From Home Editing to Professional Editing: What It Takes to Sell a Documentary

When you start creating your first films, editing is often a "home-based" process: simple editing, lightweight formats (H.264), and no anticipation of the final distribution. But from the moment you aim to sell a documentary, even a short film, everything changes. Here are the key evolutions to understand to move to a professional level.

 1. Organize Your Editing in Final Cut Pro

• Choose a 25 fps timeline from the start.
• Work with ProRes 422 HQ or ProRes RAW files for optimal quality.
• Use Proxy Mode for smooth editing with heavy files.
• Prepare audio tracks with multilingual output in mind from the beginning (original version, French version, etc.).

2. Anticipate Multilingual Needs and SubtitlesTo sell internationally:

• Create multiple audio tracks.
• Prepare .srt subtitle files in different languages.

Useful software:

• Final Cut Pro for multilingual audio management.
• Simon Says, Transcriptive to automate subtitle creation.

 3. Clean Export with CompressorAdvantages of Compressor:

• Export in ProRes, H.264, HEVC.
• Prepare multi-track audio exports.

Limitations of Compressor:

• Not ideal for complex multiplexing.
• Limited advanced subtitle handling.

Tip:

• Use Compressor for simple, clean exports.
• Switch to other tools for more complex delivery formats.

4. Create a DCP for Cinema ProjectionDCP (Digital Cinema Package) is the standard format for cinema projection.

• Video in JPEG2000, Audio in PCM 48kHz/24bits.
• Framerate at 24 or 25 fps.
• Container: DCI Flat (3996x2160) or Scope (4096x1716).

Why a DCP?

• Required for cinema projection.
• International standardization.
• Optimal image and sound quality.

DCP File Sizes:

• About 1 GB per minute in 2K,
• Up to 2–3 GB per minute in 4K.

Tools:

• DCP-o-matic to create DCPs easily.

5. Distribute Your Film Through Aggregators: Filmhub, BitmaxTo sell on major platforms (Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Tubi, etc.):
Main aggregators:

• Filmhub: commission-based on sales.
• Bitmax: fixed entry fees, more direct access.

Tip:

• Prepare a flawless master (video + audio + subtitles) to be accepted without additional corrections.

Conclusion:
Transitioning from "home editing" to professional editing means understanding that every stage (editing, export, distribution) must be planned from the start for the final destination.
It’s a demanding evolution, but incredibly rewarding.
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✨ And it's also the key to having your films travel far beyond your computer screen.