Post-Production

You can find and download technical and delivery specs in the publisher’s company profile under the “Assets” tab in the project page. If nothing is there, ask your publisher to upload this information to the project. Converting footage can take some time… so does exporting and re-exporting to get the right format. Get your digital workflow sorted out as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

Rough cuts are an integral part of the video-production process. They immediately allow the editor to gauge how the project is going to turn out. In some cases your first rough cut may be just what the editor is looking for. In other instances, you may be asked for two or three revisions before it can be signed off.

When producing rough cuts feel free to be creative in the edit room. Think of using music. Some publishers might have a library of licensed music that you can tap into (inquire about this!), but if not make sure to always use copyright free tracks. Build scenes with a variety of shots, focus on your audio and visual transitions and think about pace. Remember, we don’t make 1980s wedding videos, so please, no star-wipes.

Furthermore, if you completely disagree with a suggestion by your publisher, please feel free to question it. Make sure you’re ready to defend your reasoning and explain how it makes for a stronger, more credible story. If a publisher wants to include something that is incorrect, it’s your responsibility to explain why their changes make the story inaccurate.

If your publisher asks for a paper script (which is commonly used for videos that are several minutes long), please use this one as a template. It’s important that you detail not only the voice-over and audio, but also the corresponding visuals you will show in b-roll and a-roll (if you’re not familiar with this terminology, here’s our Editors’ Glossary of common terms used when producing on Storyhunter). Some publishers require a paper script before the first cut, while others prefer to see both the script and video at the same time. Either way, you should upload your paper script directly in the project for your publisher to download.

Whenever you use music, stills or additional footage in your video that is not your own, please make sure that you always inform your publisher right away. Their editorial policy and legal departments might not allow for this. If they do, however, make sure to have the appropriate release form signed and that you credit these elements accordingly. In our experience, it is always better to use creative commons material that allows for a commercial license. Click here for a list of resources. Below are two sites that we strongly recommend:

• Audionautix's entire library can be used for free and commercial purposes.
• Vimeo Music Store - Under "advanced filter" choose Price Range "Free" and License "Any license that allows for Commercial Use".

Once the final piece has been signed off and delivered, the editor will review the project that you have worked on. You will be able to see this review attached to the relevant project within your profile. If you feel that a review could've been better, it is always a good idea to politely ask the publisher for any constructive criticism that can help you for future projects. Remember for a relationship to blossom, it is always best to be calm and courteous even if you feel a review was unfair.

Storyhunter handles payment to you for your work. There is no need to supply the editor with an invoice, just make sure to update your Storyhunter profile with the relevant payment information.

If working with video, once the project is done and your publisher has your story, we strongly advise you to archive your material and keep a copy of it in case they come back to you after a few weeks/months asking for additional material. The best way to do this is to run media manager (in FCP) or project manager (in Premiere), as it will allow you to create a duplicate of the files that you ended up using in your final cut, and those files only. This way, you can delete all the unnecessary footage that eats up hard drive space and keep only what is relevant.

You will come to see that all your completed projects through Storyhunter will be viewable on your profile. In order to ensure that your profile looks its best, always request the published links of completed projects from the appropriate editor and add them to the relevant project on your profile. You can do this through the little cog symbol that appears when you scroll your cursor of the work, or on the project page.