YouTube Video Editor Needed - Crime/Heist Documentary Style (Long-term)
Quick note: I used AI to structure this post clearly and not miss any important details, but I'm a real person building a real YouTube channel. Looking forward to genuine conversations with talented editors! DOCUMENTARY VIDEO EDITOR NEEDED - True Crime/Business Disasters YouTube Channel ABOUT THE PROJECT: I'm launching an international YouTube channel focused on high-stakes storytelling: heists, scams, and business disasters. Think Coffeezilla meets Magnates Media meets Lemino - dramatic documentary style with strong emotional hooks and retention-focused editing. THE CONTENT: - 4 videos per month - 8-10 minutes each - Documentary/edutainment format - English voiceover (targeting international audience) - Topics: Financial frauds, corporate collapses, criminal heists, data breaches YOUR TASKS: ✅ Edit complete videos from: - Script + English voiceover audio (WAV format - provided by me) - Source stock footage (Pexels, Pixabay, Storyblocks - you find and select) - Add burned-in English subtitles (yellow/white YouTube style) - Background music + sound effects for tension and pacing - Color grading for dramatic, cinematic feel - Motion graphics (animated text overlays, simple infographics, statistics) - Smooth transitions, dynamic cuts, zero dead air ✅ YouTube-specific requirements: - CRITICAL: First 15 seconds must be explosive (pattern interrupt, visual hook) - Maintain high retention throughout 8-10 min (cliffhanger before each "chapter") - Create "thumbnail moments" - visually striking frames for potential thumbnails - Pacing optimized for watch time (no slow moments, constant momentum) - Strategic placement for mid-roll ads (natural breaks after emotional payoffs) - Edit for mobile viewing (text readable, visuals clear on small screens) - Understanding of YouTube algorithm priorities (CTR, AVD, retention curve) - Burned-in subtitles ESSENTIAL for retention (viewers watch with sound off) ✅ Technical requirements: - Fast turnaround: 5-7 days per video - Knowledge of copyright-safe footage sources (NO news clips, NO TV footage) - Export in 1080p, ready-to-upload format - Provide source files (.prproj or equivalent) STYLE REFERENCES: - Coffeezilla (investigation style, dynamic text overlays, fast pacing) - Magnates Media (business disasters, clean aesthetic, infographics) - Lemino (mysterious/dramatic tone, cinematic grading) - Jake Tran (retention-focused, cliffhangers, constant tension) - MrBeast (burned-in subtitles style - critical for retention) WHAT I PROVIDE: - Complete script (8-10 minutes of content) - Professional English voiceover (WAV format, approximately 80-100 MB per video) - Visual style references and examples - Clear feedback and revision requests - Consistent monthly workflow WHAT YOU DELIVER: - Final edited video (1080p H.264, MP4, ready to upload to YouTube) - Burned-in English subtitles (yellow/white style, readable on mobile) - Source project files - 1-2 revision rounds included (typically minor adjustments) BUDGET & TIMELINE: - €38 per video - 4 videos/month = €152 monthly total - This is a LONG-TERM partnership (6+ months minimum) - Potential for rate increase based on quality and consistency WORKFLOW EXAMPLE: Monday: I send script + English voiceover WAV + style references Tuesday-Friday: You edit and add burned-in subtitles Saturday: First draft review, I provide feedback Sunday: Final version ready for upload TO APPLY - ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS: 1. Share links to 2-3 documentary/true crime/explainer videos you've edited (MUST be similar style - no vlogs, no gaming content) 2. What's your typical turnaround time for an 8-10 minute documentary video? 3. Confirm you can consistently deliver 4 videos per month 4. Experience with adding burned-in subtitles? (This is CRITICAL for the project) 5. Explain your approach to creating retention and emotional hooks in the first 15 seconds 6. How do you ensure high watch time retention throughout a 10-minute video? 7. What tools do you use? (Premiere Pro, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, etc.) YOUTUBE KNOWLEDGE IS CRITICAL: I need someone who understands: ✅ Why the first 15 seconds determine if the video succeeds or fails ✅ How to structure a 10-minute video to maintain at least 50% average view duration ✅ The importance of creating "pattern interrupts" every 30-45 seconds ✅ How to build and release tension through editing rhythm ✅ Strategic placement of cliffhangers before potential drop-off points ✅ Creating visually striking moments for thumbnail potential ✅ Burned-in subtitles for mobile retention (70% of viewers watch without sound) IMPORTANT - AUTOMATIC REJECTION IF: ❌ Generic "I can do this" proposals without answering the questions ❌ Portfolio with only vlogs, gaming, or wedding videos (wrong niche) ❌ No mention of YouTube retention mechanics or storytelling approach ❌ No experience with subtitle integration (this is non-negotiable) ❌ Proposal clearly uses a template (I want personalized responses) WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR: I'm not just looking for someone who can "edit footage." I need a creative partner who: - Gets excited about telling gripping stories that hook viewers immediately - Understands the psychology of what makes people watch until the end - Lives and breathes YouTube and knows what works in 2024-2025 - Can turn a script into an emotional rollercoaster that keeps people glued - Takes pride in watch time retention and audience engagement metrics - Has experience with subtitle integration (burned-in style) If you're passionate about documentary storytelling, understand YouTube's algorithm, and want a stable monthly income with growth potential - let's build something great together. This channel has serious growth potential, and I'm looking for THE right person to grow with it long-term. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job