Documentary Film Editor Needed – Personal Short Film (8–10 Minutes)

Documentary Film Editor Needed – Personal Short Film (8–10 Minutes) Project Overview I am seeking an experienced documentary editor to help complete a deeply personal short documentary titled Grieving Freddy. The film explores the loss of my brother, the ten-year journey of grief that followed, themes of family, faith, forgiveness, fatherhood, and the impact loss has on our lives. This is not a commercial project, YouTube video, speaking reel, or promotional piece. The goal is to create an authentic, emotionally compelling short documentary that feels honest and cinematic while remaining grounded in real-life experiences. Final runtime is expected to be approximately 8–10 minutes. What I Have Professionally filmed interview footage (multi-camera studio interview) Family photographs Supporting visual assets and personal archival materials Story outline and documentary treatment Clear vision for the themes and emotional arc What I Need I am looking for an editor who can: Review interview footage and identify the strongest story elements Help shape the narrative structure Create emotional pacing without becoming overly dramatic or manipulative Integrate photographs and supporting visuals naturally Recommend music and sound design Deliver a polished final film suitable for family viewing, online distribution, and potential film festival submissions The ideal candidate understands documentary storytelling and knows how to let authentic moments breathe rather than forcing a message. Style References The style is closer to: ESPN 30 for 30 interviews Netflix documentary storytelling Personal memoir-style documentaries Character-driven short films This is NOT a social media reel or corporate video. Budget Fixed budget: Up to $1,000 Please be realistic regarding what can be accomplished within that budget. To Apply Please provide: Examples of documentary or narrative editing work Examples of interview-driven storytelling projects A brief explanation of how you would approach a personal grief and family story Estimated timeline for completion Bonus if you have experience with: Short documentaries Film festival submissions Personal memoir-style films Family archive storytelling I'm looking for someone who genuinely enjoys storytelling and can help turn meaningful footage into a film that honors my brother and resonates with others who have experienced loss.