Once you have taped your video footage, it’s time to turn all those images into a finished program. To do this, your best bet is to work with a trained video editor (although it’s not unheard of that one of us dedicated, curious, entrepreneurial staffers would take it home and do it ourselves).

As of now, the video editors used by SIM have been freelancers—mostly Drake students or recent grads (expect to pay $15–$25 per hour for their services). The addition of SIM video staff may change how freelancers are used, though, so stay tuned.

No matter who edits your program, there are several things you need to communicate to that person to get the best possible finished video:

• What is the purpose of the final product?

• Who is the audience? (demographics, familiarity with the subject, etc.)

• Where will the program appear?

• How long should the finished program be?

• Should the program match any previous videos in content, style, format, etc.?

• Deadlines: When do you expect to see a rough cut? When do you need the final product?


You will also need to give him or her:

• A copy of the script. Even if the footage deviates from the plan, the script is a road map for the editor.

• Tapes of footage.

• Logs that accompany the tapes—outlining the footage that was shot, the time codes of key portions of the tape, and indications of which “takes” are likely the best.

• A style guide showing correct usage of logos, watermarks, fonts, colors, etc. that will be part of the program.

• Electronic artwork (logos, title pages, etc.) or fonts that should be used.

• Examples of other programs this one should emulate.


Expect to meet with your editor once he or she has a rough cut available. This is your chance to discuss any changes that need to be made, whether the segment is too long, what kind of title pages or graphics might need to be added, what kind of music the program needs, etc. The editor will make changes based on your discussion. Let him or her know whether you expect to see the program again before he or she considers it final.

Also note that it’s a helpful to have the video editor present at the meeting(s) where you are planning your program and/or at the taping of the segment. This helps him or her better understand the project and the final product.