Recently, a design company contacted me to create a video. I had no prior knowledge of the project and very little time to complete it. When the files were sent to me, I nearly choked on my coffee: several gigabytes of directories filled with all kinds of files from various sources – videos shot with different cameras and phones. It was complete chaos.
Most of the files followed no standardized naming conventions, and some were named with Chinese characters, which can cause serious compatibility issues across different operating systems and software. As for the metadata? I didn’t even dare check if they had been properly integrated.
None of the usual post-production procedures had been followed. There seems to be a belief that with a bit of magic, I could transform this mess into a professional video in record time. This might work for a small project where the video editor is also the person who shot the footage and knows the files inside out. But for a large-scale project, or even a video where the editor is discovering the content for the first time, rigorous preparatory work is essential. This groundwork avoids a lot of confusion and frustration. And, of course, save you money.
It is therefore crucial to adhere to a professional post-production workflow:
- Review and organize the files;
- Assign correct metadata (naming, descriptions, etc.);
- Prepare a clear script;
- Obtain producer approval to ensure the script and general concept of the video (tone, ambiance, message) align with expectations, providing clear guidance to the editor;
- Ensure all necessary documents are available and complete before handing the project to the editor.
Following these steps is essential to ensure smooth and efficient work, especially in projects requiring professional editing.
At DIGITUM Consulting, we are here to help you in your digital project management. Contact us to discover how to have a professional post-production workflow.