These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Client") and Hive Forma LLC, a California limited liability company ("Hive Forma," "we," or "us"), governing your access to and use of our consulting, technology, and operational services.
Design, build, and creative execution services may be delivered under the Hive29 brand, which operates as a DBA of Hive Forma LLC. All engagements delivered under the Hive29 name are subject to these same Terms unless a separate agreement is specified in writing.
By engaging Hive Forma's services — whether through a signed Statement of Work, a proposal acceptance, an email confirmation, or any other written or electronic agreement — you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you are engaging our services on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have the authority to bind that organization to these Terms.
Plain English: These are the terms that govern any work we do together. Every engagement — whether a project, retainer, or fractional arrangement — operates under these Terms alongside any specific Statements of Work or engagement letters we issue.
Hive Forma provides technology strategy, infrastructure consulting, security advisory, AI workflow automation, and fractional operational leadership services to creative agencies, studios, and related organizations in the media and entertainment industry.
The specific scope, deliverables, timeline, and compensation for any engagement will be defined in a written Statement of Work ("SOW") or engagement letter agreed upon by both parties. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and a specific SOW, the SOW controls for that engagement.
Changes to scope must be agreed upon in writing. Work performed outside of an agreed SOW will be billed at our standard hourly rate or as otherwise agreed. Hive Forma reserves the right to decline scope additions that materially alter the nature or timeline of the original engagement.
All fees are specified in the applicable SOW or engagement letter. Unless otherwise stated, invoices are due within 15 days of issuance. Retainer and fractional engagements are billed monthly in advance.
Project-based engagements are typically billed on a milestone schedule as defined in the SOW. A deposit of 20–50% of the total project fee may be required before work commences.
Expense reimbursement: Out-of-pocket expenses (software licenses, third-party services, travel if applicable) incurred on Client's behalf will be billed at cost with prior Client approval for amounts exceeding $100.
Upon receipt of full payment for an engagement, Client owns all custom deliverables created specifically for that engagement under a SOW — including documentation, configurations, custom code, and architecture plans developed solely for Client's use.
Hive Forma retains ownership of:
Hive Forma retains the right to reference the existence of a client relationship and the general nature of services provided for marketing purposes, unless Client requests otherwise in writing. Specific details, results, and confidential information will not be disclosed.
Both parties recognize that in the course of an engagement, each may have access to the other's confidential information. "Confidential Information" means any non-public information disclosed in connection with the engagement, including business strategies, technical systems, client data, financial information, and trade secrets.
Each party agrees to:
These obligations do not apply to information that is publicly available, independently developed, or required to be disclosed by law or court order (with prompt notice to the disclosing party where permitted).
Confidentiality obligations survive termination of any engagement for a period of three (3) years.
Content Security: For engagements involving access to premium or pre-release content, Hive Forma operates under content security requirements consistent with TPN and applicable studio standards. Specific requirements will be defined in the SOW.
Hive Forma represents that services will be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner consistent with industry standards, and that we have the right to enter into agreements and perform services without conflict with any other obligations.
Disclaimer: Except as expressly stated above, services are provided "as is." Hive Forma makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the fitness of services for any particular purpose, specific business outcomes, revenue results, or regulatory compliance beyond what is explicitly defined in an applicable SOW.
Technology recommendations and implementations are based on conditions as understood at the time of engagement. Hive Forma is not responsible for changes in third-party platforms, vendor pricing, regulatory requirements, or technical environments that occur after the completion of an engagement.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Hive Forma's total liability to Client for any claim arising from or related to services provided under these Terms or any SOW shall not exceed the total fees paid by Client to Hive Forma in the three (3) months preceding the claim.
In no event shall either party be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages — including loss of revenue, loss of data, or business interruption — even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
This limitation applies regardless of the theory of liability — whether in contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise.
Either party may terminate an engagement with 30 days written notice. Client remains responsible for fees associated with work completed up to the termination date, including any milestone payments that become due during the notice period.
Hive Forma may terminate an engagement immediately upon written notice if:
Upon termination, Hive Forma will deliver all completed work product in its current state. Any deposit or prepaid retainer amounts will be applied against outstanding fees, with any remaining balance returned to Client.
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or an engagement shall be resolved by binding arbitration in Los Angeles County, California, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association, except that either party may seek injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction.
If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect. These Terms, together with any applicable SOW, constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior discussions, representations, or agreements.
Hive Forma reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated with reasonable notice. Continued engagement after notice of changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
For questions about these Terms, to report a concern, or to request a specific contractual arrangement, contact us directly: