Master This Pro Editing Feedback Process (In-Depth)

Ever had a client’s feedback completely derail your timeline?

After two decades cutting $100,000 TV commercials, I’ve learned how to prevent that from happening. In this video, I break down the exact four-stage feedback system I use—alongside veteran commercial director Scott Rice—to limit notes, protect the creative, and keep projects on schedule.

Here’s how it works:

Stage 1: Internal Exploration (Don't Show It Too Early)

This is the hardest phase. We dig through all the footage, explore every option—especially in comedy—and build multiple strong versions. The key? Don’t show the client something half-baked.

Early in my career, I made that mistake. If a client sees a cut that’s not quite working, it shakes their confidence. And once that first impression lands, the notes get longer and more prescriptive.

Instead, we:

• Fully vet the cut internally

• Collaborate deeply (editor + director)

• Present multiple strong versions, not just one

Psychologically, this gives clients confidence—and choices. If you’re editing solo, you can still do this. Just send cuts to a trusted peer before the client ever sees them.

Stage 2: Client Notes (Check Your Ego)

When the agency and client send feedback, we execute it—cleanly and without defensiveness. It’s their brand. Their message. Their money. I used to get defensive about notes. Now? I focus on serving the project well. That mindset shift makes everything smoother.

Stage 3: Director's Cut

After the broadcast version is approved, we revisit the spot.

This is where we:

• Reintroduce ideas that didn’t make the final cut

• Refine pacing and performance

• Craft the strongest possible version for our reel

Now we have hindsight—and no deadline pressure.

Stage 4: Audience Feedback

This is the secret weapon. For example, Scott showed our director’s cut to his commercial film class. The feedback? They didn’t understand the concept. A key story detail wasn’t clear because we chose aesthetics over clarity. So we fixed it. Sometimes clarity beats style.

This four-stage system has helped me reduce notes, impress high-end clients, and create stronger portfolio work.