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How long does it take to edit a documentary?

Creating an outstanding documentary video takes meticulous editing. Deciding what material to include, and which to leave out is a key component in ensuring the success of the project. Editing a documentary to ensure that it meets your goals for the project, explores the issues, and is compelling for viewers takes careful consideration.

How long does it take to edit a documentary and what do you need to consider when editing a documentary to get the best results?

What type of editing is used in a documentary?

Anyone looking to create a compelling narrative for their video will ask how to edit a documentary to achieve the desired results.

Several techniques are commonly used to create effective, compelling documentaries. Some of the most common include:

Linear editing

The simplest editing method involves editing footage in a sequential order. This was once the most common method for creating documentaries and is still used when a straightforward narrative is required.

Non-linear editing (NLE)

NLE is arguably the most common method of editing used today, allowing editors to access any frame in a digital video clip. This allows editors to use footage in a non-sequential way to create easier reordering and refining of particular scenes.

Montage

Montage techniques combine different pieces of footage to illustrate a larger theme or idea. It’s sometimes used to summarise events or show the passage of time.

Cutaways and B-roll

These are supplementary shots that can provide added context or extra visual interest. It will usually be included because it supports the main footage without requiring any additional narration.

Interviews

Documentaries will often include video elements, and these will be edited to enhance their clarity by cutting out irrelevant or off-topic sections.

So, when asking how to edit a documentary video it’s important to consider the range of techniques that are available to achieve the best results.

How long should editing a documentary take?

The time it takes to edit a documentary can vary considerably based on the complexity of the project and the editor’s professional experience.

A rough guideline for the editing phase might be:

- Short documentary (under 20 minutes): 1-3 weeks.
- Medium-length documentary (20-60 minutes): 1-3 months.
- Feature-length documentary (60 minutes and above): 3-6 months or more

It’s important to remember that this is just a guideline and that different projects and the nature of the material will all impact the length of time it takes to edit the documentary.

How long does it take to edit a one-hour documentary?

The length of time it takes to edit a one-hour documentary will vary considerably, typically taking between 3 to 6 months.

This timeframe will include a number of different phases.

These are:

Sorting and organising footage

Sorting through hours of footage, labelling, and organising it so it can be easily accessed can take several weeks.

Rough cut

The rough cut is the first draft of the documentary and will include all the essential scenes and transitions. The time this takes can vary with an average time of completion being around a month.

Fine cut

The rough cut is refined into a more polished version. During this cut, pacing issues will be handled, narrative coherence will be ensured, and any other problematic issues will be addressed. This can take another month or two.

Final cut and post-production

The finishing touches, such as colour correction, music, sound design, and graphics, will usually take another month.

How long does it take to edit a 20-minute documentary?

Editing a 20-minute documentary will generally take around 1 to 2 months. Despite the process being condensed compared to longer documentaries it will still involve all of the above critical steps.

How to edit a documentary: A step-by-step guide:

Organise your footage

Start by importing all your footage into the editing software, labelling and categorising clips for easy access.

Create a rough cut

Assemble a rough sequence of your documentary, focusing on the main narrative, including key interviews, b-roll, and any essential scenes.

Refine the edit

Refine the edit by improving the transitions, adjusting the pacing, and ensuring the story flows logically.

Sound design

The dialogue should be cleaned up, sound effects added, and any background music integrated that complements the visuals.

Colour correction, grading, & graphics

The colours should be corrected to ensure consistency and to enhance the visual appeal of your footage. Any necessary titles and graphics should be added to provide context and additional information.

Final review and adjustment

The documentary is now almost complete and should be viewed multiple times, making any final tweaks to ensure it meets your goals for the project.

Export

The final cut should be exported to the required format, ensuring that it meets the technical specifications for distribution if required.

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