Freelance Editor's Guide to Receiving and Delivering Files

As a freelance editor, you're constantly receiving footage from clients and delivering cuts back. Each project might involve:

• 100-500GB of raw footage from the client
• 10-50GB of music, graphics, and assets
• Multiple export versions (full res, proxy, web)
• Revision after revision after revision

If you're using a pay-per-GB service at $0.25/GB and the client expects you to cover transfer costs, a single project could cost $100-200 just in transfers. That's money directly out of your profit margin.

The Freelance File Transfer Dilemma

Freelance editors face unique challenges:

• Multiple clients, different preferences: Some clients use Dropbox, some use Google Drive, some use cloud review platforms
• Who pays for transfers? Per-GB costs create awkward conversations about who covers the fee
• Varying technical skill: Some clients can't figure out complex file transfer tools
• Budget-conscious clients: Many small clients balk at transfer fees

Solution: Standardize on Handrive

By standardizing on Handrive, you eliminate the cost question entirely. Transfers are free for both parties. No awkward conversations about who pays the transfer bill.

Setting Up Your Workflow

1. Create a Standard Project Structure

For each new project, create a Handrive share with a consistent structure:

📁 Project Name
├── 📁 01_Source_Footage
│   └── (Client uploads here)
├── 📁 02_Assets
│   └── (Music, graphics, etc.)
├── 📁 03_Exports
│   ├── 📁 Full_Res
│   ├── 📁 Proxy
│   └── 📁 Web
└── 📁 04_Project_Files
    └── (Premiere/Resolve project, if needed)

2. Onboard Clients Once

New clients install Handrive once. After that, every project is seamless:

1. Client downloads Handrive (free, 2-minute install)
2. Client creates an account
3. You add them as a contact
4. They add you as a contact
5. You're set for all future projects

3. Per-Project Setup

1. Create a new share for the project
2. Add the client with Editor role (so they can upload)
3. Client uploads footage to 01_Source_Footage
4. You edit, export to 03_Exports
5. Client downloads the exports

Handling Revisions

Revisions are where per-GB costs really hurt. With pay-per-GB services, every revision delivery costs money. With Handrive:

• Upload revision to the same share
• Client downloads
• Repeat as needed — still $0

Working with Different Client Types

Tech-Savvy Clients

These clients will happily install Handrive. Send them the download link, quick setup instructions, and you're done. They'll appreciate the free transfers as much as you do.

Non-Technical Clients

For clients who struggle with new software, offer alternatives:

• Screen share the setup: Walk them through install in 5 minutes
• Use their existing tools: If they insist on Dropbox, use Dropbox
• Build the cost in: If you must use paid services, factor it into your quote

Enterprise/Agency Clients

Agencies often have existing workflows. Some options:

• Propose Handrive as a cost-saving measure
• Use their systems for delivery, Handrive for receiving footage
• For TPN-required projects, use a TPN-certified tool and bill it to the client

Managing Multiple Projects

Freelance editors often juggle multiple projects. Handrive's share-based model keeps things organized:

• One share per project — no mixing files
• Clear naming: "[Client] - [Project Name]"
• Archive completed shares to keep your list clean
• Role-based permissions mean clients only see their project

Delivering to Multiple Stakeholders

Many projects have multiple people who need deliverables — director, producer, client contact, etc. With Handrive:

1. Add all stakeholders to the share with Viewer role
2. Upload exports once
3. Everyone can download independently
4. No separate transfers for each person

The Bottom Line: Protect Your Margins

Freelance editing is competitive. Every dollar saved on overhead is a dollar in your pocket. At $0.25/GB, file transfers can cost hundreds per month. Switching to Handrive eliminates that cost entirely.