Video Editor for a Story-Driven 90-Second Challenge Video

I’m looking for a creative video editor to turn existing footage from a New York ecommerce event into a fast-paced, story-driven video approximately 90 seconds to 2 minutes long. The concept: **I have 30 minutes to find Cece in a crowded room full of resellers. Can I do it?** This is not a standard event recap. The edit should feel like a challenge with a clear setup, rising pressure, humor and a satisfying payoff. The complete script and storyboards are attached to this job. They establish the story, pacing, countdown sequence, voiceover and overall creative direction. Script https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v0pQO55db1J013y4WwtnC-fjiou21el5dZ4THquu7eM/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ct6vgptelhqf Story Board https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tHz9ckPnfTw0_2g_7QYq0WIg78qcwkoJC__IIHpfGdU/edit?tab=t.0 ### What I Will Provide * Complete script * Detailed storyboards * Existing on-camera introduction * Travel, venue and event footage * Footage from the moment Cece is found * Footage of Cece and me together * Screenshot of our text conversation * Lookalike footage if I identify a usable moment * Brand assets and necessary context I want an editor who can follow the established direction while improving the execution through smart pacing, music, sound design and visual storytelling. ### Important Footage Note There is no dedicated footage of me physically searching for Cece. The camera must become my point of view. Use crowd pans, movement through the venue, scanning shots and footage from different areas of the room to make viewers feel like they are searching with me. ### Editing Style I’m looking for someone who understands: * Fast-paced YouTube and social storytelling * Retention editing and visual re-hooks * Comedic timing * Suspense and escalating tension * Music selection and sound design * Strategic countdown graphics * Punch-ins, zooms and speed changes * Natural dialogue and reaction moments * Text-message screenshot animation * The difference between useful B-roll and filler The timer should return strategically as time disappears rather than remain continuously visible. The pacing should accelerate as time runs out, then slow down for the moment when Cece is finally found. This is a playful challenge, so the edit can heighten the drama without presenting the countdown as a verified second-by-second record. ### Deliverables * One finished 16:9 video, approximately 90 seconds to 2 minutes * Clean dialogue and balanced audio * Licensed or royalty-free music and sound effects * Countdown graphics and other necessary on-screen text * Color correction and basic audio cleanup * One revision round * Final high-resolution export * Editable project file Please preserve the natural interaction between Cece and me when she is found. After the fast pacing and countdown, that moment needs room to breathe. ### Ideal Editor You are a strong fit if you have experience editing: * YouTube challenge videos * Story-driven social videos * Creator or personality-led content * Event footage * Short documentaries or mini-vlogs * Retention-focused videos between 1 and 5 minutes This project may lead to ongoing work across ecommerce videos, podcasts, livestream clips and personality-driven content. ### To Apply Please include: 1. Two or three relevant examples showing storytelling, pacing or challenge-style editing 2. A brief explanation of how you would create the feeling of a search without footage of me visibly searching 3. Your estimated turnaround time 4. The word **CECE** at the beginning of your application so I know you read the complete post Generic applications without relevant work will not be considered.