Critique like a pro - The 5 steps to more actionable feedback
Giving feedback on video projects requires a tricky balance. You know there's a path to the perfect video somewhere, but identifying exactly what it needs can be challenging.
Fear not! We've compiled 5 handy thought-starters that'll help you to provide actionable, constructive feedback - ultimately streamlining the production process! From understanding the big picture to embracing the editor's insights, let's dive into how you can critique like a pro!
1. Watch the Entire Video
This might sound extremely obvious, but when you sit down to review a video, it's crucial to watch the whole thing from start to finish. Picture yourself as the intended audience, and keep the video's purpose at the forefront of your mind. This holistic approach ensures that you grasp the narrative and flow before diving into specifics.
Begin by assessing the overall structure. Does it effectively convey the message? Are the key points highlighted appropriately?
Addressing major structural issues first is essential, as it prevents wasted effort on minor details that might change during revisions.
2. Be Specific and Constructive
Vague feedback is the bane of a creative's existence. Phrases like "fix this" or "I don't like it" don't provide clear guidance. Instead, pinpoint exactly what needs improvement. Is it the choice of music? The pacing of the cuts? Perhaps the clarity of a particular scene?
Constructive feedback is actionable feedback.
For example, instead of saying, "This part is boring," you might say, "The pacing in this section feels slow; could we shorten some of the shots to add more energy?"
3. Offer Ideas
Just like any great piece of art, video creation is a collaborative process. Don't just point out problems—suggest solutions! Offering ideas not only makes your feedback more helpful but also shows your personal investment in the project.
The best part? You don't need to have the correct answer! Just stating your general ideas can be enough to help the editor understand what direction you'd like to head in.
If your more of a "vibes" based person, providing references or examples of other existing works can be immensely beneficial. If there's a style or effect you particularly like, share a link or a timestamp from another video as a reference. This helps the editor understand your vision more clearly.
4. Collate All Your Feedback at Once
Feedback should be a team effort, but it needs a single voice.
Ensure that everyone who needs to review the video does so, and gather all feedback in one go. Designate a single person to consolidate and communicate the feedback. This "source of truth" can help avoid conflicting suggestions and feature creep, keeping the project focused on its key goal.
This organised approach ensures that the editor receives clear, prioritised feedback, allowing them to make the necessary changes efficiently.
5. Be Open to Suggestions
Remember, the editor is on your side!
They have spent hours immersed in your content and have developed a deep understanding of it. While your feedback is valuable, be open to their suggestions as well. They might offer insights or propose changes that enhance the video in ways you hadn't considered. Trust their expertise, and be willing to have a dialogue about the feedback.
This collaborative approach often leads to the best results.
Do you see a trend here? Collaboration seems to be pretty important!
Providing actionable feedback is a sure-fire way to become your editor's best friend! By following the 5 steps listed above, you can help shape your video into a masterpiece.
Now that you're equipped with these pro tips, it's time to put them into practice. If you're ready to create captivating videos with us, contact Balloon Tree Productions today for a same-day quote. Let's bring your vision to life with fun, humour, and a touch of wonder!