"How many changes can we make?" is a fair question before commissioning an edit. Our approach: after the first cut is delivered, one round of minor revisions is included, with the scope set out in the quote. This page explains what "minor" means, what goes beyond it, and how to get everything right in one round.
What minor revisions cover
Minor revisions are detail changes that don't alter the structure of the video. Typical examples:
- Subtitle typos, punctuation, line breaks.
- Swapping one shot for another clip you specify.
- Making a shot a little shorter or longer.
- Corrections to the logo, contact details or title cards.
- Music volume and the balance between voice and music.
- Overall brightness up or down a touch.
These can usually be handled in one pass, which is why we ask for all notes at once.
What counts as extra work
- Changing the structure: reordering whole sections, turning three minutes into one.
- Adding footage: a new batch of clips arrives after the first cut and needs to go in.
- Changing the style: after the direction was approved, wanting a completely different pace or colour.
- Changing the music: replacing the whole track means re-timing every cut.
- Adding versions: only a horizontal version was ordered, then a vertical one is wanted after delivery.
None of this is impossible. It's new work, and we explain it before doing it, not after.
Why the revision scope is in the quote
Because "a small change" means something different to everyone. Writing it into the quote means we both share the same picture of "one round of minor revisions": you won't be surprised by a charge at delivery, and we won't be revising indefinitely. The quote states one first cut, one round of minor revisions, and what that round covers.
How to get it right in one round
- Watch the first cut from beginning to end before replying.
- Let everyone who has a say (manager, partner, client) watch it before you gather notes, so nobody adds comments the next day.
- Use timestamps: "01:23 subtitle typo, should read Chipscat", not "the middle part feels off".
- Send everything at once, in one message or one document.
Frequently asked questions
What if the first cut is in completely the wrong direction?
We go back to the brief and the references. If we misunderstood, we redo it; if the brief was unclear, we explain the gap and find the least costly way forward together. To avoid this, see how to describe the editing style you want.
After the revision round I spot one more typo. Is that charged?
Small things that take a few minutes we simply fix. We don't quibble over a single word, but please do try to gather everything in one round.
A month after delivery we need a change. Still possible?
Contact us. We keep footage and project files for a period, which we state at delivery.
