Once the first cut is in your hands, the way you write your notes decides how close the second version gets. We've seen many clients send scattered messages like "that part feels off" or "make it livelier", and it takes several rounds to line up. This page describes the way of replying that we find easiest to act on and most likely to get everything right in one round.
Watch the whole video before writing
Stopping to type at the first problem leads to contradictions, such as "the opening is too long" and then, later, "add a few more photos". Watch it through once, then take notes on the second pass.
Put a timestamp on every note
The timestamp is the time shown in the player, for example 01:23. "01:23 subtitle typo, should be 'Chipscat'" is far faster than "there's a typo somewhere in the middle". On a phone, pause and copy the time shown.
- 00:08 the opening logo stays too long; shorten it.
- 00:45 to 00:52 the music is too loud, the voice is hard to hear.
- 01:30 subtitle: "their" should be "there".
Send everything at once, not in several messages
One round of minor revisions means we make all your organised changes in one pass. Notes sent in batches mean a corrected version has to be corrected again, which takes longer and makes things easy to miss. List everything in one document or one message, then send.
Separate "must fix" from "if possible"
Some things are wrong and must change (typos, the wrong photo, a misspelt name); some are preferences (a different song, a different transition). Mark them separately. We make sure the errors are fixed first, then check whether the preferences fall within the minor-revision scope.
What counts as minor, and what counts as structural
Minor usually means: typos, swapping a few photos, adjusting the length of a section, volume balance, subtitle position and style. Structural usually means: replacing most of the footage, changing the order and sections, a different-length version, re-recording the voice-over. The latter needs a re-edit; scope and cost follow the quote. If you're not sure which is which, list it anyway and we'll tell you after assessing. See also how many revisions video editing includes.
When describing a feeling, give a reference
"Livelier" means something different to everyone. Attach a link to a video that feels right, or say "like the pacing at 00:30"; that's more precise than adjectives.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send feedback as voice messages?
You can, but we recommend writing it down with timestamps. Voice notes are easy to mishear and hard to cross-check.
How long until the new version after I send notes?
It depends on the changes. Once we have the complete list we'll tell you the expected time.
Should colleagues or my manager watch the first cut with me?
Yes, definitely. Most delays come from someone raising different opinions later. Have the decision-makers watch before you reply.
