Corporate Video Revisions and Rights in Malaysia: Who Owns the Video?
Most corporate video quotes include one or two revision rounds, and extra rounds are charged, typically RM 1,500 to RM 3,500 each. Who owns the video, the raw footage and the music depends on your contract, so agree it in writing before the shoot. Do not assume that paying for a video means you own everything.
I’m Joshua Lim, a producer, filmmaker and videographer based in Petaling Jaya, with 15+ years in production. These are the two items that cause the most disagreement on corporate projects, and both are easy to settle at the start.
How many revision rounds are included?
Usually one or two, and the number should be written in the quote. A revision round means one consolidated set of changes sent back after you review a draft.
| Stage | What a revision round covers |
|---|---|
| Rough cut | Structure, order, length, missing shots |
| Fine cut | Trimming, text, graphics, music, pacing |
| Final | Small corrections only, such as typos and colour fixes |
What counts as a revision and what counts as a new job:
- A revision: trimming, reordering, replacing text, changing music, fixing a mistake.
- A new job: changing the script after filming, new footage, a new concept or extra versions and languages.
How to keep revisions fast and cheap
- Approve the script and storyboard before the shoot. Most expensive changes start here.
- Name one decision-maker. Combine feedback from your team into one list.
- Give feedback with timecodes. “00:32, replace the title” is faster than “change the opening”.
- Review each stage. Approve the rough cut before the fine cut begins.
- Ask what extra rounds cost. It should be written in the quote.
Who owns the video rights?
Ownership depends on your agreement. In Malaysia, copyright in films is governed by the Copyright Act 1987, so the contract should state clearly who owns what. This is general information, not legal advice. For an important project, have a lawyer check the contract.
Agree these points in writing:
| Point | Question to settle |
|---|---|
| Final video | Do you own it outright, or receive a licence to use it? |
| Raw footage | Is it handed over, kept by the producer, or available for a fee? |
| Usage rights | Where (website, social, ads, events, broadcast), for how long and in which countries? |
| Music | Is it licensed for your use, and for which media and how long? |
| Talent | Do talent releases cover your intended use and period? |
| Credit | Does the producer receive a credit, and can the portfolio show the work? |
| Confidentiality | Can the producer show the video publicly, or must it stay private? |
Common rights issues to avoid
- Music licensed for web only, then used in paid ads
- Talent releases that expire while the video is still running
- No agreement on raw footage, which causes disputes later
- Using the video outside the agreed media or time period
- Personal data and consent. Interviewees and extras should sign a release. Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection Act 2010 applies to personal data collected during production.
A six-month talent buy-out for a mid-tier model typically adds RM 3,500 to RM 5,500 to the day rate, which is why usage period matters to the price.
What a good agreement looks like
A simple agreement or detailed quote should state the scope, price, schedule, revision rounds, ownership of the final video and footage, usage rights, music licence, talent releases, payment terms and what happens if the scope changes. Short and clear is better than long and vague.
Frequently asked questions
How many revision rounds are included in a corporate video? Usually one or two rounds. Extra rounds are normally charged, commonly RM 1,500 to RM 3,500 each, so confirm the number in your quote.
What counts as a revision? Changes to the edit, such as trimming, reordering, text, music and corrections. A new script, new footage or extra versions count as new work.
Who owns the rights to a corporate video? It depends on the contract. Agree in writing who owns the final video and raw footage, and where, how long and in which media you can use it. Ask a lawyer to check important agreements.
Do I get the raw footage? Not automatically. Many producers keep it unless you agree to buy or licence it. Ask before the shoot.
Can I use the video in paid ads? Only if your usage rights, music licence and talent releases cover it. Paid advertising usually costs more than website-only use.
Can the videographer show my video in their portfolio? Only with your agreement. If the video is confidential, ask for a clause that keeps it private.
Need a clear quote and agreement? Send me your brief and I’ll list scope, revisions and usage rights in writing. Get a Video Production Quote
