Why You Need to Trust Your Video Editor (and Let Them Find the Story)

I recently worked on a project where I was called in as a video editor to recut a piece that the agency had been struggling to get right. They had tried a few versions, but nothing was landing. When I stepped in, I watched the footage, read the brief, talked to the creatives, but then I just followed the story.

All of the effort that the agency had put in was super helpful, of course, but they were too close to the project. They needed fresh eyes.

Why Fresh Eyes Matter in Video Editing

That’s what I wanted to talk about (not just to brag about nailing an edit); the importance of trusting your editor.

A great editor brings something new to a project or something you might not have seen yourself. That’s why I prefer not to know too much about the shoot or how hard it was to get certain shots. I want to look at the footage the same way your audience will: with no attachments, no backstory, just the story that’s actually there.

When you hire a professional video editor, you’re not just getting technical skills, you’re getting perspective. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your project is to let go and let your editor discover what really matters.

Cutting Your Darlings: Letting the Story Lead

There’s an old saying that I’ll paraphrase: “Cut your darlings.”

Sometimes the edit you think you’re making isn’t the story that’s actually in your footage. And it’s your editor’s job to find that story, even if it means trimming out your favourite shot or rethinking the entire structure.

That’s not a loss—that’s the craft of storytelling through editing.

The Takeaway

If you want your video to truly connect, trust your video editor. Give them room to experiment, reshape, and uncover what the story wants to be. The best edits often come from collaboration, trust, and a willingness to see your project through new eyes.

If you’re looking for a video editor in Toronto who can bring that kind of perspective and care to your project, let’s talk.