirements:
You agree to provide (1) the full names and spelling of each participant and their title(s)...		 After filming, we’ll need names, titles, and any branding elements like logos or fonts to complete the video.
6. Revisions:
The preliminary project budget provided with this agreement includes a total of two rounds of revisions at no additional charge...		 Two rounds of revisions are included in the budget. Additional revisions are fine but may cost extra. Revision requests should be submitted in writing.
7. Change Process for Phases:
The dates and content of each phase are subject to change...		 If project dates or phases need to shift, we’ll notify you in writing. Adding more work after the project begins may adjust the timeline and cost.
8. Feedback Process and Collaboration:
Throughout the Work, We will be seeking Your feedback, consultation, and collaboration...		 We’ll need your input and feedback during the project to keep things on track.
9. Mystery Voices:
All Stakeholders and decision-makers must be present from the outset of the project...		 All decision-makers should be involved from the start. If new voices join later and change the direction, we may need to adjust the agreement.
10. Term:
This project will be considered completed upon the completion of all phases listed above...		 The project is finished when we deliver all agreed work or complete all planned phases.
11. Pauses:
You may, at Your option, choose to have Us temporarily halt work on the project...		 If you need to pause the project, let us know in writing. Pauses longer than 90 days mean the deposit is non-refundable.
12. Termination for Material Breach:
You have the right to terminate this Agreement upon written notice if We commit a material breach...		 If we break the agreement and don’t fix it within 30 days of written notice, you can end the contract. You’ll pay for work completed, and we’ll refund anything unearned.
13. Fee:
You agree to pay Us the total above (the “Fee”).		 You agree to pay the total cost we’ve agreed upon.
14. Terms:
A deposit equal to 50% of the over-all estimated project budget provided along with this Agreement...		 You’ll pay 50% upfront to begin the project. The balance is due after the project, with a 30-day payment window. Late payments incur a 1.5% monthly fee.
15. Fee Inclusions:
This Fee includes all budgeted items listed in the preliminary project budget estimate...		 The fee covers everything in the budget we provided when we made this agreement.
16. Fee Exclusions:
This Fee does not include any changes to the production plan made in the production/shooting phase...		 The fee doesn’t cover unexpected changes during the shoot. Extra work on shoot days costs $300 per hour.
17. Expertise:
You recognize that You are not merely compensating Us for the completed project, but also Our expertise...		 You’re paying for our expertise, not just the final product. This includes planning, research, and problem-solving.
18. Rights Assignment:
Upon full payment of the Fee, We will irrevocably assign and grant You all rights...		 Once the project is fully paid for, you own the final product. We’ll archive raw footage for up to two years.
19. Limitation on Liability:
Both parties mutually agree that, except for indemnification claims, neither shall be liable to the other...		 Neither of us is responsible for indirect losses like lost profits if something goes wrong.
20. Our License:
Once We assign You all right, title, and interest in the Deliverables, You agree to grant Us...		 You allow us to use the final product in our portfolio or marketing. We won’t use it in ways that harm your business.
21. Our Warranty:
We warrant to You that all the Deliverables, unless expressly specified, We provide to You are Our own work...		 We promise the work is original and meets professional standards.
22. Third-Party Materials:
If We use any third party material, We will inform You...		 If we use anything created by someone else, we’ll let you know and get the necessary permissions.
23. Confidentiality:
We recognize that You will be giving Us access to certain confidential information...		 We’ll protect your private information, and you’ll do the same for ours.
24. Independent Contractor Relationship:
This Agreement does not create an employee-employer relationship...		 We’re independent contractors, not employees. Each of us handles our own teams and taxes.
25. Insurance:
Additionally, during the term of this Agreement, both parties agree to maintain insurance...		 We both agree to carry liability insurance during the project.
26. Force Majeure:
Neither You nor We will be considered to be in default under this Agreement...		 If something beyond our control happens—like a natural disaster—we’re not responsible for delays.
27. Legal Details:
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Illinois...		 The agreement follows Illinois law. Legal disputes will be handled in Sangamon County, Illinois.
1. Change Process for Deliverables:
If it becomes necessary to change the Deliverables, we can discuss the changes and both parties will sign an addendum to this Agreement, memorializing the changes we’ve agreed on.		 If we need to change what we’re delivering, we’ll talk about it, agree on the changes, and update the contract. Changes might happen if new decision-makers join, goals shift, or delays occur. We’ll let you know right away if adjustments are needed.
2. Requirements:
Throughout the project, it’s important that You maintain communication with Us...		 We’ll do our part to keep the project moving, but we need your help too. This might mean providing feedback, names, or photos on time. If either of us falls behind, it could delay the project.
3. Pre-Production & Planning Phase Requirements:
Prior to production of your project, You agree to (1) complete our online pre-production planning guide...		 Before filming, fill out our planning guide and have at least one meeting with us to finalize the plan. This helps everything run smoothly.
4. Production/Shooting Phase Requirements:
You agree that only those project participants identified in the pre-production plan will participate in production/shooting...		 Only the people we planned for should be present on shoot days. If someone new joins last minute, it could impact the budget or schedule.
5. Editing/Post-Production Phase Requirements:
You agree to provide (1) the full names and spelling of each participant and their title(s)...		 After filming, we’ll need names, titles, and any branding elements like logos or fonts to complete the video.
6. Revisions:
The preliminary project budget provided with this agreement includes a total of two rounds of revisions at no additional charge...		 Two rounds of revisions are included in the budget. Additional revisions are fine but may cost extra. Revision requests should be submitted in writing.
7. Change Process for Phases:
The dates and content of each phase are subject to change...		 If project dates or phases need to shift, we’ll notify you in writing. Adding more work after the project begins may adjust the timeline and cost.
8. Feedback Process and Collaboration:
Throughout the Work, We will be seeking Your feedback, consultation, and collaboration...		 We’ll need your input and feedback during the project to keep things on track.
9. Mystery Voices:
All Stakeholders and decision-makers must be present from the outset of the project...		 All decision-makers should be involved from the start. If new voices join later and change the direction, we may need to adjust the agreement.
10. Term:
This project will be considered completed upon the completion of all phases listed above...		 The project is finished when we deliver all agreed work or complete all planned phases.
11. Pauses:
You may, at Your option, choose to have Us temporarily halt work on the project...		 If you need to pause the project, let us know in writing. Pauses longer than 90 days mean the deposit is non-refundable.
12. Termination for Material Breach:
You have the right to terminate this Agreement upon written notice if We commit a material breach...		 If we break the agreement and don’t fix it within 30 days of written notice, you can end the contract. You’ll pay for work completed, and we’ll refund anything unearned.
13. Fee:
You agree to pay Us the total above (the “Fee”).		 You agree to pay the total cost we’ve agreed upon.
14. Terms:
A deposit equal to 50% of the over-all estimated project budget provided along with this Agreement...		 You’ll pay 50% upfront to begin the project. The balance is due after the project, with a 30-day payment window. Late payments incur a 1.5% monthly fee.
15. Fee Inclusions:
This Fee includes all budgeted items listed in the preliminary project budget estimate...		 The fee covers everything in the budget we provided when we made this agreement.
16. Fee Exclusions:
This Fee does not include any changes to the production plan made in the production/shooting phase...		 The fee doesn’t cover unexpected changes during the shoot. Extra work on shoot days costs $300 per hour.
17. Expertise:
You recognize that You are not merely compensating Us for the completed project, but also Our expertise...		 You’re paying for our expertise, not just the final product. This includes planning, research, and problem-solving.
18. Rights Assignment:
Upon full payment of the Fee, We will irrevocably assign and grant You all rights...		 Once the project is fully paid for, you own the final product. We’ll archive raw footage for up to two years.
19. Limitation on Liability:
Both parties mutually agree that, except for indemnification claims, neither shall be liable to the other...		 Neither of us is responsible for indirect losses like lost profits if something goes wrong.
20. Our License:
Once We assign You all right, title, and interest in the Deliverables, You agree to grant Us...		 You allow us to use the final product in our portfolio or marketing. We won’t use it in ways that harm your business.
21. Our Warranty:
We warrant to You that all the Deliverables, unless expressly specified, We provide to You are Our own work...		 We promise the work is original and meets professional standards.
22. Third-Party Materials:
If We use any third party material, We will inform You...		 If we use anything created by someone else, we’ll let you know and get the necessary permissions.
23. Confidentiality:
We recognize that You will be giving Us access to certain confidential information...		 We’ll protect your private information, and you’ll do the same for ours.
24. Independent Contractor Relationship:
This Agreement does not create an employee-employer relationship...		 We’re independent contractors, not employees. Each of us handles our own teams and taxes.
25. Insurance:
Additionally, during the term of this Agreement, both parties agree to maintain insurance...		 We both agree to carry liability insurance during the project.
26. Force Majeure:
Neither You nor We will be considered to be in default under this Agreement...		 If something beyond our control happens—like a natural disaster—we’re not responsible for delays.
27. Legal Details:
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Illinois...		 The agreement follows Illinois law. Legal disputes will be handled in Sangamon County, Illinois.

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