5 Video Editing Tips

Every story can’t be a masterpiece, but we can find shortcuts to keep an edit moving and make sure we deliver excellent videos on time, every time. This is narrative storytelling from an editor’s point of view.
  1. Be clear with your message. If you’ve got lots of great material to work with, decide on the best central theme and build your edit around that message. You may even already have an idea of what this would be from the client.
  2. Cut the fluff. The more clear and concise something can be said, the better. Not only does this engage your audience more by getting to the point, but your subject will appreciate how articulate you will make them sound! We’re going for quick, bite-sized, memorable sound bytes here.
  3. When in doubt, cut it out. If you, as an editor, are needing to go back back to re-listen to something over and over to make sense of it… it’s likely your audience will need clarification too. Edit out smaller details that get too “in the weeds” and stick to bigger points that keep things flowing, and move your narrative forward.
  4. Music is your secret weapon. Choose tracks that enhance and don’t distract from your narrative. This will require you to know your client and audience to choose songs that are on-brand and appropriate. I love using music as a subtle audible cue when starting or wrapping a new “chapter” of a video.
  5. Always keep the client in mind. The narrative you’re crafting could be your best work, but at the end of the day, if it isn’t communicating the needs of your client, it’s not going to lead to a follow-up project. Always try to find a balance between your creativity and your client’s wishes…collaboration should be the ultimate goal!