Video Editing Proposal Template

What goes in a video editing proposal

Video editing projects have more hidden variables than almost any other freelance deliverable: raw footage quality, revision cycles, asset delivery logistics, and the gap between "just cut the highlights" and "produce a cinematic story" are all things clients routinely misunderstand. A clear proposal manages all of them before they become problems.

Start with asset intake requirements

Most video editing scope disputes start with a failure to define inputs. Your proposal should specify what you need from the client before work begins:

• Raw footage format, resolution, and frame rate
• How footage is delivered (Dropbox, Google Drive, physical drive — and who pays for shipping if applicable)
• Total raw footage length you're working with
• Any existing assets: music tracks, logo files, lower-third graphics, intro/outro sequences

If the client delivers shaky 720p footage for a project you quoted assuming 4K stabilized material, that's a scope issue — prevent it by specifying minimum requirements upfront.

Deliverable specifications

Video editing proposals need technical specs alongside creative specs:

• Final video length (exact, or range with acceptable bounds)
• Output format and codec (MP4 H.264 for web delivery, ProRes for broadcast, etc.)
• Resolution and aspect ratio (16:9, 9:16, 1:1 — specify if multiple aspect ratios are needed)
• Color grading: basic correction or full grade?
• Audio: music licensing, sound design, voiceover, subtitle/caption files?
• Motion graphics: simple title cards or custom-animated elements?

Pricing for video editing

Rates vary enormously by complexity. A 2-minute social media cut from clean footage: $200–$500. A 5-minute brand documentary with color grade, music, and motion graphics: $1,500–$4,000. Monthly retainer for a YouTube channel (4 long-form edits): $1,500–$3,500/mo. Corporate training video series (10 videos): $5,000–$15,000+.

Charge extra for rush turnarounds: +25–50% for same-day or 24-hour delivery. Build this into your rate card and include it in the proposal. Clients who need fast turnarounds shouldn't be surprised by the premium.

Revision rounds and the "small changes" trap

Video revision cycles are expensive because every change requires an export. Define in your proposal what a revision is (moving a clip, changing a cut, adjusting audio) and what it isn't (rewriting the narrative structure, reshooting sections). Include 1–2 rounds of revisions. Anything beyond that is billed by the hour. This is standard practice; state it plainly.

Turnaround time and milestone delivery

Give a turnaround date, not just a total duration. "First cut delivered within 5 business days of receiving all raw footage" is enforceable and avoids the ambiguity of "2 weeks" that starts when you feel like starting. Tie your timeline to receiving complete assets — if footage arrives late, the delivery date adjusts accordingly.