Portfolio
Ask for a reel plus links to full cuts: YouTube long form, brand spots, documentary, social verticals. Check runtimes, view counts, retention data, and what they personally edited versus directed.
Evidence to listen for
- Work exists and can be looked at, not just described
- States what they made versus what the team or a template made
- Shows range rather than one repeated style
- Can walk through a piece from brief to final
Five-point scoring guide
No portfolio, or work that is unattributable or clearly templated.
Thin portfolio; unclear what they personally made.
Real work with adequate range; contribution mostly clear.
Strong varied portfolio with clear personal ownership.
Shows finished pieces across formats, names their exact contribution, and cites retention curves or client results tied to specific cuts.