Film Production Terms & Conditions

Sebastian Ziegler – Film & Video Production
Effective from: 01 01 2010
Governing law: Iceland


1. Parties

These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") apply to all services provided by Sebastian Ziegler, hereafter "the Company", to any client, hereafter "the Client".


2. Intellectual Property & Copyright

All materials created by the Company — including but not limited to video footage, edits, audio, music, animations, scripts, graphics, stills, and raw footage (collectively "the Content") — are the sole and exclusive copyrighted property of the Company, unless a written transfer of rights is signed by both parties.


3. Licence to Use

Unless a full buyout has been purchased (see Clause 4), the Client receives a non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to use the final delivered materials strictly for the agreed purposes and platforms as outlined in writing (e.g., broadcast, social media, internal use). This licence does not include the right to edit, resell, sublicense, or reuse the material for other projects unless expressly approved by the Company in writing.


4. Media Buyout Clause

Upon written agreement and payment of an additional fee, the Client may obtain a Media Buyout Licence granting:

  • Exclusive usage rights to specified materials
  • Access to raw footage
  • Right to modify, repurpose, or sublicense the material
  • Transfer of copyright ownership, if explicitly stated

Conditions:

  • The buyout applies only to materials specified in writing.
  • signed Buyout Agreement must be executed.
  • The Company reserves the right to retain and archive copies for legal and portfolio use, unless a full waiver is agreed.
  • Buyout fees typically range from 10%-20% of the total production budget, depending on scope.

Important: A media buyout does not include third-party elements (e.g., music, fonts, stock footage) unless separately licensed or cleared.


5. Raw Footage

Unless included in a buyout agreement or specific deliverable list, raw footage is not included in standard services.
If released, raw footage remains subject to the Company’s copyright and licensing restrictions.


6. Revisions

Quotes include 3 rounds of revisions after the first delivery. Additional revisions may be charged at the Company’s standard hourly rate (20,000ISK + VSK) or fixed fee.


7. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

  • Provide accurate branding, logos, and materials
  • Secure all permissions and releases required for filming (e.g., talent, location, trademark, music)
  • Approve scripts, concepts, and edits in a timely manner

The Client is liable for any legal claims arising from material they have supplied or authorised.


8. Payment Terms

  • 25% deposit is required to confirm any project
  • Remaining 75% due upon final delivery or 14 days from invoice date, whichever is sooner
  • No usage licence (including for raw footage) is granted until payment is made in full

Late payments may incur interest and/or delivery holds.


9. Cancellations

If the Client cancels:

  • Before pre-production: 25% of the total fee is payable
  • After pre-production begins: 50% is payable
  • After production begins: 75% is payable
  • After final delivery: 100% is payable

10. Portfolio & Promotional Use

The Company reserves the right to showcase finished work (or excerpts) in its portfolio, including website, social media, and awards submissions. If the Client requires confidentiality, this must be requested in writing prior to production.


11. Limitation of Liability

The Company shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential loss or damage, including loss of profits or reputation. The Company’s total liability is limited to the fees paid by the Client for the specific project.


12. Force Majeure

The Company is not liable for delays or failure caused by events beyond its control, including natural disasters, illness, equipment failure, or government restrictions.


13. Data Protection (GDPR Compliance)

All personal data and filmed content will be handled in accordance with Icelandic and EU GDPR regulations. The Client is responsible for obtaining any necessary releases and consents from participants, performers, or property owners.


14. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of Iceland. Any disputes arising from these Terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the District Court of Reykjavík.


15. Project Delays Caused by Client

If the Client causes delays (e.g., failing to deliver assets, approvals, or access), the Company reserves the right to revise delivery timelines and charge holding or rebooking fees if schedules must be rearranged. Extended delays of more than 30 days without reasonable communication may result in project termination, with all work billed to date.


16. Talent and Location Releases

It is the Client’s responsibility to obtain signed Talent and Location Releases for any person or property filmed at their request. If not provided, the Company may refuse to deliver or publish content. The Company can provide release templates upon request.


17. Music, Stock Footage & Third-Party Licensing

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

  • Music, voiceover, fonts, or stock media are licensed for single-project, non-transferable use only.
  • Extended use (e.g., TV broadcast, multiple ads, regional distribution) may require upgraded licences at additional cost.
  • The Company accepts no liability for unauthorised reuse of licensed third-party content beyond the original scope.

18. Drone Operations

Where applicable, aerial filming will be conducted in compliance with Icelandic aviation laws and weather permitting. The Company will notify the Client if conditions make drone work unsafe or unlawful, and reserves the right to cancel drone operations without penalty. Additional permits, no-fly zone access, or civil aviation approvals may incur extra costs.


19. Health & Safety

If filming on location, the Client agrees to ensure a safe and legally compliant working environment for all crew and contributors. The Company reserves the right to postpone or cancel filming if health, safety, or legal risks are present.


20. Working Hours & Overtime

Filming days are based on standard 10 hour workdays. Overtime (including weekends, night shoots, or last-minute extensions) is charged additionally unless included in the quote. Crew breaks, travel time, and gear setup/pack-down are considered part of the working day.


21. Delivery Format & Storage

Final deliverables are supplied in the formats agreed at time of quoting (e.g., MP4, ProRes, 4K). Delivery beyond this scope (e.g., additional resolutions, subtitles, master files) may incur extra charges. The Company does not guarantee long-term storage of project files or footage unless a separate archival agreement is in place.


Acceptance

By commissioning services from Sebastian Ziegler, the Client acknowledges and accepts these Terms & Conditions.