What happens after an event has been filmed?

After filming, the footage is copied and checked, the editor selects and cuts the story, you review a draft, changes are made, and the final files are tested and handed over. Each step needs something from you, so it helps to know them in order.

Step 1: Ingest, backup and check

Ingest means copying everything from the cameras and sound recorders to safe storage. We make a second copy, then check that every clip plays, the sound is there and nothing is missing.

This step matters because a problem found now, such as a corrupt file or a missing audio track, can still be dealt with. If another person filmed part of the event, for example a guest or a venue crew, their files should reach the editor at this stage too.

Step 2: Selection

The editor watches the footage and picks usable moments. Two things guide the choice: the run sheet (the programme of the day) and your must-capture list. If you gave us a short list of the speeches, performances and family moments you care about, those are found first.

Selection is also where gaps appear. A moment may be out of focus, covered by a pillar, or never recorded. See when essential footage is missing from an edit for how to tell the difference.

Step 3: Editing

The editor builds the story: order of scenes, cuts, music, titles, captions, colour and sound adjustments. What gets made depends on the outputs you agreed, such as a highlight film, a full recording of speeches, or short social clips. Our guide on choosing the finished videos helps you decide.

For this step the editor needs from you:

• The correct spelling of names and titles.
• Logos and any graphics, in usable files.
• The tone you want and any music preference.
• Who needs to see the draft.

Step 4: Review and changes

You receive a draft, usually as a private viewing link. Watch it fully, then send one list of changes with timecodes. How to write them is in giving useful feedback on a video draft. If several people are involved, combine their comments first.

The editor then makes the changes, within the review rounds stated in your quote. Anything outside the agreed scope is discussed before work continues.

Step 5: Final checks and delivery

Before accepting, check that all agreed videos are there, play on your device, and have correct names and titles. The final video acceptance checklist and our guide on what to check before accepting the final video go through this.

Files are then delivered as you agreed: download links, a drive or physical media. See receiving a video through download links or physical media for what to confirm.

One small habit helps: keep a copy of the final video yourself. Do not rely on a single link, because links can expire and phones get lost.

The whole process at a glance

Where do dates fit in?

How long each stage takes depends on how much footage there is, how many versions you want and how fast approvals come back. Timing is set for each event from its footage, versions and approvals. To plan backwards from your own deadline, use agreeing a realistic delivery schedule and the video delivery and approval timeline planner.

If you already have footage from an event and want it edited, see editing your event footage.