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5 Tips to Make On-Site Video Editing and Post-Production Run Smoother During Live Events

  • Writer: makdm
    makdm
  • Oct 22
  • 3 min read

Energetic concert crowd with vibrant lights and DJ on stage, representing the live event atmosphere captured for event video editing and post-production projects.

Working on-site during a live event can be intense—tight deadlines, quick decisions, and no room for error. Whether you’re editing highlight reels, corporate presentations, or live broadcast segments, these five practical tips will help your on-site event video editing and post-production workflow run smoothly. From clear communication and organized media management to final QC, here’s how to keep your live event video content efficient, professional, and ready for delivery under pressure.



A behind-the-scenes photo of Senior Video Editor Mike Konstan editing an event highlight video on location in Monte Carlo, Monaco, using Avid Media Composer.
Avid video editing on-site for an annual corporate client event in Monte Carlo.

Event Video Editing Tips:

TIP 1) Keep Communication Clear


There should always be one central point of contact—typically the producer, if one has been hired to oversee the event's production and/or post-production teams. If the client has a request, refer them to that central contact person instead of making decisions on your own. When things move quickly on-site, priorities can change in minutes. Avoid taking on extra tasks or making promises before checking with the producer, post supervisor, or team lead first.


Before showtime, ensure your production team members, camera crews, editing/post-production team, and social media team share a standard set schedule with event times, locations, speakers, session names, and, if appropriate, key contacts. Ideally, hold a pre-event meeting (on-site if possible) to confirm creative goals, technical specs, and client expectations.



TIP 2) Know Your Key Contacts for Smoother Event Video Editing


Figure out where your media is coming from—and where it’s going. If footage is recorded backstage, know who’s handling it. Are they bringing it to you, or will you pick it up? Is there a runner or Production Assistant (PA) available for transfers?

Confirm the technical side, too:

  • Drive compatibility (Mac vs. PC)

  • File format, codec, and frame rate for deliverables

  • Reliable contact info for your producer, camera crews, and tech leads

Keep in mind: Wi-Fi and cell service are often unreliable at venues. Know where to physically find your key people when the signal drops.


Adobe Premiere Pro project panel from one of Senior Video Editor Mike Konstan’s event video editing projects, showing organized bins for “Audience Reactions” and “Beauty Shots.”
Proper organization can help you find the correct assets quickly.

TIP 3) Stay Organized Throughout the Event Post-Production Process


Set up a solid folder and project structure in advance. You’ll thank yourself when a producer needs an asset “right now.”


Make sure everyone knows:

  • The required recording format, frame rate, and codec

  • The final deliverable specs

  • Any naming conventions or shared folder setups

Organization is your best defense against chaos.


TIP 4) Think Ahead: Smart Planning for Live Event Video Editing


Try to anticipate what you’ll need before it’s requested.

External hard drive used for on-site video editing backups, featuring a dotted design and USB cable on a light wooden surface.
Be sure to bring all necessary client related assets and at least one spare backup drive.

Bring everything with you:

  • Client disclaimers, logos, and transitions

  • Branded graphics (openers, tags, lower-thirds)

  • Client fonts and style guides (PDFs are perfect)

  • Effect presets, render/output settings, LUT's

  • A backup drive with all assets duplicated

As soon as possible, test out all your editing gear, shared/storage systems, network connections, internet, video & audio feeds and monitoring, and planned workflows in advance-- especially if you're required to handle any live recording, camera media ingest, or non-standard image creation and/or graphics.


Don’t assume every event venue will have fast, stable internet—even with a wired connection. Always have a backup plan in case the connection fails. If you’ll be uploading for approvals or delivery, start early—uploads often take longer than expected. Build in extra buffer time for last-minute changes or technical issues.

TIP 5) Always Check Your Work Before Final Delivery


Before delivering any edit—rough or final—watch the deliverable file down completely. Use headphones or speaker monitors, check for video or audio issues, color problems, graphics errors, glitches, and typos. Don't just assume it's going to be fine. Check your work.

If you’re on shared storage, connected delivery or watch folder, render to your local drive first and QC the file there before giving others access to it.

When time is short, weigh the priority of changes carefully—but always strive to deliver your best, most accurate work.

Senior Video Editor Mike Konstan editing on-site for a multi-day televised broadcast event in Las Vegas, working in a cozy, professional studio setup with Final Cut Pro 7 on screen.
Editing on-site for a multi-day televised broadcast event in Las Vegas.

Final Thoughts on Event Video Editing Tips

Live event editing and post-production demand focus, flexibility, and teamwork. By planning ahead, communicating clearly, and following these best practices, you’ll keep your live event video editing workflow running smoothly from first shot to final delivery.


If you’re looking for an experienced freelance senior video editor who understands the fast pace of live event production, please get in touch!




© 2025 - Mike Konstan - MAK Digital Media, Inc.




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