Missed Deadline, or: How I Learned to Finish a Video Over the Weekend Without Losing My Mind!

Dec 16

How to Get a Last-Minute Pitch Video Done (Without Losing Your Weekend)

So, your boss just dropped a last-minute bomb on you: a Monday morning pitch meeting needs a polished video. And of course, they want it to look seamless and impressive—no pressure, right?

Now you’re staring down a weekend that should’ve been yours, but instead, you’re scrambling to pull this together. The good news? If you set your editor up for success, they can crush this project while you actually enjoy some of your weekend. Here’s how to make it happen.

1. Send Everything Upfront (Seriously, Everything)

Your editor can’t work magic without the right materials. If they’re new to your brand, send:

Brand guidelines (colors, fonts, tone of voice)
Font files and logos (preferably in vector format)
Support documents (past presentations, any reference material)

If you don’t send these now, be prepared for late-night emails asking for them.

2. Make Sure Everything is Shareable

Google Drive is your best friend—until it isn’t.

Check permissions before sharing files to avoid the dreaded “Request Access” delay.
If using Dropbox, make sure links don’t expire.
If files are massive, consider WeTransfer or Frame.io for smoother transfers.

You don’t want your editor wasting time chasing down files when they could be editing.

3. If You Can’t Hop on a Call, Loom It

Your editor isn’t a mind-reader. If you don’t have time for a full call, use Loom (or any screen recording tool) to quickly explain:

The video’s purpose
Key messaging
Any specific style or tone requests

A five-minute walkthrough now can save hours of revisions later.

4. Have a Clear Script or Outline

This is where most last-minute projects fall apart. The best way to save time and prevent confusion?

Have a clear script or outline.
Reference file names directly (e.g., instead of writing “show the team photo,” write “insert IMG_0123”).
Keep voiceover and text concise—no one wants a script rework on a Sunday night.

5. Use Frame.io (or Similar) for Faster Revisions

Revisions are inevitable. The faster you review and respond, the better your video will be by Monday morning.

Keep your phone handy—yes, even though you’re trying to log off.
Use a platform like Frame.io to leave time-stamped feedback instead of long email threads.
Be precise in your notes—saying “this part feels off” won’t help. Saying “trim 3 seconds off this clip” will.

6. Repurpose Existing Assets Whenever Possible

No time to shoot new footage? No problem. Use what you already have.

Stock footage (from your brand library or a site like Storyblocks)
Past internal videos (sometimes, a quick re-edit does the trick)
Simple motion graphics to fill in gaps

Your editor can create magic with the right ingredients—just make sure they have them.

7. Expect a Late-Night Email (and Be Ready to Reply)

If your editor is working over the weekend, they’ll likely send a near-final draft late Sunday. Don’t wait until Monday morning to check it.

Give final feedback ASAP so they have time to tweak.
Check for logos, names, and key messaging accuracy—it’s always the small details that get missed.

8. The Monday Morning Victory

You walk into that meeting with a polished, professional video that makes your boss look like a genius. Meanwhile, you got to salvage most of your weekend.

Final Thoughts (And a Not-So-Subtle Plug)

If this sounds like your life, you’re not alone. Fast-turnaround pitch videos are what we do best. At VideoQuickFix, we take your raw materials and turn them into something polished—so you don’t have to stress.

Need a pitch video by Monday? Let’s talk.

Sam Nevens