Introduction
Hey, what’s up, guys? My name is Lungile, and today I’m going to be talking about how to hire a video editor in South Africa.
Whether you’re working on a commercial, a marketing video, a music video, or a film, hiring the right video editor is crucial to ensuring a professional and polished final product.
Where to Find a Video Editor
When looking for a video editor, you have a few options:
1. Online Platforms 🌍
You can find video editors on freelancing websites such as:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- OnlineJobs.ph
These platforms provide a variety of editors from around the world, allowing you to compare skills, rates, and reviews before making a decision.
2. Local South African Production Groups 🇿🇦
If you prefer to work with local talent, there are Facebook groups and communities dedicated to connecting video editors with clients. Some good options include:
- SA Film & TV Group
- The Resource Group
These groups are filled with freelance editors actively looking for work, making it easier to find the right match for your project.
3. Production Companies 🎥
You can also hire an editor from a production company, but keep in mind that this option is generally more expensive. If you have a tight budget, working with a freelance video editor may be a better choice.
Hiring Locally vs. Hiring Internationally 🌍🇿🇦
When choosing a video editor, you need to decide whether you want to hire locally or overseas.
Pros & Cons of Hiring Overseas
✅ Potentially cheaper rates (depending on the country)
✅ Access to a global talent pool
❌ Slow upload/download speeds when sending large video files
❌ Different time zones may cause communication delays
Pros & Cons of Hiring Locally
✅ Easier communication & collaboration
✅ You can meet in person & provide instant feedback
✅ You can drop off external hard drives with footage
❌ Potentially higher rates compared to overseas editors
Ultimately, it depends on your budget, timeline, and whether you need to work closely with your editor.
How Much Do Video Editors Charge in South Africa? 💰
The average daily rates for video editors in South Africa are:
- Junior Video Editors: R2,500 – R3,000 per day
- Senior Video Editors: R4,000 – R4,500 per day
These rates vary depending on the complexity of the project and the editor’s experience level.
For example:
- A music video edit may take 4–5 days, meaning a junior editor at R2,500/day could cost around R10,000, while a senior editor could cost R20,000+.
- A corporate video may take 1–2 days to edit, resulting in lower costs.
Always consider your project scope when estimating costs.
How to Choose the Right Video Editor 🎯
When reviewing applicants, here’s how to separate the pros from the amateurs:
1. Request Work Samples 🎞️
Ask for previous projects that match the style of video you’re creating.
- If you need a music video editor, ask for music video samples.
- If you need a corporate video editor, ask for corporate video samples.
2. Check Their Equipment & Software 💻
Ask if they have their own computer or editing setup. This ensures they can work remotely without requiring additional resources from you.
Also, check which editing software they use. Professional editors typically work with:
✅ Adobe Premiere Pro
✅ Final Cut Pro
✅ DaVinci Resolve
✅ Avid Media Composer
If they use anything outside of these four, they may not be industry professionals.
3. Test Their Communication & Professionalism 🗣️
- Are they responsive and clear in their emails?
- Did they send clean, well-organized CVs or portfolios?
- Do they follow instructions carefully?
These details can indicate whether they will be easy to work with.
Should You Ask for a Video Editing Test? 🎥
Some clients ask editors to do a test edit before hiring them. While this can help you assess their skills, it’s unfair to ask for free work.
🚀 Solution:
If you require a test, pay them half of their daily rate to complete it. This ensures you respect their time while still assessing their skills.
What to Provide Once You Hire an Editor 📑
Once you’ve hired an editor, give them a clear creative brief to guide their work.
Your Creative Brief should include:
✅ Video length (e.g., 1 min, 3 min, 5 min)
✅ Project deadline
✅ Key messages & emotions (e.g., “This video should feel inspiring”)
✅ Visual references (similar videos you like)
✅ Graphics & animations (if needed)
✅ Music guidelines (what kind of background music to use)
Legal Considerations for Music 🎵
🚨 You CANNOT use copyrighted commercial music unless you own the rights.
If your video will be posted online, you need royalty-free music from sources like:
- YouTube’s Audio Library
- Epidemic Sound
- Artlist.io
If the video is for internal use (e.g., a private presentation), you may be able to use commercial tracks, but always check music licensing rules.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right video editor takes time, but if you follow these steps, you’ll be able to hire a professional who delivers high-quality work within your budget.
