Long-Form YouTube Documentary Editor Needed (Retention + Thumbnail Optimization + AI Workflow)

About the Project I’m building a long-term faceless YouTube documentary-style channel focused on emotionally compelling human stories, psychology, fame, struggle, resilience, culture, and lessons behind public figures and events. This is NOT a generic editing job. The style inspiration is similar to channels like Jake Tran, SunnyV2, MagnatesMedia, etc. — but with a more emotional and human-centered storytelling tone. The first project will be one approximately 10-minute documentary-style video. ⸻ What I’m Looking For I’m looking for a talented freelancer who can help bring stories to life through: * documentary-style editing * storytelling pacing * emotional hooks * motion graphics * sound design * visual sourcing * script enhancement * thumbnail collaboration and optimization I already have strong creative direction, emotional tone references, story structure ideas, thumbnail direction, and inspiration clips. I’m looking for someone who can elevate and execute the vision collaboratively. ⸻ Ideal Freelancer The ideal freelancer: * understands emotional storytelling and viewer retention * knows how to create strong hooks within the first 30 seconds * understands YouTube documentary pacing * can build curiosity, tension, and emotional impact * can source visuals/music appropriately * is collaborative and open to feedback * communicates professionally and clearly * understands modern AI-enhanced workflows ⸻ Deliverables For the first project, deliverables may include: * story structure support * script enhancement * documentary-style editing * motion graphics * sound design * visual sourcing * final polished video * thumbnail creation * thumbnail review/optimization ⸻ Workflow & Collaboration This is intended to become a long-term freelance relationship if the collaboration is successful. You do NOT need to independently invent the full creative direction from scratch. I will provide: * emotional tone direction * pacing references * inspiration clips * thumbnail concepts * story ideas * detailed notes and feedback I’m looking for someone who can take those ideas and elevate them creatively. ⸻ Milestone Structure Milestone 1 * Hook direction * Story structure * Script outline * Thumbnail direction/concept Milestone 2 * Full edited video * Motion graphics * Sound design * Revisions * Final delivery ⸻ Timeline Ideal turnaround time for the first project is approximately 2–3 weeks from kickoff depending on communication, revisions, and workflow alignment. ⸻ Please Include * 2–3 documentary/storytelling-style videos you personally edited * examples of thumbnails you personally created * what parts of the process you personally handle * your typical turnaround time for a 10-minute video * AI tools/software you currently use in your workflow ⸻ To help me identify detail-oriented applicants, please include the word “storyfirst” somewhere in your proposal.