Start with three separate questions
What will be delivered? Where and how can you use it? Will you receive editable working files? Answering one does not answer the others. Put the answers in the brief and agreement before work starts.
In the UK, commissioning creative work does not automatically transfer copyright to the commissioner. A licence grants permission to use work under specified terms; an assignment transfers copyright and needs a written, signed agreement. The GOV.UK guidance linked below explains the distinction.
Write a useful delivery list
“A video for social” leaves too much open. List the actual files and versions you need, including their purpose. A landscape master may need design changes to work as a portrait film, rather than simply being cropped.
- Main film: running time, resolution, aspect ratio and agreed export format.
- Adaptations: shorter edits, square or portrait versions, languages and different end cards.
- Accessibility: caption files, burned-in captions or other agreed requirements.
- Supporting assets: thumbnails, stills, audio versions or reusable elements, if required.
- Technical requirements: any platform, broadcaster or internal specifications supplied before production.
Ask about working files early
Project files can depend on software versions, plugins, linked artwork and third-party assets. Receiving a folder does not necessarily mean another team can open and edit everything immediately. If you need a handover, explain who will use it and what they need to change.
At Move, our published terms distinguish final deliverables from source files. Source files are not included unless defined in the project brief; they may be supplied at our discretion for an additional cost, unless already agreed as deliverables. Our terms grant an exclusive, perpetual, worldwide licence to use the deliverables in connection with the defined project. Check the agreed brief and terms for your specific commission.
Check the parts inside the film
Music, voices, fonts, stock assets and other contributed material may have separate conditions. Ask whether the agreed uses cover paid advertising, different territories, future edits and the length of time you need. Do not assume permission for the main film automatically covers every new campaign.
If you supply an asset, tell the production team what permission you have to use it and share any restrictions. If you want to build on a character or set of designs later, make that ambition part of the initial conversation.
Make future updates easier
Agree how the final files will be named, who receives them and whether any archive or future support is included. Keep the approved version, relevant licence records and the delivery list together.
Before signing off, check that the files open, the versions match the list and captions and end cards are correct. It is a small practical step that can save a scramble at launch.
