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As we all know, editing is a huge part of what we do as filmmakers and video production companies. Learning to maximize your time in the edit and knowing the dos and don’ts when it comes to working on client projects is a must if you want to have a video business that resembles a well-oiled machine. Today, Gio Orellana looks at editing client projects.
Editing Client Projects To Get Your Best Work
Working with clients can be a nerve-wracking experience, or it can be a blissful co-existence. I’ve looked into my past experiences to figure out what made my experiences peaceful and I’ve gathered them in a helpful 10 point list.
1. Keep A Sequence History
After every round of notes, make a new sequence. This will help you to become more organized and to prevent you having to rebuild any edits if the client wants you to go back to a previous version.
2. Don’t Be Afraid To Tell Them That They’re Wrong
If you really believe one of their notes would mess up the flow or hinder the video, please let them know. Just say “I highly recommend you do this, because of this, this, and that.”
Build trust before you talk price
The checklist includes rapport builders and clarifying questions so prospects feel heard — and you leave with what you need to quote accurately.
Usually, they’ll at least consider your input. Just make sure to pick your battles wisely.
3. Don’t Be Afraid Of Jump Cuts
If you’re pressed for time, and you need to shave off a few seconds, don’t be afraid of taking out chunks. The key is to make it still flow and keep the scene from being jarring.
4. Triple Check Your Work
I was constantly making spelling mistakes and the client kept finding them. It was embarrassing. Always have someone else double check your work if you don’t trust yourself.
5. Be Meticulous About Details
Make sure everything is centered, everything is dotted, spelled correctly. Even if it’s a little bit off, go ahead and move it until it’s perfect.
There’s a reason the client is the client paying you lots of money, and you’re the contractor.
6. Always Use A Timecode
Putting a timecode on your work will help the client mark precise moments where they need changes.
If you don’t, you’ll get feedback like, “do this after this moment when this happens,” or “right after this happens,” and it’s confusing when whatever they mention actually happens twice.
7. Protect Both Sides of the Client Relationship
Use a signed scope of work, clear payment milestones, and low-resolution or watermarked review exports until the agreed delivery point. That protects the client’s expectations as well as your work without treating a new relationship as inherently adversarial.
8. Client Communication
The best way to deal with clients is to always cultivate easy communication. They also appreciate timely responses so get back to them as soon as you can. Set up deadlines and expectations for when you’ll have the next cut. Stick to them.
Want a calendar that actually feels booked?
The same guide thousands of video owners use to turn sporadic inquiries into a healthier mix of repeat work and referrals — practical, no fluff.
9. Use A Deliberate Review And Delivery System
Choose a delivery platform that suits the project’s file size, retention needs, permissions, and client-review workflow. A transfer service such as WeTransfer can be useful for one-off files, while cloud storage or a review platform is often better for versioned feedback and an auditable final hand-off.
10. Organized File Names
This is my preferred method of file organization:
EXPORTS folder > Filename_draft_v1
Then I go draft_v2, v3, etc.
When the client has approved the final version, I name the file:
filename_FINAL_V1
Usually there’s a good chance they will find something else to fix and you’ll have to send version 2.0 of the final video.
If you have any client editing suggestions, please let me know, I’d love to hear ’em out.
Also, if you want to learn more about editing and film tips, check out my blog.
We hope you’ve found this article by Gio helpful when editing client projects and that it’s offered you some tips whether you’re already working with clients or considering doing so. Drop any questions, thoughts or ideas in the comments section below. We’d also be happy if you could share the article with friends and colleagues using the share buttons just below this article.
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