Make this: An editing brief your editor can use
A handoff document with exact source files, creative direction, open questions, and approval checks.
Copy the prompt blocks below. Replace every [bracketed field] with your information. The worked example shows how the result should look; it is not your business information.
1. Gather your inputs
Footage location, chosen take, approved script, format, caption preferences, deadline, and reviewer.
Open ChatGPT or Claude and start a new conversation. These instructions use ordinary text chat. No coding, connectors, or paid automation setup is required by this guide; account limits vary.
2. Copy, fill in, and send this prompt
Click Copy prompt, paste into the chat box, fill the fields, then send. Include only information you are allowed to share.
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.3. Compare with a worked example
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.
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.
4. Fix a weak first draft
Stay in the same conversation so the assistant can refer to its previous answer. Choose the follow-up that matches the problem.
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.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.5. Finish and use it
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.
The text file includes the main prompt, example, follow-ups, and finishing checklist. Open it in any text editor.