Revision Workflow

What is a Revision Workflow?

A revision workflow is the structured process for managing feedback rounds, versions and change requests between a first cut and an approved final video. It defines how many rounds are included, how versions are named, how notes are collected and who decides when a round is closed. It is the system that connects review, proofing and approval.

Why it matters

Revisions are where video projects most often go over time and over budget. Without a defined workflow, rounds blur together, old feedback resurfaces, and a client may receive three slightly different cuts with no clear way to tell them apart. A clear workflow keeps the edit moving, makes your contract's revision limits enforceable without awkward conversations, and gives clients confidence that their notes are being tracked.

How it works

Most effective revision workflows include:

• Defined rounds. The contract states how many rounds are included (two or three is common) and what counts as a round: one consolidated set of notes, not a stream of messages.

• Version naming. Use a consistent scheme such as "Project_v01", "v02", or "RC1" for release candidates. Put the version number on screen in review copies.

• Consolidated feedback. One point of contact collects notes from their team and submits them together by an agreed date.

• Change logs. Track what was changed in each version, so you can answer "did we fix the logo?" in seconds.

• Scope checks. Distinguish fixes (typos, timing, color tweaks) from new requests (a different song, a new scene). New requests can be quoted as additional work.

• A clear exit. The workflow ends with written client approval on a named version.

A typical sequence might be: rough cut, round one notes, fine cut, round two notes, color and sound, final proof, approval. Each stage has a narrower scope than the last, which is worth explaining to clients so they give big-picture feedback early and detail feedback late.

Common approaches

Small studios often manage revisions with email and a shared folder of numbered exports, which works if naming is strict. Project management tools like Trello, Asana or Notion help track rounds across several projects. Review platforms such as Frame.io offer version stacking and side-by-side comparison, which suits teams with many internal reviewers. For client-facing rounds, the deciding factor is usually how easy it is for the client to watch the newest version and leave notes in one place.

How does DLVRD fit into a revision workflow?

DLVRD can host each review round in a gallery where clients leave timecoded comments beneath the video without creating an account, keeping notes attached to the cut they refer to. You can watermark review versions, which switches downloads off automatically, and remove the watermark once a version is approved. DLVRD doesn't replace a file in place under the same link the way Vimeo's replace feature does, so each revised cut is uploaded as a new file. Detailed version tracking and change logs are usually kept in your editing or project management tools.