One list, one voice
Gather every stakeholder comment first and send a single consolidated list. Two people asking for opposite changes costs a round that nobody planned.
If two opinions conflict, decide before sending. The studio can propose options, but the choice belongs to whoever approves the film.
The format of a note
Each note has three parts: where it happens, what to change and why. The reason lets us fix the problem even when the change you suggested is not the best way to fix it.
| Part | Example | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Timecode | 00:14 | Points to the exact moment |
| Change | Cut the second sentence | Says what to do |
| Reason | It repeats the claim in the headline | Lets us choose the best fix |
Must-fix and nice-to-have
Mark each note as must-fix or nice-to-have. Must-fix items are errors, wrong facts, wrong names and anything that breaks the brief. Nice-to-have items are taste.
When there is no time for everything, the studio does the must-fix list first and tells you what is left.
Say what works
Name what you want to keep: a voice, a transition, a shot. Without that, a fix to one part can change another part you liked.
Do not describe feelings only. “It feels slow” becomes “the intro runs 12 seconds before the product appears”.
What to avoid
Avoid new ideas late in the process. A new idea after the script is approved is a new project stage, not a note.
Avoid commenting on a rough cut as if it were final: colour, sound mix and final text arrive in later versions.
- Opposing comments from different people.
- Notes without a timecode.
- Changes to the approved script during editing.
- Judging colour and mix on a rough cut.
