master service agreement
Before we press record, let’s make sure we’re aligned. Clear terms build trust and trust fuels creativity.
This Master Service Agreement (“Agreement” or “MSA”) sets forth the terms under which M.Michelle Creative (“Company”), based in and governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, provides creative and production services to its clients (“Client”).
This Agreement governs all current and future projects between the Company and Client. Specific project details—including deliverables, timelines, and investment—are defined in separate Statements of Work (SOWs), which reference and incorporate this Agreement by default.
By signing a Statement of Work or confirming a booking, Client acknowledges that they have read and agree to this Agreement in full.
1. SCOPE OF WORK & SERVICES
Each project’s specific details—including deliverables, schedule, and pricing—are outlined in the individual Statement of Work (SOW). Unless otherwise stated in the SOW:
1.1 Production Hours and Scheduling
a) The booking process begins with a completed Creative Brief, followed by a formal proposal and SOW for your review.
b) Pre-production (planning, scripting, coordination) and post-production (editing, revisions, delivery) are managed separately in the SOW.
c) A standard production day includes up to 8 consecutive hours, covering setup, filming, and breakdown.
d) Additional time beyond 8 hours will be billed as overtime at 1.5× the hourly rate, rounded to the nearest half hour.
e) Extended days, split schedules, or early call times must be approved in writing prior to production.
1.2 Services Provided
Company shall provide story-driven, brand-centered video production services focused solely on Brand Films. These films are designed to communicate a brand’s identity, mission, and message through cinematic storytelling and authentic visuals.
a) Types of Brand Films may include:
· Brand Story Films – Focused on the “why” behind the brand to build trust and connection.
· Testimonial / Case Study Films – Highlighting customer experiences and proven results.
· Product / Service Explainer Films – Simplifying what a business offers and how it helps.
· Behind-the-Scenes / Culture Films – Showcasing the people, process, and values behind the brand.
1.3 General Production Terms
· All projects assume a one (1) to two (2) camera setup, determined during pre-production and defined in the SOW.
· Additional cameras, crew, or lighting requirements must be approved in writing prior to production.
· The Client acknowledges that pre-production planning—including scheduling, setup, and location coordination—is essential to project success and will be considered part of the overall production scope.
2. PAYMENT TERMS & LATE FEES
A non-refundable deposit (typically 50%) is required to reserve project dates. The remaining balance is due as outlined in the SOW. The non-refundable deposit covers pre-production services already rendered, including project management, creative consultation and administrative overhead.
Payments not received by the due date will incur a 5% late fee per week, up to a maximum of 20% of the total invoice amount. Work pauses automatically on overdue invoices and resumes only once the balance is cleared. All invoices must be paid in U.S. dollars using accepted methods stated in the SOW.
3. TRAVEL & EXPENSES
Travel and lodging expenses are billed separately unless stated in the SOW. An administrative coordination fee may apply to cover time spent securing transportation, lodging, and logistics. All travel expenses will be clearly itemized in the final invoice.
4. ADVANCE BOOKING & RUSH FEE POLICY
To secure production dates, a non-refundable deposit (typically 50%) must be received along with a signed SOW. Dates are not considered confirmed until both are received.
Projects must be confirmed at least five (5) weeks prior to the first scheduled production (filming) day. Projects accepted with less than five (5) weeks until production begins will incur rush fees as follows:
a) 4 weeks’ notice (21–28 days): +25%
b) 3 weeks’ notice (14–20 days): +30%
c) 2 weeks’ notice or less (14 or less days): +50%
Rush fees compensate for increased coordination and scheduling disruption. M.Michelle Creative reserves the right to decline projects that do not allow sufficient pre-production time.
5. RESCHEDULING & CANCELLATIONS
Client may reschedule once at no cost with at least 14 days’ written notice, subject to availability. Reschedules made within 14 days may incur additional fees and are subject to the Company’s discretion.
If Client cancels after payment, the deposit remains non-refundable. If Client cancels again after rescheduling, all payments made to date are forfeited and the project is closed.
6. DELIVERABLES, REVISIONS & APPROVALS
All final deliverables will be provided in a ready-to-publish format as outlined in the SOW.
Revisions are structured as follows:
a) Round One: Structure and story (tone, pacing, narrative alignment).
b) Round Two: Final polish (color, transitions, graphics, b-roll).
All revision requests must be submitted within 7 business days of receiving each edit. The total revision process must be completed within 60 calendar days of the first edit delivery. Feedback must be submitted through the official Revision Request Form; notes sent by email or text may incur extra charges.
Failure to submit revisions within these timeframes will mark the project as approved and closed. Future changes will be billed at the current hourly rate.
7. OWNERSHIP, RIGHTS & RAW FOOTAGE
Ownership of final deliverables transfers to Client after full payment is received. M.Michelle Creative retains the right to use completed or partial work for portfolio, marketing, and educational purposes unless otherwise agreed in writing.
a) Raw footage and project files remain the exclusive property of M.Michelle Creative.
b) Raw footage may be purchased for **30% of the total project cost or $1,200, whichever is greater.**
c) Raw footage will be provided via digital download link and remain available for 30 days.
8. FILE DELIVERY & STORAGE
Final files are delivered through a secure download link provided by Company. Clients must download and securely store all assets within 30 days of delivery. After that period, M.Michelle Creative is not responsible for backup, retrieval, or replacement.
9. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Clients agree to:
a) Provide materials (scripts, outlines, etc.) at least three (3) weeks before production. All materials must be finalized ten (10) business days before production (filming) begins.
b) Ensure participants are prepared and available for scheduled sessions.
c) Secure all necessary permissions and releases.
Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in delayed delivery, additional fees, or reduced production coverage.
10. COMMUNICATION & POINT OF CONTACT
For clarity and efficiency, each project must have one designated point of contact responsible for communication, feedback, and approvals.
All communication and approvals must be submitted by the Client’s designated contact via service@mmichellecreative.com or HoneyBook to ensure accuracy.
11. ETHICAL CONDUCT & PARTICIPANT SAFETY
Clients and representatives agree to conduct themselves professionally, ethically, and respectfully toward all participants, Company personnel, and collaborators. Clients agree not engage in manipulative, coercive, or emotionally distressing behavior. Participants must be informed of their role and provide written consent for any changes.
M.Michelle Creative reserves the right to pause or terminate production immediately if behavior violates these standards. Decisions made on-site are final. All payments remain non-refundable, and Clients remain liable for completed work and incurred expenses.
12. FORCE MAJEURE
Neither Party shall be held liable for any delay, interruption, or failure to perform caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government restrictions, illness, strikes, equipment failure, or acts of God.
a) The affected Party must promptly notify the other in writing.
b) Both Parties agree to act in good faith to reschedule or modify deliverables as needed.
c) If rescheduling is not possible, the Client will pay for all work completed and documented expenses up to the date of disruption.
13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY & INDEMNIFICATION
M.Michelle Creative’s total liability shall not exceed the total fees paid by Client for the specific project. Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless M.Michelle Creative and its personnel against any claims, damages, or expenses arising from Client’s actions, negligence, or breach of this Agreement.
14. GOVERNING LAW & ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This Agreement is governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of North Carolina. It represents the entire understanding between the Company and the Client and supersedes all prior discussions or agreements.
By signing a Statement of Work or confirming a booking, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to this Master Service Agreement.
For questions regarding this agreement, please contact service@mmichellecreative.com