How to work with a video editor

Before you dive into editing, it’s crucial to set clear expectations with your video editor. An organized and detailed creative brief is the foundation for avoiding any misunderstandings.

This should include everything from the video’s tone to visual style, and messaging. Think of it as the roadmap for your project—this is where you ensure everyone is aligned from the start.

Next, ensure you’re clear about the expected deliverables. Will there be multiple versions of the video? Will you need shorter cuts for social media or a 9x16 version for Instagram? Are captions or translations required? Addressing these deliverables from the beginning helps you avoid surprises later on.

Setting the number of rounds of revisions is also essential. Typically, three rounds of revisions are standard, but you should establish this with the editor upfront. This will help you and the production team manage expectations and prevent falling into a feedback loop.

Reference material is a great way to clarify your vision. If you’re looking for a specific mood, pace, or visual style, providing reference videos, mood boards, or other material can significantly help the team understand your creative direction.

Finally, remember that revisions need clear timelines. Setting deadlines for each round of revisions ensures the project stays on track and prevents any unnecessary delays.

One of the most effective ways to give feedback is through precise timestamps. Whether you’re using software like Frame.io or providing feedback via a form, timestamps ensure your comments are clear and actionable.

Using Software Like Frame.io:

When your video is supplied via a platform like Frame.io, it’s incredibly helpful to leave comments directly on the video timeline. This makes sure your feedback is attached to the exact frame you’re referencing. Frame.io displays timecodes that you can use to pinpoint specific moments in the video. For example, instead of saying “I don’t like this shot,” you could say “At 01:23, the shot shows an ex employee that we can't feature anymore, please remove” This level of specificity helps the editor quickly understand and address your feedback.

When Not Using Frame.io:

If you’re not using a platform like Frame.io, it’s easy to fall into the trap of sending feedback through email threads. However, this method can quickly get messy, with comments coming from multiple sources leading to being lost or misinterpreted. A more effective way is to request a feedback form, or even create one yourself, to ensure that all feedback is consolidated in one place. When filling out a form, be sure to include the exact timestamps of where changes should be made. For example, instead of simply saying “cut the line where they talk about...” you should provide a line like:

“Cut out after the line at 0:28 where they say ‘It was very good’ to 0:53 just before they say ‘Now I want to…’”

This ensures that the editor knows exactly what to remove, even if the changes are close together.

Pro Tip: Don't leave questions in your feedback, 99.99% of the time it will end up being ignored or end up halting the editing process while the editor gets clarification. If there is a question, raise it with the team directly and then incorporate that into the feedback.

When it comes to reviewing video work, the process usually consists of three rounds of revisions. Let’s break down what each round should focus on:

• Round 1 – Big Picture Changes

In this round, the focus is on the big-picture elements of the video. Is the video on-brief? Does the pacing match the intended tone? Are there major issues with music, visuals, or the overall structure? This is the time to address any major changes, such as cutting out shots or revising the entire flow of the video. Making changes to music or significant visual elements can require re-editing the whole video, so it’s important to catch these early.

• Round 2 – Fine-Tuning the Details

Once the major elements are settled, Round 2 is all about fine-tuning. This includes adjustments to timing, motion graphics, audio, and the color grade. You’ll also review if the changes from Round 1 were implemented as you requested. If everything looks good, focus on small tweaks to perfect the video, but avoid any major changes at this stage.

• Round 3 – Picture Lock and Final Touches

Round 3 is when the video reaches “picture lock”—meaning no further changes will be made to timing of the edit. Now, the focus shifts to polishing the final product: mastering the audio, finalizing the color grade, and adding any captions or subtitles if needed. This is the time to make sure everything is polished and ready to go. While small adjustments can still be made, larger changes (like swapping out music or adding new effects) should not be introduced at this stage.

By following a structured approach to video feedback, you can ensure that the review process goes smoothly and efficiently. Starting with clear expectations, using specific timestamps, and focusing your feedback on the right areas at each round of revisions will result in a video that meets your vision and avoids unnecessary delays.

A collaborative mindset is key—remember, the goal is a polished, final product that you’re proud of. The smoother your review process, the more likely you are to get exactly what you want while staying on schedule AND on budget.