Short(er) Story — Step 1 (500 words)

In May 2013 I worked with a client on a small Brand Story project. The entire job hinged on a single Brand Story Video that could be split up into several parts, and potentially lead to future videos and projects.

After a good initial meeting, I assumed we were on the same page and in agreement as to what the project did and didn’t include. However, we didn’t discuss the project’s aims and objectives in an official capacity, and nothing was written down.

As the video shoot approached, we came across one or two issues with the location, but nothing serious. I also detailed how I wanted to the schedule to play out, but the client ummed-and-ahhed over certain issues that I eventually agreed to — even though my gut told me it would result in lesser video quality, and make the entire experience harder

As the video shoot arrived, I was let down by a second cameraman, something the client voiced his concern over, but I assured him it wouldn’t make a huge difference to the outcome, as the second camera would be a static one (it made my job harder, but didn’t affect the video shoot).

And so we delved into the job at hand, and although hectic and fast paced, we gathered all the footage we planned to capture.

Over the coming days I edited the video and sent several iterations to the client, and although he raised certain issues and amendments, no serious problems were mentioned. Around 10 days after the video shoot, I sent a final draft to the client, asked for any final alterations, and made a commitment that all videos and copies would be finalised over the weekend.

Working long and hard, I completed my tasks and sent the final versions on the Monday morning.

I heard nothing for a few days, but decided to leave it a week before getting in touch. Sending a follow up, I continued to hear nothing from him. Eventually, around 10 days after I sent the final versions, I received a reply from the client stating how he was unhappy — not only with the final version, but how the actual video shoot occured, and how the video didn’t capture what he had in mind.

Although I thought we were on the same page, it became rather apparent we never were.

Because nothing was written down, and we didn’t officially discuss the project’s aims and objectives, and I didn’t document our meetings, emails, and what the project did and didn’t entail, it was my word versus his.

As you can imagine, it didn’t end well.

I learned a great deal however, least of all to treat every project — no matter how big or small — with respect. I now have a detailed document I share with clients from the beginning, and update everything we discuss in real time.

It doesn’t only make my job easier, but ensures miscommunication is never an issue again.

Short(er) Story — Step 2(250 words)

I once worked with a client on a small project. After a good first meeting, I assumed we were on the same page, and in agreement with what the project did and didn’t involve.

Although we faced a few issues during the lead up to the video shoot, no serious problems occurred. Planning the day and schedule, the client resisted certain ideas, which I eventually gave into — despite my gut insisting otherwise.

On the day of the shoot, my second cameraman was unable to attend, which the client flagged as an issue, although I assured him everything would be fine as the second camera was a static one (it made my job harder, but didn’t affect the setup).

Although hectic, the video shoot went well, and I began to edit the footage. Sending several drafts to the client, he raised issues and amendments, but nothing serious. Around ten days after the shoot, I asked for final amendments, and spent the weekend finishing everything.

Delivering the final versions on Monday, I heard nothing for over a week, and when he did respond, it was with several issues — not only with the video, but regarding the shoot and overall direction.

I realised we were never on the same page.

Because I didn’t document the project, it was my word versus his. It didn’t end well, but did teach me to create a more robust process, I now share a detailed document with clients from the beginning, which not only ensures objectives are stated and met, but eliminates miscommunication.

Short(er) Story — Step 3(125 words)

After a good first meeting with a new client, I assumed we were on the same page.

Although a few issues were had in the lead up to the Video Shoot, no serious problems occurred. I planned the schedule, and after the client resisted certain aspects, I adhered — despite my gut insisting otherwise.

Overall the shoot went well (although second cameraman cancelled — an issue raised by the client) and I began editing the footage. After several iterations at the client’s request, I asked for final feedback.

Sending the final versions, I heard nothing for over a week, and when I did, the client raised several major problems (not just the video, but regarding the shoot and direction).

We were never on the same page!

Because I didn’t document the process, things didn’t end well. It taught me to create a robust document me and my clients can utilise together. These days, communication is much smoother.

Short(er) Story — Step 3(The Tweet)

I once assumed a client & I were on the same page. We weren’t. It taught me to create a robust document we can utilise together. Good times