Documentary Editor

This is a professionally produced, short-form (~ 25–30 minutes) cinematic documentary that tells the story of the development of Waterfall City in South Africa and explores how thoughtfully planned cities can create economic opportunity and improve quality of life. The film is intended for public exhibition, corporate audiences, conferences, online distribution, and broadcast/streaming consideration. The tone should feel cinematic and emotionally engaging rather than corporate or promotional. We’re looking for a creative, technically skilled, communicative, visionary, diversely talented editor to join the team. Scope of Services The Producer will provide: -- Approved treatment and story outline -- Interview footage -- B-roll and drone footage -- Archival photographs and video -- Graphics assets (logos, maps, renderings, etc.) -- Licensed music (or temporary music if still being finalized) -- Narration recordings (or placeholder narration) -- An associate producer or edit assistant to help source footage The Editor shall provide all editorial services necessary to deliver a finished picture lock. Edit Services include: 1. Media Organization -- Ingest and organize all project media; label and organize footage -- Create project structure 2. Interview Selects -- Review all interview footage, identify strongest emotional and narrative moments, and insert best moments as ID’ed by Producer / EA -- Flag additional pickup interview needs if identified 3. Story Assembly & Editorial Refinement -- Construct an initial documentary assembly based upon the Producer's treatment, and build the story using all available elements -- Restructure scenes where appropriate to improve pacing and storytelling, and balance exposition with emotional storytelling -- Implement Producer notes throughout the editorial process and prepare: - Assembly Cut - Rough Cut - Fine Cut (to time) - Picture Lock With up to three (3) rounds of final Producer revisions prior to Picture Lock 4. Graphics Integration -- Create, insert and time: Title cards / credit sequences, lower thirds, archival captions, renderings, maps, stats (all of which will be provided) -- some light motion graphics as reasonably needed 5. Audio & Color Preparation -- Perform basic sound and dialogue balancing – e.g., remove obvious pops and unwanted pauses, balance music and nat sound, provide initial sound design and mix -- Edit music (songs + score) and sound into the film, creating smooth transitions and adjusting pacing as needed -- Perform color correction and grading as needed 6. Delivery & Packaging Provide: - All cuts of movie - Picture-locked timeline - Master ProRes file ready for submission to distributors - H.264 review copy - Project files - XML/AAF for color and sound - Linked media list - Music cue sheet - All materials necessary for publication / distribution of the movie Application Requirements Please include: -- Resume, intro letter -- Relevant documentary experience with links to samples -- Any additional experience – production, story editing, graphic design, motion graphics, animation, color correction, etc. -- Editing software used – including how you like to receive and implement notes (e.g., Frame or similar software) -- Fixed project fee -- Estimated timeline & availability -- Questions you have for us Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on: -- Documentary storytelling ability – including narrative pacing, interview editing, visual style, and creativity -- Technical proficiency -- Communication & personality -- Ability to meet deadlines We’ll take the next few days to review your submissions, answer any questions, ask some follow up questions, and then set interviews with the final few candidates, with hopes of having someone on board in the next two weeks. This is a great project for a really great client doing important work and this film will be seen – throughout Africa and in the US, so it’s a unique opportunity for a talented, communicative, hard-working, self-starting editor who wants to work with cool people, make a splash, and do some good at the same time! Thank you for your time and consideration.