Category: Career / Freelancing

You nailed the interview. The Creative Director loves your portfolio. Then comes the email: "We just need you to do a quick edit test so we can see how you work. Here is the raw footage for a 3-minute video. We need it back by Monday."

You freeze. Is this a legitimate skills assessment, or are they trying to get free work out of you?

In the video industry, "Edit Tests" are common, but they are also commonly abused. Here is how to distinguish a real test from a scam, and how to protect yourself without losing the job opportunity.

The Difference: Legit Assessment vs. Free Labor

Not all tests are evil. Sometimes a company honestly needs to know if you can actually cut.

Signs of a LEGIT Test:

• It uses old assets: They send you footage from a campaign they ran two years ago.

• It is short: They ask for a 30-second cut, not a full video.

• They pay you: The best companies offer a flat fee (e.g., $200) for your time.

• They respect boundaries: They tell you, "Do not spend more than 2 hours on this."

Signs of a SCAM (The "Free Labor" Trap):

• It is a current project: "Here is the footage we shot yesterday for our client."

• It is urgent: "We need this done over the weekend." (Real tests don't have client deadlines).

• They ask for the Project File: This is the biggest red flag. If they want the Premiere/Project file, they intend to use your work.

• They refuse watermarks: "Please send a clean version without your name on it."

How to Protect Yourself

If you really want the job but the test feels "iffy," use these safeguards to ensure your work isn't stolen.

1. The "Burnt-In" Timecode & Watermark Never send a clean video file for an unpaid test. Add a text layer over the center of the video that says: "EDIT TEST - [YOUR NAME] - NOT FOR BROADCAST." If they ask for a clean version, say: "I will be happy to provide the clean version once the hiring contract is signed."

2. The Low-Res Export Export the video at 720p or with a low bitrate. It is good enough to judge your editing skills, but bad enough that they can't post it on their YouTube channel.

3. Never Send the Project File Your timeline is your intellectual property until you are paid. Never send the .prproj or .drp file for an unpaid test.

How to Say "No" (The Email Templates)

You don't want to sound difficult, but you must look professional.

Scenario A: They ask for a massive amount of work for free.

"Hi [Name], thanks for sending the assets. Looking at the scope, this looks like a full day or two of work. I typically charge a standard day rate for pilot projects of this size. Would you be open to doing this as a paid trial? I can send over my invoice details."

Scenario B: You suspect they are farming for ideas.

"I am very interested in the role! Since I have several examples of this exact style in my portfolio (link here), I usually decline unpaid tests to respect my current clients' time. However, if you need to see something specific, I’d be happy to do a paid 1-hour trial cut."

Summary

A legitimate employer evaluates your process, not your product. If a company asks for a full, polished video for free, they are showing you exactly how they will treat you as an employee: poorly. Know your worth, watermark your work, and don't be afraid to ask for a paid trial.