Do you keep the tapes?
 

A client approaches you to produce a edited video and deliver it on DVD or whatever. Do you keep the original recordings or is it normal to hand this over to the client?

It's normal to keep the tapes - unless you have an agreement for the client to purchase them. At least that's the way it works in the US.

Depends on the contract. Think of it like film: who keeps the negative? Whoever pays the bills. In video the producer may be happy to leave the original tapes and computer backups with you to store, or might want to store them elsewhere. If your client wouldn't know what to do with them, it makes sense to leave them with you. And you might prefer not to be lumbered with responsibility for safe-guarding original material. Something to be clarified before you accept the job.

I would say it is not normal and that is not always the way in the US. It may be Eric's way. After doing this for thirty years professionally, it can go either way. You should give the client the option. They are usually paying. If you want to produce something and it's your investment, then yes, keep your tapes. I have seen some people over the years try to pull this "I keep the tapes'" thinking the client will then always have to come back to them for future business. That is unethical and unprofessional. It's there project and their money and they should be given the option to keep their tapes they paid for. There are times when the client will not care and just say to keep them. Give them the option. They might want a different editor a year later or you may die or move and they now lost their source media in the process.

Gary