Business of Creative: what a scope has to answer before kickoff

A good scope protects the relationship as much as it protects the work. Before kickoff, make sure the agreement answers:

Deliverables: What exactly is being made, in which formats, and by when?

Revisions: How many rounds are included, and what counts as a new request?

Usage: Where, for how long, and in which territories may the work, name, image, or likeness be used?

Money: What is the fee, payment schedule, late-payment policy, expense process, and cancellation or kill fee?

Rights and AI: Who owns the final work and source files? Can either party use the work, footage, voice, or data to train or operate AI systems? May the creative show the work in a portfolio?

GRADIENT note: Do not rely on a text thread for terms that affect money, ownership, or usage. Put the final agreement in writing and have a qualified attorney review language when the stakes justify it.

This section is general educational information, not legal advice.