Backgrounder: Give Eddie context before you import

When you start a Docs/Stringouts project in Eddie, you import your A-roll (and optional B-roll) like normal. Below that, you’ll find an optional section called Backgrounder.

Backgrounder is where you share editorial context—the kind of material a producer or client would hand an assistant editor on day one:

Eddie uses this information during import to better understand your project. You can import without it, but adding context helps Eddie align with your intended narrative when analyzing footage and building your stringout.

Once your Docs/Stringouts project is imported, you can create Rough Cut edits from it—each edit is a child project built on top of the parent stringout. The context you add in Backgrounder applies at the parent Docs/Stringouts level, before those edits are made.

Backgrounder is optional. You don’t need to fill it in to start import.

Backgrounder has two fields:

Paste a link to any public web page, for example:

The URL must start with http:// or https://.

Example: https://www.company.com/about
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After import, Eddie reads the page and uses it as background for your project.

This is your written creative direction—the story you want to tell, key themes, tone, and anything Eddie should prioritize or avoid.

You can add a treatment/brief in three ways:

Type it directly
Paste or write your brief into the Treatment/Brief field (up to 3,000 characters).

Import a Google Doc
Paste a Google Docs link into the URL field. Eddie detects it automatically, extracts the text, and moves it into the Treatment/Brief field.

Upload a PDF or Word document
When the Treatment/Brief field is empty, click the + button in the bottom-right corner to upload:

Eddie extracts the text and adds it to the Treatment/Brief field. If you already have text in the field, imported content is appended below it.

When you click Import, Eddie:

That context helps Eddie understand the story behind the interviews—similar to how a human editor would use a producer’s packet alongside the rushes.

You’ll see the results as part of your Docs/Stringouts project setup (summary, topics, and related context).

Be specific in your treatment.
Include the angle, audience, must-include themes, and anything to avoid. The clearer the brief, the more useful Eddie’s analysis will be.

Use the URL field for research, not your brief.
Company pages, articles, and reference links belong in the URL field. Your creative direction belongs in Treatment/Brief.

For Google Docs, check sharing first.
If import fails, make sure the doc is set to Anyone with the link can view.

Keep treatments concise.
There’s a 3,000-character limit. Focus on what matters most for the edit.

Add context before you import.
Backgrounder is set up during the import step on your Docs/Stringouts project. Once import starts, the fields are locked until the project is ready.

Do I have to use Backgrounder?
No. It’s optional. Eddie can still import and analyze your footage without it.

Can I use both a URL and a treatment?
Yes. Many editors add a research link plus a written brief for the best results.

Why did my Google Doc go into Treatment/Brief instead of staying as a URL?
Google Doc links are treated as documents. Eddie extracts the text and puts it in Treatment/Brief automatically.

What if my URL is invalid?
Import will be blocked until you enter a valid http:// or https:// web page link.

Does Backgrounder work in every project mode?
Backgrounder is for Docs/Stringouts projects. Other modes (e.g. Scripted Story) use different fields suited to those workflows.

Need help? Contact us through the in-app messenger—we’re happy to help you get the most out of Backgrounder.