The Key to Efficient, Cost-Effective Video Production (Paper Edits)
In the world of video production, time and clarity are invaluable—especially for producers who are managing multiple projects on tight deadlines. One of the most overlooked, yet impactful, tools in the editing process is the paper edit. However, not all paper edits are created equal, and without a clearly defined level system, they can easily become a source of confusion, rework, and unnecessary costs.
Defining paper edit levels is crucial for producers because it creates a structured approach to planning and executing edits, ensuring that each project’s unique requirements are met efficiently. With clear paper edit levels, you’re able to communicate exactly what you need, making it easier for your editing team to deliver the right level of detail from the start. This not only streamlines the workflow but also minimizes costly revisions and keeps projects on schedule.
In this article, we’ll dive into the different paper edit levels, why they matter, and how a clear understanding of each level can save you both time and budget—while enhancing the creative quality of your videos.
Level 1: Single Speaker, Minimal Guidance
For Projects with 1 Speaker and Minimal Direction Provided
At this level, the project involves one speaker, but little to no guidance is provided. This means our team must generate the story, identify key moments, and structure the narrative from scratch. While the goal is efficiency, it requires more time on our end to craft a cohesive story without clear direction.
How it Affects Editing:
Without a roadmap, we need to sift through all the footage and audio to build the story. This adds time to the project, as we’re constructing the narrative from the ground up. While this level works well when you’re unsure of the story direction, it will extend the editing process and increase costs.
Level 2: Multiple Speakers, Some Guidance
For Projects with Multiple Speakers and Some Structure Provided
At this level, you give us more structure. You highlight key quotes, specific moments, and provide an idea of how the interview or narrative should flow. This framework allows us to focus on shaping the story around your vision, reducing the time spent building it from scratch but still allowing for some flexibility.
How it Affects Editing:
By providing specific quotes or themes to focus on, we can prioritize what’s most important and shape the story more efficiently. This results in a faster turnaround with fewer revisions.
Level 3: Complex Storyline, Detailed Paper Edit
For Projects with Multiple Speakers or Non-Chronological Storytelling
For more complex projects—whether multiple speakers or a non-linear narrative—a Level 3 paper edit is required. You provide a detailed map of the emotional arc, key moments, and specific structural guidance. This gives us a clear vision to follow, allowing for a much faster editing process.
How it Affects Editing:
With clear instructions on the narrative flow and key moments, we can dive directly into shaping the story. This significantly reduces the time spent on revisions and ensures the story aligns with your vision from the start.
Level 4: Fully Scripted, Pre-Defined Narrative
For Projects with Detailed, Frame-by-Frame Guidance
At this level, you provide a nearly fully scripted edit, including exact shot selections, dialogue timing, transitions, music cues, and overall pacing. The editor’s role here is more about executing the pre-defined vision rather than making creative decisions. While this leaves little room for interpretation, it guarantees that your vision is met down to the smallest detail.
How it Affects Editing:
With everything laid out, the editor focuses solely on executing the plan. This level of precision ensures minimal revisions and fast turnaround. However, if the vision changes, it can still add to the timeline.