YouTube Story Editor (Long-Form | Trial Project → Ongoing Work) - Contract to Hire

YouTube Story Editor (Long-Form | Trial Project → Ongoing Work) Company: Fanathem (Veteran-Owned Media Company) Location: Remote (U.S. preferred) This is not a basic editing job. We are looking for a YouTube storyteller—someone who understands how to turn raw footage into a high-retention, high-performance video. If you don’t understand hooks, tension, pacing, and packaging, this is not the role for you. About Fanathem / Behind the Channel Fanathem is a veteran-owned, family-run media company producing the YouTube series “Behind the Channel.” We spend full days with high-level creators—filming their story, their process, and their world—and turn that into tight, story-driven episodes. ~15,000 subscribers Multiple videos over 200,000+ views Several videos over 50,000+ views Strong upside with the right editor YouTube: This is a 3–5 year project with consistent output. The right editor will have ongoing monthly work and increasing compensation. What This Role Actually Requires 1. Proven Long-Form YouTube Performance (Non-Negotiable) You must have edited long-form YouTube videos (10+ min) that: Achieved 20,000+ views within 30 days Performed on merit (not just creator size) You understand: Hooks that stop scrolling Building and sustaining tension Story structure (not just chronological edits) Title & thumbnail strategy (packaging) 2. Story Extraction from Raw Footage You will: Review 3–4 hours of raw footage Use transcripts + tools to identify: Tension Conflict Turning points Provocative or emotionally charged moments Cut this into a 12–22 minute structured story This is editorial thinking, not just editing. 3. A.I. Fluency You are comfortable using A.I. tools for: Audio cleanup / enhancement Visual augmentation Editing acceleration Increasing pacing and engagement 4. Pop Culture Awareness You can naturally incorporate: Movie references Cultural callbacks Music cues Trends You understand how to make content feel current and alive. 5. Cultural Fit You must be comfortable working around: Firearms Hunting Military / veteran culture Trial Structure (Important) This is a performance-based hiring process. Phase 1 – Paid Test Project Project: 8–10 minute podcast-style edit Scope: Lightest version of our content—but still requires strong storytelling Pay: $240 Estimated Time: 6–8 hours Bonus: +$200 if the video surpasses 20,000 views Phase 2 – Advanced Project If Phase 1 is successful: You’ll receive a more complex long-form storytelling edit Higher expectations and higher pay Phase 3 – Ongoing Work If successful: Consistent monthly work Increasing pay + performance bonuses Long-term role on a growing media platform What Success Looks Like You don’t just deliver a clean edit. You deliver a video that: Hooks immediately Builds tension throughout Cuts anything that drags Feels intentional and structured Performs How to Apply Send: 2–3 long-form videos you edited Must include view counts Must meet the 20k/30-day requirement Brief explanation of: Your editing philosophy How you approach storytelling from raw footage Tools you use (editing + A.I.) Final Note We are not looking for volume editors. We are looking for someone who understands: Why people watch. Why they stay. And how to make them care. If that’s you—apply. Edit will be graded on: 1. Hook Strength 2. Story Structure 3. Tension and Retention 4. Editing Execution 5. Story Extraction 6. Packing & Rhythm 7. Creative Enhancement 8. Packaging Instinct