Animation Contract Template — Production Phases & Style Specifications
Define animation style clearly, set revision limits per phase, and establish delivery requirements with a contract built for animators and motion graphics artists.
Contract Template
1. Parties & Agreement
Identifies the animator or animation studio and client entering into an animation production relationship.
This Animation Production Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [DATE]:
Animator: [YOUR NAME/STUDIO], located at [ADDRESS] ("Animator")
Client: [CLIENT NAME/COMPANY], located at [ADDRESS] ("Client")
This Agreement governs the production of the animation described below.2. Animation Project Scope
Specifies animation type, length, style, and all deliverables including formats and resolutions.
Animation Type: [2D Animation / 3D Animation / Motion Graphics / Hybrid] Project: [PROJECT NAME/DESCRIPTION] Length: [X] seconds / [X] minutes Style: [DESCRIBE VISUAL STYLE - reference style guide] Deliverables: - Final animation: [FORMAT, RESOLUTION, FRAME RATE] - Source files: [INCLUDED / AVAILABLE AS ADD-ON] - Still frames: [NUMBER] key frames - [OTHER DELIVERABLES] NOT Included: [e.g., voiceover, music, sound design, additional versions]
3. Animation Style & Technical Specifications
Locks in animation style, aesthetic, and technical requirements before production begins.
Animation Style: [APPROVED STYLE GUIDE REFERENCE] Frame Rate: [24fps / 30fps / 60fps] Resolution: [1080p / 4K / OTHER] Aspect Ratio: [16:9 / 1:1 / OTHER] Color Palette: [DEFINE OR REFERENCE] Character Design: [APPROVED CHARACTER DESIGNS] Animation Technique: [DEFINE TECHNIQUE - cel animation, 3D modeling, etc.] Style changes after approval require additional fees
4. Production Phases & Milestones
Breaks production into phases with deliverables, approval gates, and revision allowances.
Phase 1 - Pre-Production: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Script, storyboard, style frames, animatic - Revisions: [X] rounds included Phase 2 - Production: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Animation work-in-progress, keyframe animation - Revisions: [X] rounds included Phase 3 - Post-Production: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Final animation, color correction, compositing - Revisions: [X] rounds included Total Timeline: [X] weeks from approved pre-production Timeline assumes Client provides feedback within [X] business days
5. Revision Policy
Defines revision limits per phase and pricing for additional revisions.
Each production phase includes [X] revision rounds Revision round = one consolidated set of feedback, not piecemeal changes Major style or direction changes after phase approval: additional fees Additional revision rounds: $[RATE] per round Revisions must be requested within [X] days of phase delivery Approved phases cannot be revised without additional fees
6. Payment Terms
Structures payments around production milestones with deposit requirements.
Total Project Fee: $[AMOUNT] Payment Schedule: - 50% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon signing (before work begins) - 25% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon approval of Phase 1 (pre-production) - 15% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon approval of Phase 2 (production) - 10% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon final delivery acceptance Payment Terms: Net [X] days from invoice Late Payment: [X]% monthly fee after [X] day grace period
7. Asset Ownership & Intellectual Property
Transfers ownership of final animation while retaining animator rights to source files and reusable assets.
Upon final payment, Client receives ownership of final animation deliverables Animator retains ownership of: - Source files (After Effects, Maya, Blender, etc.) - Character rigs and reusable animation assets - Pre-existing animation techniques and methods - Unused concepts and preliminary work Source files available for purchase: $[AMOUNT] Animator may use final animation in portfolio and marketing materials
8. Voiceover, Music & Sound Design
Clarifies responsibility for voiceover, music licensing, and sound design.
Voiceover: [INCLUDED / CLIENT PROVIDES / AVAILABLE AS ADD-ON] Music: [INCLUDED / CLIENT PROVIDES / AVAILABLE AS ADD-ON] Sound Design: [INCLUDED / CLIENT PROVIDES / AVAILABLE AS ADD-ON] If included: Animator will obtain necessary licenses If client provides: Client warrants they have rights to use provided audio Additional voiceover or music changes: $[RATE] per change
9. Rendering & Delivery
Defines rendering requirements, delivery formats, and timelines.
Rendering: Included for [STANDARD FORMAT/RESOLUTION] Premium rendering (4K, HDR, multiple formats): Additional fees Delivery Format: [MP4, MOV, etc.] Delivery Method: [CLOUD STORAGE / FTP / PHYSICAL MEDIA] Delivery Timeline: [X] business days after final approval Rush rendering/delivery: $[RATE] for [X]-day delivery Rendering time depends on complexity and length
10. Client Responsibilities
Defines what clients must provide for production to proceed.
Client must provide: - Approved script and creative brief - Brand assets (logos, fonts, color palettes) - Reference materials and style guides - Feedback within specified timelines - Voiceover/music if not included in Animator's scope Delays in providing materials may extend production timeline Client responsible for accuracy of provided materials
11. Testing & Acceptance
Defines acceptance criteria and testing process for final animation.
Animator will conduct quality control before delivery Client will review final animation within [X] business days Acceptance Criteria: Animation matches approved style guide and technical specifications Minor technical fixes (encoding issues, etc.): Included Style or content changes after final approval: Additional fees Acceptance occurs upon payment of final invoice or [X] days after delivery
12. Termination
Allows termination with notice and defines payment for completed work.
Either party may terminate with [X] days written notice Upon termination: - Client pays for all work completed through termination date - Animator delivers all completed work-in-progress - If Client terminates after [X]% completion, Client pays [X]% kill fee Completed work delivered "as-is" without warranty Animator retains all source files and assets
13. Limitation of Liability
Limits animator liability and clarifies service scope.
Animator's liability limited to total fees paid under this Agreement Animator not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages Animator provides animation services, not guarantees of business results Animator not liable for third-party service issues (hosting, streaming, etc.) Client responsible for backing up delivered files
14. Signatures
Executes the animation production agreement with dated signatures.
Both parties agree to the terms above. Animator: _________________ Date: _________ Client: _________________ Date: _________
Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend having a qualified attorney review any contract before use to ensure it meets your specific needs and complies with applicable laws in your jurisdiction.
Pro Tips
- Lock in style specifications early—style changes mid-production are expensive
- Define revision limits per phase—animation revisions are time-consuming
- Clarify source file ownership—they're valuable assets
- Set realistic rendering timelines—complex 3D renders take time
- Specify technical requirements upfront—format changes require re-rendering
- Include voiceover and music terms—these can be expensive add-ons
Key Features of This Contract
Animation Style Specification Lock-In
Documents exact animation style, aesthetic, and technical specifications before production begins—2D vs 3D, frame rate, resolution, color palette, character design style. Prevents clients from requesting style changes mid-production that require redoing work. Creates clear acceptance criteria based on approved style guides rather than subjective "make it more dynamic" requests.
Production Phase Revision Limits
Defines separate revision allowances for storyboard, animatic, and final animation phases, preventing clients from treating animation as endlessly revisable. Each phase has its own revision limit and approval gate. Once a phase is approved, major changes to that phase require additional fees. Protects animators from scope creep disguised as "just refining" the animation.
Asset Ownership & Reuse Rights
Distinguishes between final animation deliverables (client-owned) and source files, character rigs, and animation assets (animator-owned unless purchased separately). Source files represent significant technical work and are valuable assets. This clause lets animators monetize source files separately or protect their techniques and reusable assets.
Technical Specification Requirements
Specifies exact technical requirements: frame rate (24fps, 30fps, 60fps), resolution (1080p, 4K), aspect ratio, codec, file format, and delivery platform requirements. Prevents clients from requesting format changes after production that require re-rendering. Different formats may require different production approaches, so this must be locked in early.
Voiceover & Music Licensing
Clarifies responsibility for voiceover talent, music licensing, and sound design. Defines whether these are included, provided by client, or available as add-ons. Establishes licensing terms for music and ensures proper rights are obtained. Prevents disputes about who pays for voiceover or music licensing fees.
Rendering & Delivery Timeline Protection
Sets realistic timelines for rendering and final delivery based on animation complexity and length. Defines what's included in base price versus premium rendering options. Protects animators from clients expecting instant delivery of complex 3D renders. Includes provisions for rush delivery at additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the source files after the project?
Typically, you retain ownership of source files (After Effects, Maya, etc.) unless specifically included in the contract. Source files represent significant technical work and are valuable assets. Clients receive final animation deliverables, but source files can be purchased separately if needed.
How many revisions should I include?
It depends on the project complexity, but typically 2-3 revision rounds per phase is standard. Define what constitutes a "revision round" (one consolidated set of feedback) versus piecemeal changes. Major style or direction changes after phase approval should require additional fees.
What if the client wants to change the animation style mid-production?
Style changes after approval should require additional fees and timeline adjustments. Your contract should lock in style specifications early and make it clear that approved phases cannot be revised without additional costs. This protects you from having to redo work.
Should I include voiceover and music?
It depends on your pricing model. Voiceover and music licensing can be expensive, so many animators offer them as add-ons or require clients to provide them. Be clear about what's included and what requires additional fees. If you're providing them, ensure you have proper licensing.
How long does rendering take?
Rendering time depends on animation complexity, length, and resolution. Simple 2D animations render quickly, while complex 3D animations can take hours or days. Set realistic expectations and consider offering rush rendering as a premium service. Your contract should specify standard rendering timelines.
Related Contract Templates
Video Production Contract Template
Comprehensive video production agreement covering pre-production planning, filming logistics, post-production editing, and final deliverable specifications. Includes talent release requirements, location permissions, equipment responsibilities, and revision limits. Protects video producers with clear exclusions for client-provided footage quality issues, weather-related delays, and limitations on usage rights that depend on talent and music licensing agreements.
View TemplateDesign Contract Template
Designer-focused contract covering concept exploration phases, revision rounds per design stage, and ownership of unused concepts that remain your intellectual property. Includes file format specifications, source file licensing terms, and portfolio usage rights that let you showcase completed work. Protects against endless revision cycles and ensures you retain valuable unused concepts for future projects or other clients.
View TemplateFreelance Contract Template
A complete independent contractor agreement covering project scope, milestone payments, intellectual property assignment upon final payment, and kill fee provisions. Includes revision limits and late payment penalties that protect freelancers from scope creep and non-payment. Ensures you retain ownership of your work until every invoice is settled, giving you leverage to collect payment.
View TemplateScope of Work Template
Comprehensive scope of work document specifying every deliverable with acceptance criteria, project phases with milestone dependencies, and explicit exclusions that prevent scope creep. Documents project assumptions, client responsibilities, and change management process requiring written change orders for any scope modifications. Ties payment milestones to deliverable approval rather than arbitrary dates, ensuring you get paid as work is accepted.
View TemplateStreamline Animation Production
Manage animation projects, track revisions, and deliver final animations with project management tools built for animators and motion graphics artists.