As a corporate video editor, there are few things more exasperating than completing a video, being very proud of it, sending it off to the client, only to be told it is completely the wrong thing. And it’s not just annoying for the editor — it’s a huge frustration for the client, too. So, here are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure you don’t get a disappointing surprise when you receive that first edit of your next corporate video.
Provide reference videos
Seen something you like? Providing existing material is a great way to set up a style or feel of the video. It isn’t hard: there are quite a few videos available on the web for reference. It doesn’t need to be a video you had made for you in the past; it could be anything from the latest craze on YouTube to a McDonald’s ad. This really does help the editor because we can get a feel for the pace of the video or how to do the graphics the way you want them, right down to things like whether slowmo is needed.
Have a pre-shoot meeting and get everything down on paper
Having meetings before the video shoot is very important. It’s an opportunity to throw ideas around with the videographer and the editor, so everyone can get their ideas out and adjust their expectations. It is crucial to get anything that you really do want and anything that you don’t want down on paper. It’s a huge mistake to think that everyone is thinking of the same thing. When you write your expectations down, they are locked in. Then the editor is able to reference the meeting and make sure that the edit looks the way it was planned in the discussion — rather than going off memory or hand-me-down requests.
Don’t be afraid to speak out
If you are out on the shoot with a camera operator, do not be afraid to jump out and say “can you quickly get a shot of that tree” or “can we just ask this question”. It is great when the client can feel comfortable to speak up and not miss out on any opportunities that will improve the video in the end. If you are sitting in on an interview, you are able to get an idea of how the edit might come together. So if the interviewer doesn’t catch a point that you wanted to get across, feel free to speak up and ask a question that would make the video exactly what you want it to be.
Have a good relationship with the editors
It is all well and good to follow these tips, but if you don’t have a good relationship with the editors and camera operators, it can be hard. When you have a good relationship it becomes so much easier for everyone to work together and have a shared vision for how the video will turn out. You can bounce ideas off of each other. It becomes easier to say things that might otherwise be quite hard to say when you first meet — things like “I don’t like that; can we do this?” Of course we will always work out the best way to get the video you want regardless, but maintaining a good relationship just makes the job that much easier (and fun)!
If you follow these steps, hopefully the only surprise when receiving the first cut of your video will be how great it is and how much the editor nailed the brief. When this happens if can save the grief and delays associated with a video not being what you expected.
Need a video and want to work with an experienced corporate video production house in Perth with a stellar reputation? Get in touch with Lush Digital Media.
