In short
- A same-day edit is a short film made during the event and shown before it ends.
- It works only when the schedule, approval and playback are agreed in advance.
- It is shorter and simpler than a full highlight film, by design.
- Available on request, confirmed for each event.
A same-day edit is a short film that we make during your event and show before it ends. It suits an evening programme where guests would enjoy seeing the morning, or a launch where the opening moments are worth replaying.
When does a same-day edit make sense?
It works best when the film has a clear moment to be shown, such as:
- An annual dinner where staff watch the afternoon’s activities during dessert.
- A product launch that replays the arrival and opening before the close.
- A wedding reception where guests see the morning ceremony in the evening.
- A multi-session conference that recaps the morning for the afternoon audience.
It is not the right choice when nobody is able to watch it, or when the film needs careful polish. For that, a normal highlight film delivered after the event is better.
What has to be true for it to work?
A same-day edit has four moving parts. If one is missing, the plan is at risk.
- Footage cut-off. The film can only include what was filmed before the edit begins. We agree the cut-off time and which moments must be in by then.
- An editor working during the event. This is extra crew time, separate from the people filming.
- Approval. Someone you name watches the film before it is shown.
- Playback. A screen, a connection and a person to press play at the agreed moment.
For example, for a dinner that starts at 7pm with the film shown at 9.30pm, the footage cut-off might be 8.30pm, leaving an hour to edit and approve. This is an illustration of the working-back method, not a fixed rule.
The same-day edit deadline planner lets you work backwards from the time of playback and see where the schedule is tight. Our guide to time-critical edits and screenings goes through the planning in more depth.
What do we agree before the day?
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| When should the film be shown? | Sets the footage cut-off and the editing window. |
| What must it include? | Decides which moments are filmed first. |
| Who approves it, and by when? | A late approval pushes back playback. |
| What screen and connection will be used? | Avoids a technical surprise at the venue. |
| What is the fallback? | If time runs out, the film can be shared online instead. |
Put the answers in the event video brief builder or send them to us on WhatsApp.
What is left for the later highlight film?
It is a quick edit, not a full production. Expect a simple structure, straightforward music, and a focus on the moments filmed so far. Colour work, detailed sound mixing, captions in several languages and many rounds of changes belong in the later highlight film.
If the programme leaves too little time, we tell you early and suggest a simpler plan.
How do the crew and the programme fit together?
A same-day edit usually needs someone filming and someone editing, so it is planned alongside multi-camera coverage when you want more footage to work with. The editor needs a place to work with power, and an early look at the run order. We ask about both when we scope the event.
What can derail the schedule?
Usually three things: a late programme, a slow approval and a screen that will not connect. Leave some room before the playback time, name a stand-in approver, and test the screen before guests arrive.
The quote lists the same-day edit separately, so you see what the extra editing crew adds. See how pricing works.
Send us the programme, the time the film should be shown and who approves it. We will tell you whether a same-day edit looks achievable and confirm the crew and travel for your date.
Request a videography quote