How to Send Wedding Footage to an Editor: A Frame.io and Google Drive Checklist

The first draft of an outsourced wedding film is only as good as the footage package behind it. Missing audio, unclear folder names or a forgotten second camera card can cost days. This checklist shows how to organize and send wedding footage to an editor through Frame.io or Google Drive, so the first draft comes back right the first time.

Before you upload: back up first

Keep at least one full backup of every card before you send anything. Your editor is working from a copy, and you should always be able to re-send a file if an upload fails.

Step 1: Organize your folders

Use one main folder per wedding, named with the couple and the date, for example 2026-10-18_Smith-Jones. Inside it, use the same structure every time:

• 01_Camera_A, 02_Camera_B, 03_Drone
• 04_Audio (lav mics, recorders, DJ or venue feed)
• 05_Music (licensed tracks you want used)
• 06_References (your past films, the couple's requests)
• 07_Graphics (logo, title cards, end slate)

Consistent folder names help your editor find everything fast and make every future project quicker.

Step 2: Label the moments that matter

You do not need to log every clip, but a short note helps a lot:

• Where the vows, letters and speeches are, with the file name and rough timecode
• Which camera has the best audio for each part of the day
• Any clips to avoid (a guest who asked not to be filmed, a technical problem)
• Moments the couple specifically asked for

Step 3: Include audio and sync notes

Audio carries the story in most wedding films. Send every audio source, even backups, and note which recorder was on which person. If you recorded a separate venue or DJ feed, include it too.

Step 4: Add your music, LUT and graphics

If you have licensed songs, put them in the music folder. If you use a LUT or color profile, include it so the grade matches your signature look. Add your logo and any title or end cards you use on every film.

Step 5: Write a short project brief

A good brief covers:

• Deliverables and runtimes (highlight film, teaser, feature film, reels)
• Two or three reference films from your own work
• The story: who matters most and what the couple cared about
• Music choices or the vibe you want
• Your deadline

At House of Souls, the brief is part of every project, and your style questionnaire from onboarding means you only explain your preferences once.

Step 6: Upload with Frame.io or Google Drive

Frame.io is ideal for large uploads and for reviewing drafts later with time-stamped comments. Google Drive works well if your studio already stores footage there. Either way:

• Upload the whole wedding folder, not loose files
• Check that the upload finished and the file count matches your card
• Share the link with access for the editor's email, or with link access turned on
• Send the link along with your brief

We accept most professional formats, including MP4 and MOV. If you are unsure about a format, ask before uploading.

Step 7: Review the first draft efficiently

When your draft arrives, watch it once all the way through before commenting. Then leave time-stamped comments on Frame.io, grouped by priority: story changes first, then music and timing, then small fixes. Clear, specific notes make the revision round faster.

Quick checklist

• Backup made
• Folders named and organized
• Vows, speeches and key moments noted
• All audio sources included
• Music, LUT and graphics added
• Brief written with deliverables and references
• Upload finished and link shared

Hand off your next wedding

Once your footage is organized like this, outsourcing becomes simple. See how our process works, check our wedding video editing prices, or start your project today.