When it comes to editing event videos and commercials, you get more freedom in deciding what goes where. Usually, the client will give you the footage, specific parts they want in the video, and the length. For example, “I want a video summarizing my wedding. The main parts I want are the ceremony, the dancing at the reception, and the cutting of the cake. Everything else is up to you. And I would like the video to be about 15 minutes long.”
Sounds easy enough. And then you remember you have 4 hours of footage you need to sift through. And you have B-roll footage you’re unsure of putting in. (B-roll footage is footage that doesn’t necessarily show the main subject of the film. For example, a video of the camera focusing on a flower during the wedding for a few seconds counts as B-roll.) So, what do you do? Where do you start?
Don’t Panic
First thing to do is not to panic. These kinds of videos without a script take longer to edit because more decisions in post production need to be made. Not to mention having to send it to the client and most likely being told of some changes that the client wants so that it’s perfect for them. This is very important to remember. Sometimes the editor may edit something in that they don’t necessarily agree with. Most likely, the editor can discuss it with the client, but overall, the client gets the final word.
In order to not panic, always think back to the client. At the very least, they will give you a brief overview of what they want done – whether it be a commercial or an event video. So start there. What usually helps is making a list of what the client wants.
You Don’t Have to Watch Everything Until the Very End
Instead of watching all the footage at normal speed, you can speed it up so that you’re able to skim the footage. Another method is to scrub through the footage. Scrubbing is when you move the playhead across the timeline so you can see the general gist of what’s happening.
In this short video, I’m scrubbing through the zoom in I created of the picture. You can also scrub through unedited footage in the source panel.
However, once you are satisfied with your video, that is when you re-watch everything at normal speed. When it’s a creative video, you tend to watch bits and pieces of your video over and over again up to the point where you are sick of the song in the background or the funny edit you made.
Overall, be proud of what you made! If the client asks you to make an adjustment, just remember, they hired you to make the video because they couldn’t do it themselves. Without you, the editor, a version of the finished video wouldn’t even be possible without you.
Communicate with the Client
Just like in any business transaction, both sides have to communicate well in order for both sides to come out of the interaction satisfied. If you are really unsure about how to edit something, talk to the client! Ask them if they would rather have it look like this or that. A good rule of thumb is to always go back to the client throughout the process and check in with them. That way, communication can be open and the client will feel like they were involved in the editing process.
And As Always, Celebrate!
Whenever you finish a big project, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back! Editing can be hard and take up a lot of time, but trust in the process and both you and the client will be happy with the final product.
