What to Look For In a Professional Video Editing Company
Handing your editing off to a professional video editing company brings multiple benefits. Above all, you can save time and creative energy to spend on other projects, while still making sure you’ll get a quality final video.
However, how do you find the best people for the job?
Because of the growing popularity of video content, more and more video editing companies are trying to get a piece of the cake. So how should you choose among all of them?
What boxes does a good video editing company have to tick?
Here’s your checklist.
Extensive Experience
First off, experience is key. Make sure that the video editing company you’re looking at is actually experienced at what they do.
Sometimes, giving newcomers a shot is worth the risk. However, when you opt for established professionals, you can rest assured that you’ll get your money’s worth: a high-quality edit.
On their website, look for portfolio pieces of previous work and testimonials by happy customers. Or check out reviews on Google, Yelp, and similar platforms.
If you can’t find any of these, but you still like the look of a company, ask for demo material. If they won’t show you any, though, they’re not worth the trouble.
A Solid Range of Services
Next, narrow your selection based on the range of services you actually need for your video content.
Do you only need jump cuts for your latest vlog? Or will you also need special effects, creative transitions, color adjustments, or animations? Do you want them to upload the finished product directly to your channel (or channels if you run multiple ones)?
Many companies offer all of these services, but at different pricing tiers. All-inclusive services are often part of special packages, or limited to higher subscription tiers.
In any case, also ascertain that the video editing companies you’re considering use top-notch software, and can handle 4K quality — even if you don’t think you’ll need that just now.
The Right Niche
Are you launching a makeup tutorial channel on YouTube? Looking to create a short corporate marketing clip? Are you aiming to produce a documentary, or an educational explainer video for your latest online course?
Whatever genre of video you’re aiming to produce, find a video editing company that specializes in that niche. They should be able to show you some specific samples.
Working with a specialist editor who knows your niche makes the entire process significantly smoother. Above all, they’ll be familiar with your audience’s expectations and the technical details they need to stick to.
Compare the two videos below, and ask yourself: If you were watching these, would you expect the same editing process for both?
Music video by Laci Kay Somers
Pay raise negotiation by Heather Austin
Speed That Suits Your Needs
How long does it take to edit a video? That’s a question each of your candidates will have to answer, either through their website, or in person.
When looking for a video editing company, find one whose turnaround time suits your creation schedule. Note that turnaround means the time until you get your first draft, and there will almost always be further editing rounds to finish the video as you want it to be.
Ultimately, editing time depends on the length and quality of your footage, and thecomplexity of edits. Generally, you could be looking at anything from 48h for short, YouTube-style videos, and from around two business weeks for longer-form productions.
Also, be aware that if a company offers a faster turnaround time, they may deliver a rougher first draft at the end of it. Depending on their policy, you might only be able to request a limited number of revisions.
Transparency and Efficiency
Finally, when comparing candidates, look beyond the specifics of their actual editing work. Also evaluate them on how transparently and efficiently they operate as a potential business partner.
Are the full extent and the limitations of their services clearly stated on their website, and not buried deep in the fine print?
Do they respond promptly, fully, and helpfully to any questions you might have?
Can they explain their editing process to you?
And especially: How will they incorporate your revision requests and feedback?
Before making a final decision on which video editing company you want to go for, make sure you get answers to all these questions.
Vet each company’s website carefully and consider reaching out in person to get a better feeling of how forthcoming and helpful each candidate is.
Conclusion
It’s worth evaluating the different video editing companies that currently offer their services according to your own criteria.
Make sure you find a company that has extensive experience in your niche, offers a solid range of services with a well-paced turnaround time, and operates transparently and efficiently.
All in all, this might take some time and effort. But it pays off in the end: You’ll be rewarded with perfectly edited, high-quality videos!
