1) Bring in a short creative outline of what you want to accomplish. This will help the editor visualize what it is you are setting out to do. Also, let the editor know what you anticipate the final running time will be.

2) Always remember that content decisions take the most time. The more organized you are when you step into the edit suite, the more time you will have to finesse your production and dazzle your viewer with bells and whistles such as 2D and 3D transitions, slow motion, moving text, sound effects...

3) Please make sure you log your footage before you come in to edit with us. Logging consists of watching raw footage and taking note of chosen shots and takes.

To do this effectively, you will need to see the time code on your tape. We can make "time code window" VHS dubs of your source tapes for you. With the time code burned into the bottom of the image, you can now make a rough EDL (Edit Decision List) before your edit by noting the in and out times of footage you want to incorporate into your production.

This is time well spent and it's the #1 way to save time in the edit suite! Logging example: Horse running in field 03:09:10:00 to 03:09:44:00 (this is a 34 second shot).

4) If you plan to have several lines of text appear in your video, take the time to type it out in advance on a computer. Then print it out and proofread it. Once it's perfect, save it as a text file (.txt), and bring this file with you to the edit on a floppy disc, or e-mail it to us.

The editor will cut and paste from your text file and put it into our character generation program. Why pay for typing? More importantly, doing this will ensure that no typos or misspelled words slip into your production. In the case of credit rolls, a .txt file is a godsend! Always bring in a printed copy of your text as a back-up.

5) Graphics (logos, photos, 35mm slides...) should be sent to us ahead of time so we can prepare them for video and they can be ready for the edit. If you want to do this yourself, please get in touch with us for specs.

6) If you are making a corporate video, make sure you secure a "stylebook" that outlines the ways you can treat the company's logo. This is very important, as most companies have strict guidelines regarding to size, colour, positioning, and other (often nebulous!) factors.

7) If you are working from multiple formats, you may want to consider sending us the tapes in advance so we can transfer them to Betacam SP before your edit. It's faster to edit from Betacam SP and if there are changes later, your sources are now time-coded, so changes are easy. Please ask your account manager if this applies to your project.

8) Do arrive on time for your scheduled edit, as we charge from the time you are booked. If you finish the edit earlier than scheduled, we charge only for the time used, so it's always safer to book a little more time, just in case.

9) Longer days are not necessarily more productive. Be conscious that after eight hours, your editor will begin slowing down. Unless you are under an impossible deadline, it is always advisable to book more time and continue when everyone is fresh.

10) Try to book your editing time as far ahead of time as possible to ensure that our staff can help you prepare for the edit, and thus make it an enjoyable (and affordable) experience.