Humbot vs Phrasly

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address]

[Your Portfolio/Vimeo Link] | [Your Location]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager's Name or Search Committee]

[Production Company / Project Title]

[Company Address/Remote]

Hello [Hiring Manager's Name or "Documentary Production Team"],

I am writing to indicate my high level of enthusiasm for the position of freelance documentary editor on [Project Title] (or) [your new documentary feature]. I have been aware of your team's dedication to creating compelling, character-driven stories; therefore, I would love to use my narrative sensibilities, technical accuracy, and love for non-fiction films as a member of your post-production workflow.

With [Number]+ years of editing experience on documentary feature-length films, short-form documentaries, and docuseries, my expertise lies in taking hundreds of hours of raw, observational footage (vérité) and extensive interview material, and shaping them into a coherent, dramatic, and emotionally resonant story that is presented in a three-act structure. To me, the documentary editor’s position is essentially the last revision of the script. In addition to creating an engaging narrative flow through careful pacing, I strive to preserve the integrity of the subjects' voices so that they can be heard loud and clear throughout the film.

Most recently, I worked as the head editor for [Title of most recent project], which is either a short or feature-length documentary about [Insert a short explanation of the subject matter; for example, environmental justice, or the legacy of an artist]. This role allowed me to develop the overall narrative structure of the film using more than 150 hours of un-transcribed footage. Additionally, I developed the temporary soundscape and collaborated with the director in developing the thematic flow of the film. After completing the editing process, the film was able to [Insert what success the film achieved; i.e., screened at XYZ Film Festival, secured distribution, received great reviews from audiences].

Technically, I am well suited to work either as a remote or hybrid editor. I have a high level of expertise in Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and Avid Media Composer; I have worked on many multi-cam projects, integrated archival footage into projects, and completed offline to online workflows (including round tripping color and sound). My most significant strength lies in collaborating with others. Documentaries are created through a collaborative effort; editing is an iterative process. I take pride in being an editor that doesn't have an ego, is open to receiving input from others, communicates regularly with other team members, and resolves problems that arise during the editing process.

I would appreciate the chance to look over your assembly or have a more in-depth discussion with you regarding your goals for [Project Title]. Thank you for taking the time to read my application and considering me for this position; I look forward to working together to make this important story come alive on screen.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Link to Showreel/Website]

[Your Name] [Phone Number] [Email] [Portfolio/Vimeo] [Location] [Date] [Hiring Manager/Search Committee] Production Company / Documentary [Address / "Remote"] Dear Hiring Manager/Search Committee I'm reaching out because I would love to edit your next documentary. As someone who has followed many of your work, I feel that my skill set would be a great fit to assist with the editorial needs of your production. I have been editing documentary features and short form documentaries for the past [x] years. Editing large quantities of interview and verite footage down to three acts that make sense is what I do best. When sitting in the editing chair I believe that you are rewriting the script one last time. This is something that I take very seriously and will continue to think about each cut I make. Always trying to keep balance between story and how your subject feels. I recently edited *[Insert recent project here]* which was a [short/feature] about [what your project was about]. During my time on this film I helped shape the story using [amount] hours of dialogue that we had never transcribed. I also created our temp music and sound. We went on to... *You can add more bullets if needed* As for software I know my way around Adobe Premiere Pro, Davinci Resolve and Avid. All of which can be operated remotely. Editing will require you to be able to communicate with others, whether it be the Director or another department. Editing documentaries is very hands on and you should always be able to receive critique. That's why communication is important to me. I am confident that I could be an asset to your team. If you would like to see any footage I have put together please feel free to check out my showreel below. [showreel/website]