Freelance Video Editing Made Free and Fast with CutScene

Start Your Freelance Video Business Without Software Costs

Freelance video editing has traditionally required expensive software subscriptions that eat into your profits. CutScene changes that equation by providing professional editing tools for free, right in your browser.

Edit client projects from anywhere, use AI to accelerate your workflow, and keep more of what you earn. No Adobe subscriptions, no hardware limitations - just the tools you need to deliver professional results.

Why Freelancers Choose CutScene

• Zero software costs: No monthly subscriptions eating into your margins.
• Work from anywhere: Browser-based means you can edit on any device, any location.
• Professional output: Export without watermarks, at quality clients expect.
• AI acceleration: Generate B-roll, voiceover, and graphics to offer premium services.
• Unlimited projects: Handle as many clients as you can manage.
• Fast turnaround: Efficient tools mean quicker delivery and happier clients.

Example: A freelancer drops their $50/month software subscription, pockets $600 extra per year, and offers clients AI-generated B-roll as an upsell.

Pricing Your Services

Basic Package ($200-500)

• Raw footage editing: cuts, basic color correction, transitions
• 1 round of revisions, 2-3 day turnaround
• 1080p MP4 delivery

Standard Package ($500-1,500)

• Full color grading, graphics, sound design
• 2 rounds of revisions, 5 day turnaround
• 1080p delivery plus project files

Premium Package ($1,500-3,000+)

• Cinematic grading, custom animations, professional audio
• 3+ rounds of revisions, rush options available
• 4K delivery, all formats

AI Add-Ons ($200-500)

• AI-generated B-roll footage
• AI voiceover production
• Custom graphics and elements
• Per-asset pricing

Rate Adjustments

Charge more for: Rush delivery (+25-50%), complex color work (+30%), custom graphics (+100%), multi-platform delivery (+20%)

Discount for: Bulk projects (-15%), repeat clients (-20%), portfolio-building opportunities

Client Types and What They Pay

Corporate Video

Clients: Marketing teams, agencies, internal comms departments

Projects: Product demos, training videos, event recaps

Rates: $500-2,000+

How to find them: Network with agencies, build an Upwork profile, engage on LinkedIn, create corporate sample work.

YouTube Channels

Clients: Individual creators, educational channels, entertainment channels

Projects: Full episode edits, thumbnails, channel management

Rates: $200-1,000/month retainer

How to find them: Cold outreach to growing channels, offer a free pilot edit, build your own channel as proof of concept.

Social Media Content

Clients: Brands, influencers, creators

Projects: TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts

Rates: $300-1,000/month for 10-20 videos

How to find them: Build your own social following, pitch growth results, collaborate with creators.

Real Estate Video

Clients: Agents, property managers, developers

Projects: Property tours, construction updates, neighborhood features

Rates: $500-2,000 per property

How to find them: Visit local offices, network on Zillow forums, create sample property tours.

Weddings and Events

Clients: Couples, event planners, venues

Projects: Highlight reels, ceremony edits, event recaps

Rates: $500-3,000+

How to find them: Build a wedding portfolio, share on Instagram, partner with photographers.

Podcast Production

Clients: Podcast hosts, networks, content studios

Projects: Episode editing, intro/outro creation, visual elements

Rates: $200-500/month retainer

How to find them: Join podcasting communities, offer pilot edits, reach out to growing shows.

Building Your Business: First 6 Months

Month 1: Foundations

• Master CutScene tools (10 hours)
• Create 2-3 portfolio pieces (30 hours)
• Set up your portfolio website (5 hours)
• Goal: Be ready to take on clients

Month 2: Finding Clients

• Create profiles on freelance platforms (5 hours)
• Launch LinkedIn presence (10 hours)
• Reach out to potential collaborators (10 hours)
• Goal: Generate 2-3 leads

Month 3: First Projects

• Complete 2-3 paid projects (40-60 hours)
• Collect testimonials
• Goal: Earn $1,000-2,000 and build proof of work

Months 4-6: Scaling Up

• Convert one-time clients to retainers
• Specialize in a niche
• Increase project scope
• Goal: Reach $2,000-5,000/month

Managing Clients Professionally

Onboarding

Define project goals, delivery specifications, revision limits, and collect a 50% deposit before starting.

Receiving Assets

Get footage via Google Drive or WeTransfer, organize files immediately, and confirm you have everything needed.

First Draft

Focus on pacing and structure, apply basic polish, and send for client review.

Revisions

Implement feedback, refine color and graphics, and finalize based on client input.

Delivery

Export in required formats, send via secure link, collect final payment, and request a testimonial.

Essential Free Tools

Retainer Packages

Social Media Retainer (8 shorts/month): 3-day turnaround, unlimited revisions - $800-1,500/month

YouTube Retainer (4 long-form/month): Includes thumbnails and upload support - $1,200-2,000/month

Project-Based Examples: 30-minute video $800, 5-pack of shorts $300, wedding highlight $1,500

Growing Your Rates Over Time

Year 1: $30-50/hour - Build your portfolio and testimonials

Year 2: $75-100/hour - Develop niche expertise

Year 3+: $150+/hour - Premium positioning with proven results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Getting Your First Clients

Portfolio building: Edit for friends, collaborate with creators, offer discounted work to build proof.

Platform strategy: Complete 3-4 jobs on Upwork/Fiverr, start with competitive rates, collect reviews, then raise prices.

Outreach: Send 20 personalized messages per week on LinkedIn and email, offer free consultations or discounts to start.

Referrals: Ask happy clients for testimonials, offer referral bonuses ($100-200), partner with photographers and other creatives.

Getting Started

1. Master CutScene through tutorials (4 hours)
2. Create 2 portfolio pieces using stock footage
3. Set up an Upwork profile with your best work
4. Land your first paid project ($300+)
5. Scale to 2-3 regular clients ($1,000/month each)

First year projection: $0 invested in software, 100-200 hours of work, $5,000-15,000 earned.

Ready to start? CutScene is free to use, with no risk. Your editing business starts today.