Free Film Composer
Service Agreement
You’ll bleed cash on live session players and specialized gear only for a flakey director to ghost you before the final check clears. One unsigned paper and you're selling your pre-amps to cover a studio bill while they use your work for free.
Pro Contractor Tip
Include a 'Kill Fee' clause that guarantees you a percentage of the total contract value if the production is canned or your score is rejected.
Why use a written agreement?
Handshake deals are risky. As a Film Composer, "scope creep" is your biggest enemy. A clear agreement ensures everyone agrees on the deliverables before money changes hands.
🛡️ What this sequence covers:
- ✓Deliverables List
- ✓Payment Terms
- ✓IP Rights
- ✓Revision Limits
- ✓Cancellation Policy
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Start building now →Statement of Work
REF: 2026-0011. Project Background
This Agreement is entered into by and between the Client and the Contractor. The Client wishes to engage the Contractor for professional Film Composer services.
2. Scope of Services
The Contractor shall provide the following deliverables:
- Spotting Session Timecode Map
- Thematic MIDI Mockups for Director Approval
- Final Mixed and Mastered Stereo Audio Files
- Categorized Audio Stems for Re-recording Mixer
- Music Cue Sheet for Royalty Reporting
- Archival Backup of Project Session Files
3. Performance Standards
The Contractor agrees to perform the Film Composer services in a professional manner, using the degree of skill and care that is required by current industry standards.
TERMS & CONDITIONS (Summary):
1. Payment: 50% Deposit required.
2. Copyright: Rights transfer to Client upon full payment.
Disclaimer: This template is for educational purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions
The director is demanding a fifth round of 'tiny tweaks' and it's killing my schedule. How do I shut this down?
You specify a limit on revisions in your agreement—usually two or three. Once they hit that limit, the contract dictates an hourly overage rate, which usually cures their indecision real fast.
The production company wants to buy out all my rights for a flat fee. Is that a raw deal?
If the upfront money doesn't look like a lottery win, keep your publishing rights. Your contract should state you retain the 'Writer’s Share' of royalties so you actually see a check when the film streams in three years.
They’re asking for the high-res masters before the final payment hits my bank. Do I send them?
No. You hold the final masters until the balance is zeroed out. Your contract should clearly link the delivery of final assets to the receipt of the final payment, otherwise you lose all your leverage.