How to plan and prepare video projects effectively before editing
Video & Audio
Effective pre-edit planning reduces rework and aligns expectations. It helps teams map milestones and resources before cutting. Goal: establish scope, milestones, and responsibilities. Approach: use a compact planning checklist to capture assets, timelines, and approvals.
Who is this for?
- Producers planning pre-edit workflows.
- Editors who need aligned briefs before cutting.
- Teams coordinating multi-camera or asset-heavy projects.
- Creative leads seeking to reduce rework and revisions.
Before you start
- Access to project brief or creative brief
- Availability of key assets or placeholders
- Stakeholders to review and sign off on milestones
General Process (How it works)
- Clarify goals and deliverables Define what success looks like and which outputs count as completion; this prevents scope drift.
- Audit assets and requirements List all needed footage, audio, graphics, and metadata; identify gaps and sources.
- Create a high-level timeline Outline major milestones and deadlines; align with team availability.
- Assign owners and responsibilities Designate who handles briefing, asset collection, and sign-off.
- Draft an editing brief Translate the plan into instructions for editors, including style and pacing.
- Plan reviews and sign-offs Set review points and decision criteria to avoid late changes.
- Prepare workspace and export plan Prepare project folders, naming conventions, and export targets.
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