In professional video production, a structured video editing process prevents endless revisions and delivers consistent results. The VX Process at Neil Huyton uses eight deliberate versions (V1 to V8) to move methodically from raw assembly to final polish, respecting story, emotion, feedback, and deadlines.
Eight versions guide the editing process from rough assembly to final export. Each step builds on the previous one, moving from broad story discovery to precise polishing.
Follow the VX Process to stay focused, respect feedback, and recognise when the video is truly finished.
V1 Assembly Edit
Watch all the footage.
Cut out anything you know you will not use.
This first pass gives you the full context. You see the overall shape of the story for the first time.
Create a rough timeline that contains only the usable material. Now you know exactly what pieces you have to work with.
V2 Story Refinement
Duplicate the V1 timeline and name it V2.
Apply higher standards. Remove any remaining shots or moments that do not serve the story or add meaningful context.
Bring in your post it notes or beat sheet from planning. Tighten the edit so the narrative line becomes clearer. Focus purely on story clarity at this stage.
V3 Structure Pass
Duplicate V2 and name it V3.
Refer to “the wall” (your post it board or story map). Rearrange scenes and sequences so the timeline matches the intended story order.
The goal is structural alignment. Make sure the acts, turning points, and emotional beats land in the right places.
V4 Creative Sketch
Duplicate V3 and name it V4.
The story shape is now solid. Shift focus to emotion, rhythm, and style.
Find music, experiment with pacing, build tension or release where it feels right. You do not have to start from the beginning. Jump to the most compelling section first.
If a difficult scene blocks you, keep returning to it until you break through. That breakthrough section can become the emotional anchor for the rest of the edit.
V4 is not polished. It is a sketch, a pitch, a blueprint. Aim for roughly 40 percent of the final quality. The purpose is to capture the creative vision you want to pursue.
V5 First Proper Draft
Duplicate V4 and name it V5.
Polish the strongest ideas from V4. Add another 20 percent of quality. Refine cuts, smooth transitions, balance levels, tighten timing.
This version should feel like a real draft. Send V5 to the client or collaborators for the first round of feedback.
Reset Perspective
Take a break. Step away. Go for a walk or sleep on it.
Fresh eyes are essential before the next phases.
V6 Feedback Integration Round 1
Duplicate V5 and name it V6.
Read the client feedback carefully. Sympathise with their perspective and respect their notes.
Implement the changes that strengthen the story and vision. Submit V6 for another round of review if needed.
V7 Feedback Integration Round 2
Duplicate V6 and name it V7.
Apply the latest round of feedback. Make adjustments while protecting what already works.
Keep refining. The edit should feel tighter and more confident with each pass.
V8 Final Pass
Duplicate V7 and name it V8.
This is the last version in theory. Scrutinise every frame, every micro beat, every sound choice.
Ask: Is each element performing at its best?
Only polish. Do not attempt major overhauls at this stage. A complete restructure or new creative direction will stand out and damage consistency.
Aim to reach 85 to 90 percent of the video’s potential.
Learn the discipline of knowing when it is done. A video is finished when it is effective and complete, not when every detail is perfect.
Export, upload, and publish.
Practical Checklist
- Watch and log all footage before cutting (V1).
- Duplicate and refine at each major step (V1 to V8).
- Focus on story first (V1 to V3), then emotion and rhythm (V4+).
- Use “the wall” to guide structure in V3.
- Treat V4 as a creative sketch. Experiment freely.
- Send V5 as the first client ready draft.
- Take a real break before V6 to reset perspective.
- Respect and implement feedback in V6 and V7.
- In V8, polish only. No big changes.
- Stop at done, not perfect. Export and release.
The VX Process keeps the edit organised and moving forward. Each version has a clear purpose, so you avoid getting lost or over editing. Follow these eight steps and your final video will feel intentional, emotional, and ready for the audience.
About the Author
Written by Neil Huyton. Sheffield based video production experts specializing in documentaries, promos, and branded content. We use the VX Process daily to deliver client ready videos efficiently.