An editing brief your editor can use

RESULT
A handoff document with exact source files, creative direction, open questions, and approval checks.

INPUTS
Footage location, chosen take, approved script, format, caption preferences, deadline, and reviewer.

HOW TO USE
Paste the main prompt into a new AI chat. Replace bracketed fields. Review the result, then use a follow-up in the same chat.

MAIN PROMPT
Prepare an editing handoff. Use only the inputs below.
PROJECT: [name]
FOOTAGE: [exact filenames and links]
APPROVED TAKE: [filename or “not selected”]
SCRIPT: [paste approved script]
OUTPUT: [aspect ratio, intended channel, target length]
STYLE: [caption, pacing, music, reference details]
REVIEWER: [name or role]
DEADLINE AND TIMEZONE: [confirmed date or “not agreed”]

Return a document with: project outcome; source file checklist; editing instructions; export requirements; review owner and deadline; open questions; final review checklist. Preserve links and filenames exactly. Do not claim to have watched footage you cannot access. Do not invent timecodes, licenses, or missing export settings. Mark decisions needing confirmation. Draft the handoff only; do not send it or publish anything.

ILLUSTRATIVE INPUT
Project: sample coffee tip reel.
Files: coffee-tip-take-02.mp4 and approved-script.txt in the shared shoot folder.
Format: vertical 9:16.
Style: clean cuts, readable captions, no music.
Reviewer: project owner.
Deadline: not agreed yet.

ILLUSTRATIVE OUTPUT
Project: Coffee tip reel
Source: coffee-tip-take-02.mp4; approved-script.txt. Folder link still needed.
Edit: Use take 02. Clean cuts. Readable captions. No music.
Delivery: Vertical 9:16; confirm resolution and target duration before export.
Review: Project owner approves the draft. Deadline not yet agreed.
Open questions: Where is the shared folder? Is there a preferred caption style? What is the final duration?
Before approval: Check spoken words against captions; inspect crop and text placement on a phone; confirm the correct take; confirm no unapproved music.

FOLLOW-UP 1
A file or requirement is missing. List only the questions that prevent the editor starting. Separate blockers from preferences that can wait. Do not fill gaps with guesses.

FOLLOW-UP 2
Turn this feedback into an edit list: [paste reviewer notes]. Group by source clip and change. Preserve supplied timecodes, flag conflicting notes, and identify who must decide.

FINISH
Open every file link yourself, confirm the deadline with the editor, and paste the approved brief into your normal project tracker. After export, use the reel review checklist before approving.