How to Write Video Feedback an Editor Can Act On
Turn vague reactions into specific, timestamped notes that an editor can apply in one pass, so every round gets shorter.
Good feedback is a small instruction: where, what and how much. When a note is missing any of the three, the editor has to guess, and a wrong guess costs a whole extra round.
The three parts of a useful note
- Where: the exact timestamp or range the note applies to
- What: the single change you want, in plain words
- How much: a size or direction, such as half a second or a little louder
Rewrite reactions into instructions
Compare "the middle drags" with "cut the second example at 03:20 to 03:48 and keep the line that starts at 03:50". The second note can be done without a conversation. If you only have a feeling, say so and ask for options, for example "try two tighter versions of 02:10 to 02:40".
Keep one note to one change
A note that asks for three things gets answered with two. Split it, give each part its own timestamp, and the editor can resolve them one at a time.
Say what to keep
Editors improve a cut by knowing what is working as much as what is not. Mark a few moments you love so they are protected in the next version.
Review in order of importance
- Story and structure first: what is in the video and in what order
- Pacing and timing next: trims, pauses and transitions
- Audio, graphics and color last, once the cut is locked
Polishing a section that is about to be cut wastes the editor's time and yours.
Feedback checklist
- Every note has a timestamp or a range
- Each note asks for one change
- Direction or size is included where it matters
- A few things to keep are marked
- Structure notes come before polish notes
Frequently asked questions
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