As a videographer offering services to corporate clients, it's important to know how to communicate effectively with your clients. However, sometimes clients can say things that may not come across as intended and can cause misunderstandings. Here are the top 10 things to avoid saying to a videographer when hiring for corporate work:
"I don't care about the details, just make it look good." As a videographer, details matter. When clients say they don't care about the details, it can come across as a lack of appreciation for the hard work that goes into producing high-quality videos.
"Can you make it look like this viral video?" While it's helpful to provide examples of videos you like, expecting a videographer to replicate someone else's work is not realistic. Each video is unique and should reflect the individuality of the company.
"We don't have a budget, can you work for exposure?" Exposure doesn't pay the bills. While it's important to consider budget constraints, offering exposure instead of fair compensation can be insulting and unprofessional.
"We need it done ASAP." While deadlines are important, rushing a project can lead to lower quality work. It's important to have realistic expectations and communicate them clearly with your videographer.
"Can you shoot this with your phone?" While some phone cameras can produce decent videos, they are not a replacement for professional equipment. Asking a videographer to use their phone can come across as disrespectful to their craft.
"We'll fix it in post." Post-production is important, but it's not a magic fix-all. It's important to get things right on set to save time and money in the editing process.
"Can we change the entire concept halfway through the project?" Changing the concept midway through the project can cause delays and may not be feasible. It's important to have a clear vision for the project before starting.
"Can we have all the raw footage?" Raw footage is typically not meant to be shared with clients and there is a chance you don't have the equipment to handle some RAW files. It's important to trust your videographer to select the best footage and deliver a final product that meets your expectations.
"We need this to go viral." While it's great to have goals, guaranteeing a viral video is not realistic. It's important to focus on creating quality content that resonates with your audience.
"We don't need a contract." A contract protects both the client and the videographer. It's important to have a written agreement that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment terms.
In conclusion, communication is key when working with a videographer for corporate work. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can build a positive working relationship and create high-quality videos that reflect your company's brand and message.