How to Prepare Your Footage for a Video Editor (A Client’s Guide)

You’ve just finished shooting some amazing footage for your next video project. Great job! Now comes the part where you hand it over to your video editor (that’s me!) to turn it into something truly special.

But how do you make sure that handover is smooth and easy? A little bit of preparation goes a long way. When your footage is organized and clear, it helps me dive straight into the creative work, saving you time and ensuring a faster, better result.

Think of this as your simple guide to getting your files ready for editing. Let’s make this process super easy!

Why Good Preparation Matters

It’s simple: when I can easily find and understand your files, I can spend more time making your video awesome and less time searching or asking questions. This means:

• Faster Turnaround: Your video gets done quicker.
• Smoother Process: Fewer back-and-forth emails.
• Better Results: I can focus on creativity, not chaos.
• Saves You Money: Less time spent on organization means more efficient use of my time.

Step 1: Gather All Your Files in One Place

Imagine all the pieces of your video puzzle. You need to put them all in one box before handing them over. This includes:

• All Video Clips: Every single piece of raw footage you shot.
• Audio Files: Any separate audio recordings (like voiceovers or clean audio from a microphone).
• Music: Any specific music tracks you want to use (make sure you have the rights!).
• Graphics & Logos: Your brand logos, lower thirds, or any other visual elements.
• Photos: Any still images that need to be in the video.
• Scripts & Notes: Your video script, any specific instructions, or important notes.

Put all these into one main folder on your computer.

Step 2: Organize Your Footage with Simple Folders

Inside that main folder, create sub-folders to keep things tidy. This is like putting different types of puzzle pieces into their own smaller bags.

• RAW FOOTAGE: All your video clips go here.
• AUDIO: All separate audio recordings and music.
• GRAPHICS: Logos, images, and other visual assets.
• SCRIPTS & DOCS: Your script, brief, and any written notes.

This simple structure helps me quickly navigate your project.

Step 3: Name Your Files Clearly (Naming Conventions)

This is a big one! Giving your files clear, simple names helps both of us know exactly what’s what without opening every single file.

• Be Descriptive: Instead of DSC_0001.MOV, try Interview_JohnDoe_Scene1.MOV.
• Add Dates (Optional but Helpful): If you have footage from different days, ShootDay1_Clip01.MOV or 20250722_ProductShot_01.MOV.
• Keep it Simple: Avoid super long names or special characters (!@#$).
• For Audio: Voiceover_Intro.WAV, Music_BackgroundTrack.MP3.

Consistency is key! If you start a naming style, stick with it.

Step 4: Provide Clear Instructions (Your Brief)

Even with perfectly organized files, I need to know your vision! This is where your brief or notes come in.

• What’s the Goal? What do you want this video to achieve? (e.g., “Get more leads,” “Explain our new product”).
• Who is it for? Who is your audience?
• Key Messages: What are the 1-3 most important things you want viewers to remember?
• Desired Length: Roughly how long should the final video be?
• Reference Videos: Share links to any videos you like the style of.
• Specific Instructions: “Use clip 005 at the beginning,” “Cut out the part where I cough.”

A clear brief helps me understand your expectations and deliver exactly what you’re looking for.

Step 5: How to Share Your Files

Once everything is organized, you’ll need to send it over. For large video files, cloud services are best:

• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• WeTransfer (for one-time large transfers)
• Frame.io (great for video-specific collaboration, if we’re using it for the project)

Just zip your main folder (right-click and “Compress” or “Send to Compressed folder”) before uploading to keep everything together.

Ready to Make Your Video Shine?

Preparing your footage might seem like a small step, but it makes a huge difference in the editing process. By following these simple tips, you’ll help me work faster and more effectively, bringing your vision to life with less hassle.

Got your footage ready? Let’s connect and turn your raw clips into a powerful story!