Crafting the Perfect Project Brief for Outsourcing Video Editing

When it comes to outsourcing video editing or post-production, nailing the project brief is half the battle. It's like giving a map to a treasure hunter; the clearer the map, the better the chances of hitting gold. Let's break down how to craft a brief that gets you exactly what you're after, without the back-and-forth.

Start with the Basics

Imagine you're telling a friend about your project. You wouldn't dive into the nitty-gritty without setting the scene, right? Begin your brief with a quick overview. What's the project? Who's it for? What's the big goal? It's about giving context, so the folks editing your video get the bigger picture.

Dial in Your Objectives

Here’s where you get into what you’re looking to achieve. Are you trying to pull at heartstrings, sell a product, or educate your audience? Be as clear as possible. Saying you want a "cool video" is like saying you want "good food" at a restaurant – it leaves too much open to interpretation.

Who's Watching?

Your video isn’t for everyone; it’s for someone specific. Describe who that is. Young professionals with a love for tech? Parents looking for educational content for kids? The more you describe your audience, the better tailored the final cut will be.

The Look and Feel

This is about the vibe you’re after. If your brand was a person, who would it be? Don’t shy away from throwing in examples here. Links to videos that capture the essence of what you're after can be super helpful. It’s like showing a picture at the barbershop – it ensures you and your editor are envisioning the same hairstyle.

What’s the Story?

Even if you don’t have a script, outline the key messages or ideas you want to convey. Think of it as plotting points on a journey. Where do you start, what stops are you making, and where do you end?

Technical Talk

Here’s where you get into the specs. Duration, format, resolution – these are the details that ensure the final product can go where it needs to, whether that’s Instagram or a giant LED screen at a conference.

Timelines and Budget

Be upfront about when you need the final cut and how much you're looking to spend. It helps set realistic expectations on both sides from the get-go.

Feedback Loop

Define how you'll communicate feedback. Will there be weekly check-ins, or will you wait for a first cut? Knowing how the feedback loop works saves time and prevents frustration.

Wrap it up with Inspiration

End on a high note. Share why this project excites you and how it fits into the bigger picture of what you're doing. It’s about getting everyone on the same page and pumped to bring your vision to life.

There you have it, the blueprint to a project brief that’ll get your video editing or post-production outsourced without a hitch. It’s about clarity, specificity, and a bit of inspiration. With this map in hand, you’re well on your way to treasure.

Updated on: 28/05/2024