TERMS OF SERVICE

1. Parties
These Terms of Service ("Agreement") are between Z-Dog Media LLC, doing business as The Reel Story ("Producer"), and the subscribing client ("Client"). By subscribing to any service tier, Client agrees to be bound by this Agreement.

2. Services
The Reel Story offers flat-fee monthly video production subscriptions. Work is performed primarily by the Producer. Producer reserves the right to engage vetted subcontractors when necessary to fulfill a project. In such cases, Producer remains the sole point of contact and is responsible for all deliverables.

Tier I — Edit & Polish ($3,000/month)
Client provides all source footage. Producer edits, polishes, and delivers finished video including music and voiceover where applicable. Includes:

  • Up to 6 finished minutes of video per month
  • Discovery/scope session per project
  • Music and AI voiceover as appropriate
  • Delivery in one (1) platform format per project
  • Revisions within original project scope

Tier II — Full Production ($5,000/month)

Producer creates all footage using AI generation tools. Client provides creative direction and brief. Includes:

  • Up to 10 finished minutes of video per month
  • Discovery/scope session per project
  • AI-generated footage, music, and voiceover
  • Delivery in one (1) platform format per project
  • Revisions within original project scope

3. Payment
Subscription fees are due upfront at the start of each billing month, payable to Z-Dog Media LLC.

  • Payment is processed via PayPal or Stripe through thereelstory.co.
  • Subscriptions do not automatically renew. Client must actively renew each month to continue service.
  • No refunds are issued for partial months. Except in the event of the client's disapproval of the first video, than a 75% refund can be requested.

4. Queue & Workflow
The Reel Story operates on a queue-based production model. One project is completed at a time per client. Projects are queued in the order they are submitted with a complete, approved creative brief.

  • Producer provides a Creative Brief Form for each project type. Client must complete and submit this form before a project enters the queue.
  • Projects are managed via Trello. Client will be given access to their project board.
  • Producer completes one project at a time before moving to the next.
  • Incomplete briefs will not be queued until all required information is provided.

5. 48-Hour Approval Rule
When Producer delivers a video for client approval or requests information, Client has 48 hours to respond.

  • If Client does not respond within 48 hours, Producer will move to the next queued project.
  • Client's project returns to the front of the queue once approval or required information is received.
  • The 48-hour clock applies to all approval gates: creative direction, footage review, and final cut.

6. Revisions & Scope
Revisions are included within the original agreed project scope. Producer will revise until Client is satisfied, provided revisions remain within that scope.

  • Changes to the original brief, concept, or creative direction constitute a new project.
  • New projects are added to the queue and count against the monthly minutes allocation.
  • Producer reserves the right to identify and flag scope creep in writing before proceeding.

7. Platform Formats
Each project is delivered in one (1) platform format (e.g., 9:16 for Instagram Reels, 16:9 for YouTube). Delivery in an additional format constitutes a separate project and counts against the monthly minutes allocation.

8. Monthly Minutes & Rollover

  • Each subscription tier includes a defined number of finished video minutes per month (Tier I: 6 min, Tier II: 6 min).
  • Unused minutes roll over to the following month
  • Rolled-over minutes expire at the end of the following month if unused.
  • Minutes cannot be transferred between clients or redeemed for cash

9. Pause & Cancellation

  • Client may pause their subscription at any time. Paused subscriptions are not billed for the paused period.
  • Client may cancel their subscription at any time with no penalty.
  • Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. No partial-month refunds.
  • Any projects in queue at time of cancellation will be completed if they fall within the current billing period and minutes allocation.

10. Ownership & Portfolio Rights
Upon receipt of full payment for the applicable billing period:

  • Client owns all rights to the finished video content delivered.
  • Producer retains the right to display finished work in portfolio, case studies, and promotional materials unless Client requests otherwise in writing prior to project commencement.
  • Client-provided footage, assets, and materials remain the property of Client at all times.
  • In the event client ask for a refund any and all work created by the producer reverts back to the producer and the client has no right to use the work the producer created.

11. Client Responsibilities
Client is responsible for:

  • Providing clear, complete creative briefs before projects are queued.
  • Supplying all required source footage for Tier I projects.
  • Ensuring they have full rights, licenses, and permissions for all materials submitted to Producer.
  • Indemnifying and holding Z-Dog Media LLC harmless from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from Client's use of materials to which Client does not hold proper rights.
  • Responding to approval requests within the 48-hour window.
  • Obtaining any third-party approvals required for their brand assets.
  • Producer is not responsible for delays caused by incomplete briefs, missing assets, or Client's failure to respond within the approval window

12. What Is Not Included
Unless explicitly agreed in writing, the following are outside the scope of all subscription tiers:

  • On-location or studio video production and shooting.
  • Creative strategy, brand positioning, or marketing consulting.
  • Management of third-party contractors, editors, or agency staff.
  • Multiple platform format deliveries per project (each format = separate project).
  • Any service not described in the applicable tier above.

13. Confidentiality
Both parties agree to keep confidential all non-public information shared in connection with this Agreement, including but not limited to creative briefs, brand strategy, unreleased campaigns, and business information.

  • Producer will not disclose Client's confidential information to any third party without prior written consent, except as required by law.
  • This obligation survives termination of the Agreement.
  • Portfolio use of finished work (Section 10) is not considered a confidentiality breach.

14. Approval & Acceptance
Client approval of a delivered video constitutes final acceptance of that project.

  • Once Client approves a final cut, that version is locked. No further revisions will be made to an approved project.
  • If Client requests changes after approval, those changes constitute a new project and will be queued accordingly.
  • Approval may be given in writing via Trello, email, or any other written communication.

15. Force Majeure
Producer shall not be held in breach of this Agreement due to delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond Producer's reasonable control, including but not limited to illness, equipment failure, power outages, platform outages, natural disasters, or other events outside Producer's control.

  • Producer will notify Client as soon as reasonably possible of any such event.
  • Affected projects will be rescheduled to the front of the queue upon resolution.

16. AI-Generated Content & Licensing
Tier II productions may include video footage, music, and voiceover created using AI-based platforms.

  • The copyright status of AI-generated content is subject to evolving legal interpretation. Client acknowledges this and accepts all content as delivered.
  • Music and voiceover are sourced through licensed AI platforms. Usage rights are governed by the applicable platform's licensing terms, which are incorporated by reference.
  • Producer makes no warranty regarding the exclusivity of AI-generated assets

17. Limitation of Liability
Producer's liability is limited to the monthly subscription fee paid by Client for the billing period in which the claim arises. Producer is not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages of any kind.

18. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes shall be resolved in the appropriate courts of California.

19. Modifications
Producer reserves the right to update these Terms of Service at any time. Clients will be notified of material changes with 30 days' notice. Continued use of the service constitutes acceptance of updated terms.