Freelance Video Editor (Documentary / Fern-Style)

About the Role

We’re looking for a skilled Video Editor with strong motion graphics sensibilities to help create long-form documentary-style content in the aesthetic of creators like Fern, Atrium, and similar atmospheric YouTube storytellers.

Each project is a 25–30 minute narrative video composed of:

• Voiceover
• Edit pacing and story structure
• Archival media
• 40–50 short motion graphics segments (parallax, maps, blueprints, photo treatments, doc-style composites)

We will provide:

• Script
• Voiceover
• B-roll references
• Asset packs / archival images
• Style guide

You will assemble the full episode and create the embedded motion graphics sequences.

Style References:

What You’ll Do

You will be responsible for creating motion graphics scenes from layered assets including photos, illustrations, maps, documents, and textures. Your deliverables must feel atmospheric, cohesive, and stylistically aligned with the Fern-style aesthetic.

Core Responsibilities

• Editing
• Assemble a polished 25–30 minute documentary-style video from script + VO
• Establish narrative flow, pacing, and emotional rhythm
• Incorporate archival footage, stills, documents, and maps
• Apply color, light grain, and overall aesthetic consistency
• Implement on-brand transitions and subtle atmospheric cues
• Motion Graphics
• (Short sequences, 40–50 total per episode)
• Create layered parallax moments from still images or illustrations
• Build documentary-style graphics (maps, blueprints, documents, “evidence board” style)
• Add atmospheric visual texture (light noise, grain, fog, vignette, dust)
• Produce short timeline cuts: zooms, pans, highlight pulses, etc.
• Maintain cohesion with the show's established visual style
• All animations are short (3–10 seconds each) and follow a consistent, recognizable aesthetic.
• Meet consistent deadlines and adapt to a clear visual style guide

Job Requirements

• Strong proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro
• Strong proficiency in Adobe After Effects (parallax & doc-motion graphics)
• Ability to match a very specific style (Fern-style tone and pacing)
• Organized, clean project structure
• Ability to deliver a full episode (edit + graphics) within agreed deadlines
• Comfortable working independently and remotely
• Strong eye for mood, texture, visual storytelling, and documentary pacing

Nice to have:

• Photoshop (cutouts, prepping assets)
• Illustrator (map/linework)

No character animation or 3D required

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong eye for composition, pacing, and mood
• Experience animating still images, maps, blueprints, and layered artwork
• A clean, professional workflow with strong communication
• Reliability and ability to hit weekly output targets
• A desire to push the quality and cinematic feel of each scene

Portfolio Requirements

Applicants must include:

• Resume
• Reel or portfolio with motion graphics example
• At least 2–3 samples demonstrating parallax , documentary motion graphics , or atmospheric AE work

A short style-matching test may be required before contracting.

• $900–$1,200 per completed 25–30 minute episode (edit + graphics)
• Pay rate depends on experience and portfolio
• Contract-based, remote (work from home)
• Recurring work for the right person