The footage and the decisions inside it
Tell the editor how much footage there is and what state it is in. A folder of selected clips with a clear script is different from several hours of interviews that still need a story. Reviewing, organising and selecting footage all take time.
Share camera and audio samples when you can. Separate audio, missing files, mixed frame rates or recordings with distracting noise can change the work involved. It is better to find these issues before agreeing on a delivery date.
The finish you need
A clean cut with basic titles is a different scope from an app explainer with animated screens, tracked graphics and custom transitions. Show references and explain which parts matter: the pace, typography, colour or motion.
Discuss captions, voiceover, music and supplied graphics. If anything needs to be licensed or created, agree on who handles it and whether it is included in the quote. AI-generated scenes also need selection, consistency checks and editing; they are not automatically a shortcut to a finished film.
Count the versions, not just the main film
A main video, a vertical cut and several short clips are separate outputs. Some footage can be reused, but reframing, rewriting an opening or fitting captions to a new layout still needs attention. List the duration and aspect ratio of each version.
For a podcast, agree whether the brief includes the full episode, short clips, captions and thumbnails. The number of useful clips depends on the conversation and the audience. Review the recording before committing to a package.
Make feedback and handover clear
Choose one person to collect feedback and ask reviewers to use time stamps. Changing the structure after animation and finishing work are approved is different from correcting a caption. Agree on review rounds and how changes to the brief will be handled.
Also discuss final exports, project files, linked assets and archiving. A finished video and a fully organised project handover are different deliverables. Clarifying this early helps both sides understand what they are agreeing to.
Send this before asking for a quote
There is no universal price that fits every brief. I confirm freelance scope and availability after looking at the material and the outputs. Send a rough outline first; we can work through the details before you commit.
YOUR PROJECT CHECKLIST
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I’m Narendra, a video editor and design manager. Explore my videos, experience and resume, or share your project.
