Who owns the footage when I am hired to shoot a music video?
I am a freelance videographer and an artist wants me to shoot and edit their music video. We have no written agreement yet. Who will own the final video and raw footage?
1 lawyer answer
Without a written agreement, ownership can be unclear. In many places the creator of a work, such as the person who films it, owns the copyright unless they are an employee or have assigned it in writing. But the artist owns the music and their likeness, so neither side may be able to use the video freely without the other.
A short written agreement should cover who owns the final cut and raw footage, any licence back to the other party (for example, your portfolio use), payment and credit, and approval rights.
Getting this agreed before filming avoids most disputes later.
This is general information, not legal advice — speak to a licensed lawyer about your situation.
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