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Working with editors

How to Brief a Video Editor

Most bad first cuts come from vague briefs. Here's what to send so the first version is close.

Kredos Media2 min readUpdated
On this page
  1. The short version
  2. The checklist
  3. Giving feedback
  4. Working with us
  5. More Working with editors guides
  6. Questions

The short version

Tell your editor what the video is for, who it's for, what it should feel like, and what they're working with. That's it. Everything else is detail.

The checklist

  • Goal. What should the viewer do or feel at the end? Subscribe, book a call, buy, understand a feature.
  • Platform and format. YouTube, Reels, TikTok, a landing page, an ad. Length and aspect ratio.
  • Audience. Who's watching and what they already know.
  • References. Two or three videos you like, with a note on what you like about each one. The pacing, the captions, the music.
  • Must-haves. Lines that have to stay, claims that are approved, the CTA.
  • Brand kit. Fonts, colours, logo, intro and outro if you use them.
  • Assets. Raw footage, b-roll, screen recordings, music you have rights to, all in one clearly named folder.

Giving feedback

Use timestamps. "At 0:42 the cut feels early" is something an editor can act on. "Make it pop" isn't. Group your notes into one round where you can, and say what you like as well as what you don't, so the next video starts closer.

Working with us

Our enquiry form asks most of this up front, so you don't have to write it all from scratch. Start there, or look at our work first. Still deciding who to hire? Read freelancer vs agency.

More Working with editors guides

Questions people ask

Do I need a script?

For ads, VSLs and product videos, a script helps a lot. For podcasts, vlogs and talking head videos, good footage and a clear goal are enough.

How many references should I send?

Two or three, with a sentence on what you like about each. More than that tends to pull the edit in different directions.

Want us to edit yours?

Tell us what you're making and we'll get back to you.

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