How to edit a video for trailer from supplied archive footage

Turn permissioned archival or original narrative clips into a story for independent video creators. Preserve one real musical, spoken or movement phrase and its actual conclusion.

Give the video a clear purpose

Preserve one real musical, spoken or movement phrase and its actual conclusion.

Think about what independent video creators need the viewer to understand first. Use the opening to establish that idea, then let the next shots add detail.

Build your shot list

  1. The establishing moment
  2. The central action
  3. A meaningful object detail
  4. A character or participant reaction
  5. The recorded unresolved or final moment

Put the moments in order

Open with the establishing moment. Connect it to the central action and a meaningful object detail, then use a character or participant reaction to add detail. Finish with the recorded unresolved or final moment.

Use supplied performer or topic information only.

Try this editing prompt

Create a 30-second vertical video from my permissioned archival or original narrative clips. Open with the establishing moment, follow with the central action, a meaningful object detail, a character or participant reaction, and finish with the recorded unresolved or final moment. Use supplied performer or topic information only.

Polish the details

Only use footage with appropriate rights and do not attribute invented dialogue or events to real people.

Give the next version a clear direction

Restore the end of the phrase before the next visual cut.

Find another story in the same shoot

Your next brief could focus on a creative process-to-result Reel or a creative detail-led story. Choose a different opening and source selection to give each video its own purpose.

Questions, answered.

What should I upload?

Permissioned archival or original narrative clips. Use the shot list as a starting point and adapt the sequence to your footage.

What details should I check?

Only use footage with appropriate rights and do not attribute invented dialogue or events to real people.

Your next video starts here.

Bring the footage. Tell us the idea. Shape the edit.

Start editing