Cinematic Brand Video Editor for Ongoing Collaboration (3:28 Flagship Piece First)

I’m building a creative studio and have cut together a 3:28 flagship brand video that needs professional polish. It’s a key piece in how I present my work, and I want it to feel clear, cinematic, and cohesive.

This first project is both:

•A one‑off edit of my existing cut, and

• An audition for an ongoing relationship — I’d like to have one editor I can regularly send projects to as I create more pieces.

What the current video is

• Length: ~3 minutes 28 seconds

• Format: Narrative brand/story film built from AI‑generated and live‑action style footage

• Structure (roughly):

• Opens with a Monica segment (human, relational entry point)

• Moves into me in an AI lab

• Transitions to a ship/navigation scenario

• Shifts to me at a desk, talking, leading into an imagination moment

• Cuts to a cinematic sequence that extends the imagination theme

• Then me at a desk with a Sphinx in the background

• Ends with a spaceship launch → hyperspace jump → company logo with sound

The base edit is fully assembled by me. The story and structure are in place; I want an expert’s eye and ear to refine timing, transitions, and sound.

What I need from you on this first project

1. Picture edit polish

• Refine the transitions across the entire 3:28 piece so the flow feels smooth and intentional.

• In particular:

• Fix the continuity issue during the Monica sequence on the bridge as she approaches the castle (she’s walking one direction and then suddenly flipped the other way, and her outfit/jacket changes). I have additional generated footage you can use to better match and smooth this moment.

• Clean up any AI “wobble” or awkward frames between scenes.

• Use better transitions (cuts, subtle dissolves, or B‑roll) where my placeholders (like glitches) are drawing too much attention.

• Maintain the overall 3:28 structure and story arc unless you see obvious trims that make it tighter.

1. Sound + music polish

• Level my dialogue so it’s clear and consistent throughout.

• Fix gaps and uneven segments in the music so it feels continuous and supportive across the whole piece.

• Balance music so it supports the story (no sudden dips or jumps, no competing with voice).

• Smooth audio transitions between scenes, remove pops/clicks, and clean up any distracting noise where feasible.

• There is a small audio issue at the very beginning of the Sphinx desk segment where the dialogue cuts off briefly; please patch that opening so the sentence starts cleanly while keeping the continuous audio flow into the launch.

• If it’s easier or better creatively, I’m open to you rebuilding the music bed from start to finish, as long as it matches the tone and pacing of the current cut.

1. Color and overall feel (optional but ideal)

• Gentle color correction/grade so the piece feels cohesive across the different scenes.

• Keep the tone cinematic, warm, and grounded rather than overly “hyper‑AI.”

How I like to work

• I care about story, clarity, and the overall flow of the piece.

• I’m very focused on the AI‑generated shots looking lifelike and natural; they are already in a good place, so I don’t want heavy effects or stylization in post that makes them look artificial or “over‑treated.”

• I want you to watch the full 3:28 cut first and then share your point of view on what could be improved, before I give detailed notes. I’m looking for someone who brings their own ideas and is willing to collaborate, not just follow a checklist.

At the start of the first project, we’ll have a short back‑and‑forth in Upwork messages so you can share your initial impressions and questions after you’ve watched the cut.

I’ll provide:

• The current 3:28 edit

• All relevant source clips / sequences

Communication is critical for me

This part is really important to me, so I want to be upfront:

• I’m totally fine if you need time to think, step away, or get back to me later.

• What I cannot work with is disappearing mid‑conversation or going silent when a simple update would keep the project moving.

I appreciate clear messages like:

• “I need to step away; I’ll get back to you before the end of the day.”

• “I can send you a first pass by tomorrow evening.”

• “I’m not sure yet; I’ll let you know what’s possible by [specific day/time].”

What doesn’t work for me is:

• “I’ll get back to you” with no clear timeframe, and then nothing happens.

• Long gaps with no yes/no/“I don’t know” when I’m waiting on you to move to the next step.

For live communication, I’m fine working entirely through Upwork messages. If you prefer, we can also use Upwork’s built‑in voice or video calls for quick clarifications, but this is optional.

You don’t need to have every answer immediately; I just need clear, honest updates with specific times, so my workflow doesn’t stall on uncertainty. If this matches how you naturally communicate, please mention that in your proposal.

What I’m looking for in you

• Strong portfolio of narrative or brand films (not just TikTok‑style quick cuts)

• Proven experience with:

• Dialogue + music mixing

• Continuity and pacing

• Tasteful transitions and color

• Comfortable communicating in clear written English in Upwork messages

• Reliable with deadlines and open to building an ongoing working relationship

How to apply

Please include:

1. A short note on:

• How you normally approach polishing a client’s existing edit

• Your experience balancing dialogue and music for narrative or brand videos

2. Two examples of your work:

• One video you’re proud of (that best represents what you can do today).

• One video that you feel could have been better, with 2–4 sentences explaining:

• What you would do differently if you edited it again now, and

• What you learned from that project.

3. 2–3 links to other relevant work, if you have them (narrative/brand/story pieces are ideal).

4. Your rough estimate for:

• This first 3:28 polish (fixed price is fine), and

• Your preferred setup for ongoing work (hourly or fixed per project).

I’m ready to move quickly once I find the right person.