Comments on: The Power of Outsourcing…Editing Part 1

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:49:16 +0000

@Maria: there’s nothing wrong with sending off a resume and reel to a company. If they’re not looking for editors though, you could just be wasting your time. You’re much better off checking out job boards on video related forums. There’s always someone who needs help editing in your area. Also, make sure you have samples online for people to see. I prefer to view candidates’ work online than getting a stack of DVDs I have to sift through then eventually discard.

By: Maria T.

Maria T. — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:21:50 +0000

Thank you for posting this for videographers. I believe you are right that editing is probably the biggest differentiator of the work especially. Outsoucing does make sense and just as you and the poster “aftproducer” says that when you find a good editor or someone you outsorce to I am hearing that the best thing you could do is treat that person really well. That’s a simple yet great tip. I feel that I have strong edit skills and never thought that there are probably production companies out there even though they don’t have a job opening listed may still be interested in help from a freelancer. Is sending a resume and reel along with a letter saying I’m looking for freelance online or offline editing work a good idea? Or would anyone suggest a different approach? Thanks Ron for this posting, I look forward to others.

By: aftproducer

aftproducer — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:12:31 +0000

Great Blog Ron! Outsourcing is a great way to streamline your business. When it comes to editing though I always say the best way to find and keep an editor is to take care of them financially and be clear about what you want. Know how long it takes to get a job done and how much you would expect to get paid and pay them that. If you don’t, your project may get left on the back burner. A lot of editors want to work with us, but I allow few to do so. Mainly because this is an area that I micro manage the most, rarely outsource and often ask for re-submissions. Another tip is to submit the project to your editor (if they are working on their own suite) way ahead of your deadline. Never give a contractor the only footage you have, give them deadlines they can meet, but know when you need to pull the plug and be willing to do so in order to stay on schedule. Failure to recognize a this could put you in a tailspin. Remember that outsourcing is only as good as the person you hire and it is hard to find good people, but not impossible. So when you find a good editor, pay them what their worth, nurture their own growth and hold on to them tight!