We don't refuse rush jobs on principle, and we don't accept them on principle either. Whether it can be done depends on three things: the state of the footage, the complexity of the video, and our schedule at the time. This page explains how we judge it, and what you can do to make a rush job more likely to land on time.
Three things decide it
- Is the footage complete? Rush jobs where footage is still being shot or collected carry the most risk. Footage that's already organised and named in order has the best chance.
- How complex is the video? A one-minute event recap and a one-minute animated explainer differ several times over in effort. Subtitles, multiple languages and multiple aspect ratios all add time.
- Our schedule. We have other projects in progress. A rush job usually means moving other work, and that isn't always possible.
Send us the deadline, the state of the footage and what the video is, all at once. We'll reply as quickly as we can with whether we can take it, rather than saying yes first and finding out later.
What you can do: send everything at once
- Pick out the clips you want used; don't send the whole memory card.
- Rename files in playback order: 1, 2, 3.
- Write the running order and what each part should say, one page is enough.
- Logo, subtitle text and voice-over recording all together, not in batches.
- Upload to Google Drive and send the link; messaging apps compress and are slow. See how to send us your material.
Organised footage can save more than half the time. It's the single most effective thing for a rush job. Checklist: footage preparation checklist.
What can be simplified
For a rush job we may suggest a "usable version" first, simplifying or postponing:
- Complex animated titles replaced by plain subtitles.
- One aspect ratio first; others after the event.
- Basic colour matching, no stylised grade.
- One subtitle language first.
This isn't cutting corners; it puts the time where viewers will notice. The full version can follow after the event if needed.
Revisions on a rush job
Normally we deliver a first cut, you gather notes, we make minor revisions. A rush job has no room for that, so say everything before we start, then reply to the first cut in one message with timestamps. The revision scope for a rush job is written into the quote.
Frequently asked questions
We need it tomorrow. Possible?
It depends on the footage and the content. Send the deadline, the state of the footage and what the video is in one message and we'll tell you as soon as we can.
Does a rush job cost more?
A rush job usually means rescheduling other work; we explain this in the quote after assessing.
What's the normal turnaround?
It depends on the amount of footage and the content. See the video editing FAQ.
