What a Brief Entails
Included in the brief are specific details regarding the work the client wants you to complete. First and foremost will be the nature of the work; this will include information such as the genre, topic, target audience and length of the production. The brief will also contain information about budget and time constraints including a completion deadline.
Types of Brief
There are numerous types of brief used in the media industry. The brief type is often determined by the nature of the job as well as the size of the production. Listed below are the brief types used in the Film Industry:
Formal Brief - This is relatively open in comparison with other briefs, as it gives the production company more freedom and artistic input in their work. A formal brief usually takes place in person, and generally involves the client giving a rough explanation of the work they want carried out. A written document is also issued.
Informal Brief - As opposed to a formal brief, an informal brief is little more than a verbal agreement between the two parties. Problems may arise from this method of briefing as there is usually no legal agreement between the client and the person whose services are required.
Contractual Brief - This is a more stringent form of brief containing strict guidelines for those carrying out the work. Contractual briefs come in the form of a written contract, precisely outlining the work that needs to be completed as well as budget information and completion deadlines. As this is a legally binding contract, there are usually legal implications if work isn't finished on time and to the correct standard as outlined in the brief. One of the downsides to this form of brief is the artistic restrictions placed on the employee, as the work carried out should stick firmly within the guidelines of the brief.
Tender Brief - This form of brief is often issued by clients in the film industry. Once the brief has been issued, production companies will have the opportunity to submit proposals to the client. If the client is interested in one of the proposals received, they may pursue the production company to produce the project.
Co-Operative Brief - This brief is issued when the workload is to be shared between two production companies; it is often employed when the expertise of one company isn't sufficient to fulfil the client's needs.
Negotiated Brief - This type of brief ties in with the Co-Operative brief, and is often used by two production companies working on the same project. This allows the companies to share the work and responsible in a fair and practical way. For example, if the two production companies are responsible for different aspects of the production - perhaps one specialises in special effects whilst the other in production - then it makes sense to make each company responsible for work in their area of expertise.
Commission Brief - This brief is usually issued by large media companies to hire the services of other independent media companies. The work carried out by the company may then be sold to an external client.
Preparing to meet the requirements of the Brief
Preparation is paramount when applying the response to a brief. The first thing you should do, is to make sure you know exactly what your client wants; this is achieved through frequent correspondence with your client. You should spend some time generating ideas, the way you do this is down to you. Some people like to brain storm ideas in the form of a mind map, whereas others like to write them down in detail; the preferred method of recording ideas is subject to the individual. Next you should prepare a proposal outlining exactly how you plan to meet the requirements of the brief, this should then be sent to your client for feedback. Once the client is satisfied with your approach, you should move into the pre-production phase.
Budget
Under normal circumstances, the client issues the production company with a budget. The final arrangements of the budget are sometimes negotiated between the production company and the client, as the client isn't always aware of the practicalities of what they want completed. It is down to the producer to ensure the production does not run over budget, and if exceeding the budget seems inevitable, the producer should contact the client immediately.
Pre-Production
Pre-production work is an important aspect of any film project. The purpose of pre-production work is to ensure everything runs according to plan. Below I have listed some of the pre-production work required to plan a film production:
Scripting - You must produce a script or treatment, which should be a reflection of what you wish to portray on screen. It may be worth sending your client a copy before you go into production.
Shot lists and Storyboards - These documents will act as a guide for when you come to film your project.
Health and Safety Issues - As a filmmaker, you have a responsibility to ensure the safety of your crew and the general public. An important piece of documentation that helps ensure this is a risk assessment. The risk assessment should contain any potential risks facing the crew and general public, as well as the steps you are going to take to prevent them from happening.
Assemble Your Crew - After assessing the practicalities of meeting the brief, you must decide how many crew members you will need to complete the project. But it's not just about quantity, you need to make sure you select people who are skilled in the roles that need to be filled.
Produce a Schedule - To ensure you complete your work in the time allocated by the client, a schedule should be drawn up to give you something to work to; this will make you less likely to fall behind on your deadlines.
Agreements and Release Forms
Before production starts, you should ensure correct documentation has been used for the recruitment of actors and crew members (actor agreement, artist release forms), as well as obtain permission to film in locations that require it, which should be done by issuing a location agreement to the granter.
Production
After completing the necessary pre-production work, you should move straight into the production phase. You should begin by gathering all materials required to carry out the production. You should frequently discuss your progress with the client to keep the project going in the right direction. After your film has been shot and edited you should supply your client with a copy.
Client Feedback
If the client is satisfied with your work and doesn't want you to make any changes, you will be able to wrap up production and embark upon another project. However, things don't always run this smoothly, as clients often aren't completely satisfied with the work they receive and may ask you to make changes. This doesn't necessarily mean your film is bad, and is often the result of miscommunication on behalf of the client, so don't take it personally. You should ask the client what changes they would like you to make, then set about making them.
Opportunities for Self Development
Whilst working on a brief there is often many opportunities to develop your skills as a filmmaker. Because of the time constraints, you immediately become more aware of the importance of time management. Through working in these conditions you will quickly learn how to make the best of your time, which will make you much more competent as a filmmaker. Also, if you are working on a brief with a small production company, you may have the opportunity to learn new skills; the more skills you have, the more valuable you become when seeking future employment in the industry.
Conclusion
Hopefully this post will be of some assistance to those of you who wish to pursue a career in the media industry. Briefs are common in the industry and it is worth taking the time to learn about the different types of brief, as well as what is expected of those responding to the brief.
Included in the brief are specific details regarding the work the client wants you to complete. First and foremost will be the nature of the work; this will include information such as the genre, topic, target audience and length of the production. The brief will also contain information about budget and time constraints including a completion deadline.
Types of Brief
There are numerous types of brief used in the media industry. The brief type is often determined by the nature of the job as well as the size of the production. Listed below are the brief types used in the Film Industry:
Formal Brief - This is relatively open in comparison with other briefs, as it gives the production company more freedom and artistic input in their work. A formal brief usually takes place in person, and generally involves the client giving a rough explanation of the work they want carried out. A written document is also issued.
Informal Brief - As opposed to a formal brief, an informal brief is little more than a verbal agreement between the two parties. Problems may arise from this method of briefing as there is usually no legal agreement between the client and the person whose services are required.
Contractual Brief - This is a more stringent form of brief containing strict guidelines for those carrying out the work. Contractual briefs come in the form of a written contract, precisely outlining the work that needs to be completed as well as budget information and completion deadlines. As this is a legally binding contract, there are usually legal implications if work isn't finished on time and to the correct standard as outlined in the brief. One of the downsides to this form of brief is the artistic restrictions placed on the employee, as the work carried out should stick firmly within the guidelines of the brief.
Tender Brief - This form of brief is often issued by clients in the film industry. Once the brief has been issued, production companies will have the opportunity to submit proposals to the client. If the client is interested in one of the proposals received, they may pursue the production company to produce the project.
Co-Operative Brief - This brief is issued when the workload is to be shared between two production companies; it is often employed when the expertise of one company isn't sufficient to fulfil the client's needs.
Negotiated Brief - This type of brief ties in with the Co-Operative brief, and is often used by two production companies working on the same project. This allows the companies to share the work and responsible in a fair and practical way. For example, if the two production companies are responsible for different aspects of the production - perhaps one specialises in special effects whilst the other in production - then it makes sense to make each company responsible for work in their area of expertise.
Commission Brief - This brief is usually issued by large media companies to hire the services of other independent media companies. The work carried out by the company may then be sold to an external client.
Preparing to meet the requirements of the Brief
Preparation is paramount when applying the response to a brief. The first thing you should do, is to make sure you know exactly what your client wants; this is achieved through frequent correspondence with your client. You should spend some time generating ideas, the way you do this is down to you. Some people like to brain storm ideas in the form of a mind map, whereas others like to write them down in detail; the preferred method of recording ideas is subject to the individual. Next you should prepare a proposal outlining exactly how you plan to meet the requirements of the brief, this should then be sent to your client for feedback. Once the client is satisfied with your approach, you should move into the pre-production phase.
Budget
Under normal circumstances, the client issues the production company with a budget. The final arrangements of the budget are sometimes negotiated between the production company and the client, as the client isn't always aware of the practicalities of what they want completed. It is down to the producer to ensure the production does not run over budget, and if exceeding the budget seems inevitable, the producer should contact the client immediately.
Pre-Production
Pre-production work is an important aspect of any film project. The purpose of pre-production work is to ensure everything runs according to plan. Below I have listed some of the pre-production work required to plan a film production:
Scripting - You must produce a script or treatment, which should be a reflection of what you wish to portray on screen. It may be worth sending your client a copy before you go into production.
Shot lists and Storyboards - These documents will act as a guide for when you come to film your project.
Health and Safety Issues - As a filmmaker, you have a responsibility to ensure the safety of your crew and the general public. An important piece of documentation that helps ensure this is a risk assessment. The risk assessment should contain any potential risks facing the crew and general public, as well as the steps you are going to take to prevent them from happening.
Assemble Your Crew - After assessing the practicalities of meeting the brief, you must decide how many crew members you will need to complete the project. But it's not just about quantity, you need to make sure you select people who are skilled in the roles that need to be filled.
Produce a Schedule - To ensure you complete your work in the time allocated by the client, a schedule should be drawn up to give you something to work to; this will make you less likely to fall behind on your deadlines.
Agreements and Release Forms
Before production starts, you should ensure correct documentation has been used for the recruitment of actors and crew members (actor agreement, artist release forms), as well as obtain permission to film in locations that require it, which should be done by issuing a location agreement to the granter.
Production
After completing the necessary pre-production work, you should move straight into the production phase. You should begin by gathering all materials required to carry out the production. You should frequently discuss your progress with the client to keep the project going in the right direction. After your film has been shot and edited you should supply your client with a copy.
Client Feedback
If the client is satisfied with your work and doesn't want you to make any changes, you will be able to wrap up production and embark upon another project. However, things don't always run this smoothly, as clients often aren't completely satisfied with the work they receive and may ask you to make changes. This doesn't necessarily mean your film is bad, and is often the result of miscommunication on behalf of the client, so don't take it personally. You should ask the client what changes they would like you to make, then set about making them.
Opportunities for Self Development
Whilst working on a brief there is often many opportunities to develop your skills as a filmmaker. Because of the time constraints, you immediately become more aware of the importance of time management. Through working in these conditions you will quickly learn how to make the best of your time, which will make you much more competent as a filmmaker. Also, if you are working on a brief with a small production company, you may have the opportunity to learn new skills; the more skills you have, the more valuable you become when seeking future employment in the industry.
Conclusion
Hopefully this post will be of some assistance to those of you who wish to pursue a career in the media industry. Briefs are common in the industry and it is worth taking the time to learn about the different types of brief, as well as what is expected of those responding to the brief.