Complete Guide to Outsourcing for Video Editing Services
Video editing and post-production are essential to the success of any video marketing strategy, but there’s not always enough time or skill in-house to master the art. The fact is, editing footage is time consuming and requires a TON of patience, not to mention the attention to detail. If you’re not a savvy editor, and you don’t have an editor in-house, let’s face it, there’s a good chance you’re missing the mark when it comes to producing video content that truly takes your brand to the next level.
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At some point, you’ve got to accept that outsourcing your video editing services just might be what your brand needs to go from average solo content creator to amazing video marketing strategist.
Fortunately, we’ve put together this complete guide to outsourcing for video editing that explains everything you need.
In order to maximize your post-production editing success through effective pre-production planning and communication with your post-production editing team.
A Cut Above the Rest
At the end of the day, outsourcing video editing to the pros will make your brand stand out against the competition.
Effectively turning your video marketing campaigns into conversion powerhouses! Don’t sacrifice quality and your time, too.
Here’s what you need to know about outsourcing video editing services like a pro!
Prepare Video Content with the Intent to Outsource Editing
You might be surprised to hear that the very first step to outsourcing video editing starts well before post-production, but it does!
You should technically be preparing to outsource your video for editing during pre-production.
This way you can plan essential shots, b-roll and other needs with the expectation that you’ll be sending all of your footage away to an editor.
Trash In Trash Out
Always keep the following saying in mind, “Trash in, trash out.” What does this mean? If you expect to send a professional video editor garbage footage, you can expect a garbage video back.
Sure they can work their magic, and sure it will be better than if a non-professional were to edit.
But poor footage that lacks creativity and composition is going to lead to a generally poor quality video.
Take the Time to Plan
You should be thinking about your shots, setting, and composition elements as you prepare your video content with the intent of outsourcing video editing to a third party.
Don’t expect to send them trash and get something incredibly back – it just doesn’t work like that!
Clearly Communicate the Scope of the Project
You must keep in mind that your editor doesn’t know the plans for your project. They’re not in-house, so they don’t hear the office chatter about your marketing strategies or your brand culture.
All they have to work with when you outsource video editing to them is the footage you send and the work order, storyboard, brand guidelines, etc.
If you expected to just send footage, and don’t have brand guidelines or a storyboard – you’re probably looking again at the trash in, trash out concept.
Defining the Scope
You must, not only, be able to articulate your idea and explain it to your editor. But also be able to define the scope of the work you expect to have completed.
This means defining the purpose, length, and goals of your video.
As well as delivering the following essential items to the editor:
- The video script & storyboard.
- Key concept details including what type of video you’re trying to create – is it a corporate culture video? Is it a social media ad? Is it a product demonstration or a product launch? Etc
- Brand guidelines including logo, color scheme, font and other pertinent information.
- A creative brief which includes key details regarding music choice, text overlays, graphics, and editing style.
- Examples! Please send your editor examples of past video projects that you’ve loved or of videos that you like which are similar to the scope of which you’d like completed for your own project.
It Takes Time
If you expect to just send footage, without any real direction, you’re probably going to be displeased.
It takes some time for an editor, either freelance or with a production company like Beverly Boy Productions, to learn your business, brand and expectations – and deliver on target.
Don’t forget to detail the following information about your project (this is likely included in the creative brief):
- The purpose and goal. What do you wish to achieve with your video? What should your audience achieve after watching?
- The video length and where you intend to publish the video.
- The desired video format, especially if you expect multiple formats to be submitted.
- Your budget. This helps your editor understand the extent to which they can go above and beyond for you.
Finding & Choosing the Right Video Editor
Once you’ve got all the details in order, it’s time to embark on the exciting journey of finding and choosing the right video editor for your project. This part is going to take some time!
Outsourcing video editing is something that really requires a lot of homework on your part, particularly the first time around.
But once you find an editor that’s your style and that you enjoy working with, you can expect the process to go more smoothly for future projects.
Here are a few places that you may consider looking for qualified video editors that you can outsource your post-production work to:
- Upwork, Fiverr and similar freelancing sites.
- Facebook Marketplace.
- Local production companies.
- Facebook groups.
Not So Simple
You’ll likely find that it’s pretty simple to find video editors. But this doesn’t mean that it’s going to be easy to choose an editor that’s right for your project.
Unfortunately, this process will probably be a bit more time consuming than you may like, but it’s important that you thoroughly vet candidates before moving forward with the project.
Here are a few considerations in regards to hiring a video editor for your project:
- Make sure they are proficient in a language that you communicate in. There will be a lot of communication for creative projects like video editing, so it’s important that your editor communicates clearly in your language.
- Make sure the editor has a computer that is capable of handling the job. You don’t want to find that you’ve hired an editor for a full feature corporate film. And they have an overworked system that isn’t capable of computing the process and delivering the project. Ideally, editors are going to have strong processors, significant RAM, a powerful video card, and at least 25MBPS of internet speed to work with. Anything less could be challenging.
- Discuss and review skills and past experience. Ask the editor to share a portfolio with you that dictates their work in detail. Lack of a strong portfolio should be a clear red flag.
- Consider providing prospects with a test project before delivering the actual assignment. This way you can get a feel for what it’s like working with them, their process, and whether they might be a good fit for you.
Prepare a Contract
Once you’ve chosen an editor, it’s time to outline the details of the working agreement in a contract. Outsourcing for video editing requires a detailed contract that addresses everything.
From ownership of content, to the use of stock video and music footage, additional cost expectations and fees, as well as the terms of payment and other work expectations.
Make sure that all deliverables are defined in the work order and that you have clearly set forth the guidelines and expectations for the project in very detailed terms.
Need help outsourcing for video editing services? Give Beverly Boy Productions a call!