15.3 Feedback and revision processes

Feedback and revision are crucial in post-production. Editors must establish a structured process, soliciting input regularly and conducting focused sessions. Clear, actionable notes with specific references and visual aids ensure everyone's on the same page.

Efficient revision management is key. Organize and track changes, maintain version control, and balance creative vision with feedback. Communicate goals clearly, propose alternatives when needed, and make tough decisions. It's all about collaboration and refining the final product.

Feedback Management

Establishing a Structured Feedback Process

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• Actively solicit feedback at regular intervals throughout the post-production process
  • Ensures the edit meets creative goals and client expectations
  • Maintains open communication channels between the editor and stakeholders
  • Allows for timely course corrections and minimizes major revisions in later stages
• Conduct feedback sessions with clear agendas and time limits
  • Keeps conversations focused and productive
  • Prevents meetings from veering off-topic or becoming unnecessarily lengthy
  • Ensures all stakeholders have an opportunity to provide input within the allotted time
• Take detailed notes during feedback sessions
  • Ask clarifying questions to ensure full understanding of requested changes
  • Prevents misinterpretation or omission of important feedback points
  • Serves as a reference for the editor when implementing revisions

Implementing Revisions Efficiently

• Review and organize notes after a feedback session
  • Prioritize revisions based on importance and impact on the overall edit
  • Determine the most efficient approach to implementing changes (batching similar revisions, tackling complex changes first)
  • Break down larger revisions into smaller, manageable tasks
• Communicate timeline and limitations to client and stakeholders
  • Provide a realistic estimate of when revisions will be completed
  • Identify any technical or creative limitations that may impact the scope of changes (software constraints, footage availability)
  • Manage expectations and ensure all parties are aligned on deliverables and deadlines

Revision Note Creation

Writing Clear and Actionable Notes

• Use a clear, specific, and actionable format
  • Minimizes confusion and misinterpretation
  • Ensures the editor understands exactly what needs to be changed and how
  • Avoids vague or ambiguous language (replace "make it better" with "increase pacing by reducing shot lengths in the first half of the scene")
• Reference specific timecodes, scenes, or story beats
  • Provides context for the requested change
  • Allows the editor to quickly locate the relevant portion of the edit
  • Ensures all parties are discussing the same moment in the video
• Maintain a direct and professional tone
  • Avoid excessive technical jargon that may confuse non-editorial stakeholders
  • Refrain from subjective opinions or personal attacks (focus on the work, not the individual)
  • Use constructive language that encourages collaboration and problem-solving

Enhancing Clarity with Visual Aids

• Include visual annotations when appropriate
  • Screenshots or graphic markups can clarify complex notes (drawing arrows to indicate movement, circling areas of interest)
  • Helps convey ideas that may be difficult to express in words alone
  • Ensures all parties have a shared understanding of the requested change
• Distribute revision notes in a timely manner
  • Allows the editor to begin work on revisions promptly
  • Provides stakeholders with a clear indication of when they can expect to see an updated cut
  • Includes deadlines and deliverable expectations to keep the project on track

Revision Management

Organizing and Tracking Revisions

• Clearly label and version each round of revisions
  • Avoids confusion between different stages of the edit (Rough Cut v1, Rough Cut v2, Final Cut v1)
  • Allows stakeholders to reference specific versions when providing feedback
  • Enables the editor to track the progress of the edit over time
• Maintain a master project file with a clear organizational structure
  • Use descriptive names for bins, sequences, and assets
  • Keeps the project tidy and ensures all elements are easily accessible
  • Facilitates collaboration with other team members (assistant editors, colorists, sound designers)
• Utilize NLE tools for version control
  • Snapshot or duplication features preserve earlier cuts
  • Allows the editor to refer back to previous versions or quickly revert changes if needed
  • Provides a safety net in case of accidental deletions or unintended modifications
• Keep detailed documentation of each set of revisions
  • Record the date, specific changes made, and team members involved
  • Serves as a reference for tracking the evolution of the edit
  • Helps identify patterns or recurring feedback to inform future revisions
• Perform regular backups of project files
  • Protects against data loss due to hardware failure or software glitches
  • Enables the team to revert to previous versions if needed
  • Ensures a smooth post-production process without unnecessary delays

Creative Vision vs Feedback

Understanding and Communicating Creative Goals

• Develop a clear understanding of the project's creative goals and intended audience
  • Guides decision-making during revisions
  • Ensures the edit remains focused and aligned with the overarching vision
  • Allows the editor to make informed choices when balancing feedback from multiple stakeholders
• Consider the client's perspective and objectives when receiving feedback
  • Acknowledge and respect the client's expertise in their field or industry
  • Strive to understand the reasoning behind their feedback, even if it differs from the editor's creative instincts
  • Look for opportunities to incorporate client feedback in a way that enhances the edit

Balancing Feedback and Creative Instincts

• Be prepared to articulate the reasoning behind creative choices
  • Explain how specific decisions support the project's goals or enhance the viewing experience
  • Use examples from the footage or references to other successful projects to support your perspective
  • Remain open to constructive feedback and be willing to consider alternative approaches
• Propose alternative solutions when necessary
  • If a requested change conflicts with the creative vision or technical limitations, suggest alternative ways to address the underlying concern
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to find compromises that satisfy all parties
  • Be proactive in identifying potential issues and presenting solutions before they become major problems
• Make difficult decisions and stand behind creative choices
  • Take responsibility for the final product and be willing to defend the decisions that shaped it
  • Trust in your expertise and creative instincts, while remaining open to constructive feedback
  • Recognize that not all feedback can or should be incorporated, and be prepared to respectfully disagree when necessary