You may want to promote a product or service through a video, create a tutorial or advertisement, or simply engage your audience on social media – in all these cases, the choice of video editing services is critical. That is why your choice of the editor is critical since you want the end product to be a professionally produced video that delivers your brand message concisely and in a compelling manner. It will take you through all the aspects that will guide you in choosing the right video editing company or a freelancer.
Assess Their Experience
The first thing that can tell a lot about a video editor is their previous work experience in video editing. Be sure to consider:
– We have had years of professional editing experience. Expect at least several years for the returns on your investment.
– The specific kinds of video they focus on – this can range anywhere from short form, online-specific content all the way up through entirely cinematic brand films. Ensure that the featured specialization closely matches the requirements of the videos you intend to order.
– Industry experience. Have they collaborated with other brands within your specific industry? It is most desirable that the implementer would have prior knowledge of the specific target demographic as well as the competitors.
– Technical know-how if you require special videos for your needs. For instance, the ability to animate, the capacity to create motion graphics, the knowledge of editing Virtual Reality/ 360 videos and so on.
Assessing these factors will determine the extent of video production capacity that they have. Prefer editors who have a lot of related work experience, as well as those who are particularly familiar with the specialties of your channel and the specifics of your videos.
Check out Their Galleries of Video Editing Projects
An editor’s reel is essentially a compilation of one’s previous work and a demonstration of one’s abilities as a video editor. Be sure to watch numerous video samples in their portfolio, evaluating aspects like:Be sure to watch numerous video samples in their portfolio, evaluating aspects like:
– Video visuals – What is your opinion about the way they shoot, and how they edit their videos? Ensure they also blend well in terms of appearance with the general brand imaging.
– Technical quality – what was done to the video (direction, framing, cuts, sound, color etc)? Since it is the flagship product, that particular quality should come out shining.
– The story arcs and messages – Is the narrative clear and does the tension make a positive/impactful impression?
– Creativity – Since the target group is young people, look for inspired visual elements, animations, graphics, transitions, and any other innovative post-production features.
The videos should be of high quality as if presenting the best piece you would be proud to submit to your own brand. So if there is any aspect that feels weak or subpar, including in the essential aspects such as sound mixing, continue your search.
Compare Pricing and Deliverables
Businesses offering video editing services can cost $99 to $500+ for each completed minute depending on the depth and quality level that one desires. Evaluate what deliverables are included in the pricing, such as:Evaluate what deliverables are included in the pricing, such as:
– The quantity of the completed videos offered in the base price
– The number of video concepts/drafts that they shall come up with
– The number of cycles that may be conducted for review and revision
– Delivery formats for the final edited videos in mp4 mov prores and others
– Rights to final video usage and licensing of the videos that may be required in the future
Also clarify what’s NOT included in their standard pricing, such as:Also clarify what’s NOT included in their standard pricing, such as:
– Overtime that is beyond the agreed amount of time on the contract.
– Licensed music tracks
– Blu-ray discs, extra features, features, etc.
– Subtitle or captions
– Transportation expenses where a movie is shot
Check how their deliverables are linked to your vision of the video. Make sure to get a list of the costs that are going to be incurred when getting the services to avoid being taken by surprise in the future.
Ask for Customer References
It would help if you did not rely on word of mouth from a video production company that you want to hire. Request, at least, five customer references that you can speak with; be sure to reach out. When checking references:
– Inquire about the degree of satisfaction in general regarding the cooperation with the editor. Did they consider the quality of the portfolio that was delivered as excellent? In your opinion, was the final video product satisfactory?
– Ask about working habits and whether they are quick to answer. Were the various stages of need stating and feedback provision when creating videos smoothly done? Were revisions addressed sufficiently?
– Inquire about the efficiency of the videos, whether they were completed on schedule and within budget. Conversely, if they did not use the criteria, what issues were faced?
– Ask if they would use the company again in future videography projects
The hearing of testimonial information from other customers will help in identifying the editors that have good working relations with and those who do not meet customers’ expectations. If an editor refuses to list references at all that would be much a cause for concern.
Prioritize Clear Communication
Outlining the vision and goals clearly to your video editor can be the basis for a smooth editing process as well as high quality videos. As you consult with prospective editors:As you consult with prospective editors:
– Evaluate how good they are at listening and explaining your requirements, target viewers or readers, and narrative before they suggest strategies. Are they actively engaged?
– Determine how ready they are to compromise – the contributors should be feeding off each other regarding ideas on the conception of the videos.
– Pay attention to how they express themselves when explaining their creative concepts, the ways in which they develop their final approach and how they solve difficulties.
Thus, by having clear communication channels in the process, you will reduce the level of annoyance that comes with misunderstanding and increase the pace of editing. Make sure that they listen to what you are saying and comprehend what you are telling them.
Selecting the right videographer for your brand is not a small task – and this list will help provide the foundation for creative success. When selecting an editor to work with, it is recommended to consider those that possess enough editing experience, excellent portfolio samples, fair price rates, good recommendation, and active communication relevant to the project. With these evaluative factors, you will be well equipped in arriving at the video editor that optimizes the potential of your brand stories.
