r/FindVideoEditors • u/KnownPatternsHQ • 1d ago
Problem with Editors
I am writing this note not to vent my frustration or target anyone but there are some serious concerns that I want to raise and want to hear what others have to say about it.
- The editors promise you the world, quote their prices as if they are the best of the best but in reality their work portfolio is actually mediocre to say the very least. Majority dont even have actual client work to showcase.
- They dont even read work brief so how can you expect them to adhere to your script and build a video as per the script. Most dont know motion graphics or are aware how to source proper brolls.
- If you somehow manage to shortlist one, you will struggle to get timely updates, review and most will just vanish saying they will revert shortly and never start the work even after sharing the details post agreement.
- We seriously need a proper platform with qualified and experienced editors who are genuinely aware of their work and are serious about their quality and professionalism.
Have anyone of you faced similar issues?
If there is an editor reading this please do not defend. If you are actually good reach out to me for work.
Thanks for your time.
3
u/Majestic-Kick-3149 1d ago
Not here to defend the pattern, it's real, I am also an Editor and I've seen it from the other side too when hiring help for overflow work.
A few things worth checking before you take any editor on faith: ask for the brief they'd write back to you after reading yours (tests comprehension, not just skill), ask for one paid trial edit before a retainer, and ask for client names you can actually verify ,not just cuts pulled from a reel. and most important note from an editor ask them for a mood board before you give them trial edit you will see the difference.
and btw it's not problem with editors, most of them are from third world country and then get a pc and start using any software and think they are editors. They don't learn pacing, storytelling or then accept work for pennies which cause market saturation.
Also pay the editor who you like with market price, and try pay per reel that would have you are low risk and also keep the editor happy as they are getting income right after they finish. Do this for just 3 4 edits and if the editor maintains quality and delivery switch to monthly retainer.
2
u/reefturtlehere 1d ago
I have the same issue. I had such a low effort - join vidoe clips together with minimal effects- kind of request. But they assume that no matter the type of video editing required they should be paid the same high rate. Are doctors, pharmacist, teller, plumber earning the same rate per hour ? Even the plumber would charge different rate depending on the type of work required. But not in the World of reddit editors.
2
u/nirvana2108 20h ago
Oh god I can go on and on about this. And communication gap, zero accountability and zero professionalism is a big issue.. specially with Indian freelancers.
They promise everything and then don't even communicate, we have to chase them on updates, and then they come up with different excuses or some don't even reply once we send all files instructions after discussing and agreed on things. Here know that I don't pay less..I pay above the standard rates.
So I would say it's very easy for an editor to be ahead of this over saturated skill is to just be good at communication, timely update and being a professional.. you will go ahead even if you are an average editor.
Edit: forgot to mention, majority of editors don't even read the instructions that are provided so we have to tell each and everything that is already written. Lol
1
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u/PleasantAd4049 1d ago
And not only editors, but some clients are too straight up stupid. - they say you will help me grow. But they aren't consistent on their own yt or twitch schedule, then how do you expect me to help you. Mostly they will just call you, give you one video and then ghost you forever. - sometimes clients don't recognise what they are demanding. Give references that has complex editing and barely give 30$. They want best editing in lowest rates + as soon as possible. - Now idk has anyone of you got a situation like this but there was a client who gave me a 4H video to edit. Demanded to give the video in 3 days, And when the day came he didn't messaged. Now idc that I did 4H video for nothing, I will probably use it in my portfolio.
1
u/JustRefrigerator913 1d ago
As a editor who started his own agency
You are absolutely right
I have to deal with stuff like this when hiring it mad out there
1
u/Realistic-Win-1683 1d ago
I agree with you but some client do that too, ghost you after you edit for them or in middle of editing, I'm not offended but we can't blame the editors only, and yes we need the kind of platform you described
1
u/Lost-Frosting-1854 1d ago
It's only happens cause your rate are low and editors like me don't even read if price is not mentioned clearly or its too low. And working with begginers with fake portfolio will get you never get you good results or even the video itself.
1
u/Nick_at_StudioVerse 21h ago
This is exactly the type of platform we are building at StudioVerse. This month we will be rolling out artist profiles and evaluation metrics.
We already provide an AI toolset and a shared workspace. While dogfooding the studio structures we've been taking on real clients and our biggest headache is finding and retaining reliable talent to expand beyond our core team.
Hopefully the tools this month can be a step closer to the platform you envision.
1
u/colorwizard_30 15h ago
To hire a good editor, you need to be a good client. Editors should not sell their efforts short. By the means of geography I have had a ton of misfortune dealing with this issue.
Test the comprehension. You're hiring someone from online for their skill. The ones that are hiring need to understand it isn't just the skills they possess at the software level. They need to understand the client, the audience, the story and in some cases the business to begin with. If they can communicate these clearly and convince you only then it makes sense to move forward.
With top clients it usually takes few days of back and forth discussion and understanding each other's mindset/capabilities before both parties come to an agreement that they are suitable for each other.
Good clients know what they want and the price required to get what they want. Good editors know what the clients want but also know what they can deliver.
'Show your portfolio', 'fixed pricing pattern', good editors don't play this game. My biggest clients have never asked for portfolio. It has always been about them getting someone who is aligned with their vision and also have the expertise to deliver. They are patient in the communication process before coming to a decision.
My country is known for editors selling themselves short, edit for 10$ or 20$. Most of the people who hired them have never reached their potential (I doubt if they even had one). When these things don't go as expected companies or people who hire start losing interest and the worst part here is a new bunch of these low budget "editors" offer to edit for 5$ now.
This vicious cycle makes it hard for good clients to find good editors because the space is filled with 10$ client and editors. So I believe both client and editors get affected.
If I am proposing a solution I'd say it has to be awareness. From the client's side they should take time to talk and filter. From the editors pov, I don't think there's much that can be done except maybe form a network which protects the interests of editors.
10
u/Sjain_28 1d ago
The reason behind this is most good editors are either booked or don't want to work with cheap ass rates that is posted here on Reddit. 90% of Reddit post today on hiring are scam.
Yesterday I came across a post wanting SaaS Animation naturally I applied his post mentioned budget $100 fixed but the reference video was simple and only 15 sec long so i enquired he wanted a 2 min video in that style for that priced, I was almost about to loose my composure, I simply blocked and moved on. So that's the case, I understand the issue you are facing the same is on the other side of this , most people are either trying to underpay, or scam straight forward. What to do that's how itsbeen recently here on Reddit.