Finding a good video editing freelancer is nothing short of a quest. There are so many things to consider including a keen eye for detail and a critical mind. Commitment and dedication are the key traits of such professionals, especially when we hire a music video editor. In addition, we look for creativity, self-motivation, and time management.
Then there are other factors such as your budget and the specific services. Not every video editing freelancer is good at everything. You must find a freelance video editor that has expertise in a particular field, be it animation or adding 3D effects.
And you surely want the right expertise when you pay someone to make a video, right?
The best video editors have an eye for detail and a knack for putting together disparate pieces of footage into a cohesive whole. They are skilled at cutting out unwanted footage and ensuring that the final product flows smoothly. It’s no wonder why brands and small businesses are always looking for the best video editors.
But what to do when you don’t know how to hire a freelance video editor? How can you hire a music video editor that creates the vibes you need?
Related: How To Hire YouTube Video EditorIn this article, we’ll explain the things you should consider to hire video editors. We are going to provide tips for finding the right person for video editing. Above all, we are going to tell you how to hire a video editor for free. So let’s get started!
What is Video Editing?
Video editing is handling and rearranging video shots to create a new work. Editing a video is a part of the post-production process. This also includes services like color correction, sound mixing, titling, etc. However, some people use the term editing to describe all their post-production work, especially in non-professional situations.
In general, editing refers specifically to the task of assembling footage into a new sequence. This usually involves cutting out portions of footage, rearranging shots, and adding transitions between shots.
Video editing freelancers also use advanced techniques such as speed changes, special effects, and green screen compositing. Nonetheless, editing is a vital part of the video production process and is considered both an art and a science.
The Goals of Video Editing
For most people, video editing is cutting out the bad parts and piecing together the good parts. However, editing is so much more than just that and editing is just one of its aspects. It all depends on what you want to create from your video and how you want to use the footage. In short, you need to consider the goals of video editing.
The first and foremost goal of editing is to improve the quality of the video.
This includes improving the audio quality as well as fixing any defects in the footage. In addition, editing can also be used to change a video’s pacing or add special effects. The aim of editing is to make the video as polished and professional as possible.
Another goal of editing is to make the video more engaging. This usually involves adding music or other sound effects and cutting out any boring or irrelevant parts. An engaging video can make its viewers stick around until the end.
Finally, editing can also create a certain mood or tone for the video. For example, if a video is supposed to be funny, then the editor will cut out any scenes that don’t fit with that tone.
Related: Upwork vs Freelancer for Video Editing
What is the Work of a Freelance Video Editor?
When you get video editing for hire, the main role of the freelancer is to add value. A good editor works with various raw recorded videos to create something amazing. They turn the raw footage into a compelling and flowing finished product.
Video editors mix and blend video footage to ensure high-quality audio and graphics. Sometimes they also add special effects to supplement the final creative product. In short, they are involved in the creative decision-making process during post-production. The editing work depends on whether the video is for an advertisement or a piece of content for social media.
What are the Software Skills of Freelance Video Editors?
You may pay someone to make a video, but they usually charge for their skills. This also involves the use of the right software to get the desired results. There are different types of software available in the market, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
The most popular software used by freelance video editors include Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid, and CyberLink. But this is not the complete list as no one software is perfect for all types of editing. There are many other software programs available that are better suited for certain projects.
For example, AFX is often used for graphical additions, and Da Vinci Resolve is often used for color grading.
The choice of software may vary but in the end, it all depends on the video editor. The freelance video editor must have the vision and talent to carry the story through to completion.
What is a Freelance Video Editor’s Portfolio?
A freelance video editor’s portfolio usually includes the type of work he/she has done over the years. It’s a way to showcase skills and source files of similar work. This will help a client decide whether they should hire a freelance video editor or not.
Below are the main points that you must consider while viewing a video editor’s portfolio.
- A freelance video editor’s portfolio should showcase their talent and ability including their previous work. This is important because it helps to understand what they are capable of. You will be able to know if they are a good fit for the project.
- It also provides information about the clients that they have worked with in the past. So pay close attention to it and don’t forget to verify the links. Also, take a look at the quality of the videos in the portfolio and the overall style and tone. This will give you a good sense of what it would be like to work with this freelancer.
- While you are viewing the portfolio, make sure they have used crystal clear images that are well-shot. Their special effects should be seamless and natural, and transitions should be fluid. Rough, mangled transitions that appear out of place indicate a lack of talent within the freelance video editor space.
- Almost all freelance video editors have quality points in their repertoire. So you must be on the lookout for hallmarks of uniqueness and character within their work. You shouldn’t hire video editors that use straightforward carbon copies of others.
- Always remember that portfolio case studies aren’t too reflective of a freelancer video editor’s own hallmarks. They may have been briefed in a particular style by their clients on previous projects. So it’s always a good idea to directly ask about their working style before commissioning them.
By keeping in mind these points, you’ll be able to get a better idea of the editor. Moreover, this will ensure that the end result will indeed be tailored to your specific desires.
The best thing about video editing freelancers is that many are eager to put their own spin on things. They may present you with some excellent concepts that you hadn’t initially considered. You can also ask about their video editing style to weed out the best from the rest.
The Hiring Process: What Questions should you need to ask?
To hire a freelance video editor, you have to be clear about your own needs. But you should also ensure they have the right expertise and skills, and follow standard practices. Below are a few sample questions you could be asking to help you consolidate your decision.
How long have you been working in the video editing industry?
This question can help give you a sense of their level of experience and expertise. If they’ve been in the industry for a number of years, they would bring a lot to the table. They’re likely to have a wealth of experience that you can benefit from.
If they’re fairly new to the industry, they may be more aware of the latest trends and techniques. Either way, this question can help you better understand their capabilities.
What kind of video editing software are you most comfortable using?
A wide variety of video editing software programs are available on the market. Video editor freelancers use them as per their choice or project needs as each has its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to ensure that the freelance video editor you’re considering is comfortable using the software you prefer. This will help to ensure a smooth and seamless workflow.
What is your approach to video editing?
The answer to this question can help you understand their creative process. You can know whether they match your preferences and can live up to your expectations. Some editors prefer to take a more hands-on approach, while others prefer to let the software do most of the work.
Telling your Video Editing Needs to Freelancers
Once you’ve sifted through several suitable portfolios, it’s time to tighten your match. You can further evaluate video editing freelancers by engaging in dialogue. Brief them on your needs and expectations when you are to hire video editors.
You should ask questions like:
Can you sift through raw, unedited footage?
Can you tie all the links together seamlessly?
Can you help whip up a quality piece of video work on the said budget?
Would you need a secondary expert opinion on some existing video work?
By asking such questions, you can further ensure that the freelance video editor is qualified. Moreover, you can make sure they understand your needs and are on the same page. Thus, when you pay someone to make a video, they’ll meet your expectations.
Final Note
Hopefully, you have now learned how to hire a video editing freelancer. It starts with the type of work you want and ends with the creativity your editor can add. In case you want to hire a video editor for free, it’s almost impossible to find one. However, you can use an AI video editing tool like RAV.AI for free editing. All you need to do is describe the type of editing you need, and it’ll provide you with professionally edited footage for free.
