Cinematic Documentary Video Editor

Cinematic Documentary Video Editor Needed | Earth Before Us I am launching a documentary-style YouTube channel and book project called Earth Before Us, focused on ancient civilizations, lost history, submerged ruins, catastrophic events, unexplained archaeology, forgotten cultures, and historical mysteries. I am seeking a skilled video editor who can create a series of highly engaging cinematic teaser videos designed to spark curiosity, drive engagement, and leave viewers with more questions than answers. These videos will serve as a coordinated social media campaign leading up to the release of my book and the launch of the YouTube channel. ⸻ Initial Project * 20 short-form videos * 20–30 seconds each * Vertical format (9:16) * Published across: * YouTube Shorts * Instagram Reels * TikTok The objective is to create a sense of mystery and anticipation while building an audience before the official book release. Following the launch, there is potential for ongoing work editing weekly documentary-style videos covering the book’s 13 chapters, with episodes ranging from 3–5 minutes in length. ⸻ What I Will Provide * Narration scripts * Storyboards and creative direction * Text overlays * Research and historical themes * Visual references * AI-generated images and clips when available ⸻ What I’m Looking For The ideal editor understands: * Documentary-style storytelling * Short-form audience retention * Suspense and mystery-driven narratives * Viral content structure * AI-assisted video workflows * Cinematic pacing and emotional storytelling I am not looking for generic social media edits. I am looking for someone who can create videos that feel like miniature documentary trailers—captivating viewers immediately and encouraging them to follow for future releases. ⸻ Video Specifications * Length: 20–30 seconds * Format: Vertical 9:16 * Resolution: Minimum 1080 x 1920 * Style: Cinematic documentary trailer * Tone: Mysterious, dramatic, thought-provoking * Strong opening hook within the first 3 seconds * Dynamic editing with intentional pacing * Professional sound design and music selection * High viewer-retention focus ⸻ Visual Themes * Ancient civilizations * Lost cities * Submerged ruins * Megalithic structures * Archaeological discoveries * Forgotten cultures * Ancient maps * Catastrophic events * Myths and legends * Atmospheric storms * Historical mysteries * Unexplained artifacts ⸻ Preferred Skills * Adobe Premiere Pro * DaVinci Resolve * Final Cut Pro * After Effects * AI video generation platforms * Motion graphics * Sound design * Documentary editing experience ⸻ Inspiration & References * Ancient Apocalypse * Netflix documentary trailers * History Channel documentaries * Graham Hancock-style mystery content * Cinematic movie teasers ⸻ Budget * $15–$25 per completed short * 20 videos total * Estimated project value: $300–$500 This project is intended to become an ongoing collaboration. Successful completion of the teaser campaign may lead to weekly long-form documentary editing work as the channel grows. ⸻ To Apply Please Include 1. Portfolio or demo reel 2. Examples of documentary-style edits 3. Examples of short-form viral content 4. Experience using AI-generated video assets 5. A brief explanation of how you would create curiosity and maximize retention in a 20–30 second video I am looking for someone who can take historical mysteries, lost civilizations, and unexplained discoveries and transform them into visually immersive stories that keep viewers watching until the very last second.