Client: Enthusiastic but highly unorganized

chris f

chris f

Veteran
Just wanted to get some opinions on my current situation. I just met with a new client yesterday who loves my work and wants to work with me. He has admitted himself that he is enthusiastic, but unorganized and likes to jump from one thing to another. Long story short, I want to consult with him as much as I can and draft a solid proposal and game plan for his projects and then agree and sign the contract before shooting anything. Right now we have a verbal agreement on an hourly rate and he already wants to shoot (he even had me bring my equipment to the initial consultation yesterday and wanted to shoot right then and there) and then this morning he had his assistant call me to come shoot an interview this Friday.

Because I already have a verbal agreement on my hourly rate do you think I should draft a pretty generic, open ended contract, get it signed and shoot the interview and then continue to work on the proposal or should I focus on convincing him to be patient until we have a detailed plan of action? I would definitely prefer the latter, but I wonder since he's ready to spend the money and anxious to shoot if I should go ahead and take the money and keep him happy.
 
If you can't get a contract to him in time reiterate the conversation in an email to confirm that's what you agreed apon and to have it in writing.
 
Sounds like trouble, but....
You want to focus his attention?
Tell him you need half your total rate upfront,
and also put a "kill fee" in the contract
so if he does waste your time at least you'll get paid for it.
 
I'm very familiar with this type personality. They don't have time for contracts and such. Which is why you need one all the more.
 
DO NOT EVER TAKE THE CAMERA OUT OF YOUR CAR WITHOUT SOME KIND OF MONEY IN HAND.

Money is a great motivator. You would be surprised how much more focused your clients are when your holding some of their money.

I do 50% down before they even get an outline.
 
Just to update everyone on the situation. I ended up drafting a contract which basically stated that I would do work for this client at X/hour on an open ended, as needed basis. In the contract I laid out very specific terms for ending the contract as well as a very strict billing plan along with the consequences of failing to adhere to the billing plan. My client was extremely satisfied with this contract and I think for this case it was the best way to go. Personally I would have included all of his smaller projects into one big comprehensive project, but because he is unorganized and is used to just using all of his small projects as separate videos I am just looking at it as a little side gig to make some extra money here and there instead of a grand project that will look terrific on my reel. Although I would love to have half of a big budget it my hand right now, I'm satisfied with our contract because the payment plan is so specific that there is no way for me to get screwed out of any money.
 
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