Planning a Shoot? Here’s What a Video Editor Wants You to Know
If you're gearing up for a video shoot — whether it's a brand film, a social media campaign, or a corporate piece — chances are you're already in the thick of pre-production. But here’s something many people overlook: bring your video editor into the process early. Don’t leave post-production as an afterthought of your filming day.
I’m Josh, a freelance video editor based in Cheltenham. I've worked with local businesses, creative agencies and production companies all across the UK, and time and again I’ve seen how much smoother productions run when the editor (someone like me!) is involved from the start.
Editors Think in Outcomes, Not Just About Getting “The Shot”
There are two ways of approaching using an external video editor.
1- Plan your day, shoot some beautiful content and offload your footage to the editor with a brief.
2- Plan your day, communicate with your editor about all of the different elements that are going to be captured, share your ideas, discuss the outcomes and the vibes. The editor can at this stage put their ore in and let you know if there may be something else to consider from a final product point of view.
If you choose option 1, your editor has to improvise. Make the best decisions they can on seeing the rushes with fresh eyes, and follow the brief as closely as possible to give you what they think you want.
Choose option 2, however, and when your editor receives the raw footage, they are already thinking about pacing, structure, tone, and rhythm. You have just given your editor the head start that they can use to produce a final video that will be totally in line with your vision. Imagine how much more effective your shoot could be if that thinking were baked into the planning stage.
Video editors often visualise the final cut before a camera starts rolling. We know what kinds of shots give flexibility in post. We can flag common production pitfalls that lead to frustrating edits, costly reshoots, or missed deadlines.
Define the Deliverables Early
It’s totally okay if you don’t have a detailed storyboard — that’s often part of the creative process. But what is crucial is having clarity around deliverables:
Who’s the audience?
What platforms will the video be shown on?
Are vertical or square formats needed alongside landscape?
How long should it be?
Will subtitles or multiple language versions be required?
These questions help shape the shoot plan — and they help me, as your editor, to craft something that meets your goals and lands with your audience.
Assets: Boring but Brilliant
I have, countless times, received footage from a client but I am missing a boring but crucial. Element to the post-production. The assets. So, here’s a check list for you so that your editor isn’t constantly nagging at you for “Just one more thing”
Logos (vector or PNG format with a transparent background)
Fonts
Brand colours
Graphic templates
Style guides
Even past campaign videos for reference or consistency. (If you chose option 2 earlier, this has likely already been discussed!)
The more I know about your or your client’s visual identity, the more seamless and on-brand the final video will be. This is especially important when working with established businesses or agencies managing multiple brands. If the consistency is off from the last video they created, even if it wasn’t with you, questions will be asked. And if this is for your own business, don’t forget how important your brand identity is.
Communication Is Everything
Creative collaboration works best when there's transparency. The best edits happen when I understand the vision, the tone, and the expectations, and when feedback loops are clear and constructive.
As a Cheltenham-based editor, I’m happy to pop into your office or sit in a pre-production meeting face-to-face. This is always a virtual possibility, too. Wherever you are based, I can help you in the early stages define the outcomes of your production. Early dialogue ensures we’re aligned, and it almost always results in a better video.
Local Partnerships That Work
I’m proud to work with clients in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, and more widely across the country. Whether you’re a local business owner looking to create social content, a creative agency needing an experienced post-production partner, or a production company with an overflow of projects, I can help bring your footage to life with pace, polish, and purpose.
Need an Editor Who Thinks Ahead?
If you’re planning your next shoot, consider looping in your editor from the start. It could save you time, stress, and budget — and it’s a great way to set the project up for success.
If you're based in or around Cheltenham and you're looking for a video editor who can work collaboratively, think strategically, and deliver sharp results, I’d love to chat.