Is the client always right?

L

lowep

Well-known member
Just did a small promo documentary for an organization headed by a micromanager who wanted to put fingers into every part of the production down to where name titles should be inserted, shaving subject's interview quotes so the speakers statements lined up with the organization's line, and cutting out clips for no reason other than personal style preferences, which left me steaming but the client quite satisifed. So much so I have been asked to do more. So I have the opportunity to bow out gracefully or (my preference) negotiate a more reasonable balance. To do this I need to figure out where to draw the line before the production starts that is a new ball game for me, as have previously had more understanding clients. So am wondering if anybody else has found themselves in this situation and what to do? For example, would it be professionally correct to insist that as the producer I should have decision-making control over all aspects of the production (scripting, shooting, editing)? or is the client always right?
 
The client (sadly) is always right in terms of corporate work.

They pay the money and, often, expect far too much. When I started off (in the late 80's!) corporate was a little different. Whilst the client was always right, they'd often give more freedom, especially if they'd seen your work on TV. Now, in the multi-media, information super high-way, 4K mega world we live in, with HD on phones and more to come (robot servants, holograms and personal jet packs next? LOL) :) the type of fingers in all pie client is pretty common.

In the 'olde' days, it was unlikely that the client even took photographs themselves - now their 'device' (insert whatever phone they use etc) empowers them to be creative - even if they're not. They can get Apps to grade photos they've snapped - create videos etc etc... so, in reality, you are really just another 'device' that can be used to create what they want.

In the end, it's all about their film, they're the client and will always want it their way.

You are just there to facilitate what they require... as a Corporate Producer, you don't have any real creative control... your job is to manage the client and make sure your company makes a profit.

Creating art is one thing - but commercial projects are exactly that - things that pay the bills :)

My advice would be to pass on any more work with this client... it will end in tears if you do another project with them.
 
Though there will be many clients that don't have the creative imagination to define what they want before you shoot it for them, they will often be able to define it from the material you provide them afterwards. If you do your job well and give them the coverage they need to refine their ideas and communicate their message in the end, that is what counts. If the client wants you back, sounds like you did well by them.
There is always a bit of a wrestling match with commercial clients vs one's creative vision. No two people see things exactly alike. But for commercial work you answer to them.
A healthy dialogue should allow some give and take on both sides to get to a final product that is better than either of you would have done on your own. Discuss the end product only in a positive manner and express why you think your will ideas make it better. But in the end the final decision is the client's.
If the relationship is unbearable, better to move on.
 
Last edited:
It's a fine line we have to walk. The client is paying for it so they expect to get what they want out of it. They're not paying you to make your vision, but rather they only want theirs. On the other hand, they can't get the world without paying for it either. In your contract it should specify exactly what they're getting and how many revisions they can get before being charged more. That's always the big one and a lesson I learned a long time ago. The other thing is to prevent getting to this point in the first place. Work with your client in the planning stage to understand what they really want, and then help them to get something even better. If they're still micromanaging, then find the strength to just roll with it. It helps if you don't get emotionally or artistically attached to the project.
 
Try and find out if you're next in a line of previous producers who just packed up and departed.

Ask them a short list of prepared questions with the aim of finding out if it was the same situation as you're facing.

If it's going well you could get around to asking about the money they charged.

Cheers.
 
Razz16mm said:
A healthy dialogue should allow some give and take on both sides to get to a final product that is better than either of you would have done on your own. Discuss the end product only in a positive manner and express why you think your will ideas make it better. But in the end the final decision is the client's.
If the relationship is unbearable, better to move on.
Click to expand...

The most important point when working on corporate gigs.

In general the client is king. IMO it's the most important part of communication with a client, to build a basis of trust and dialogue where you can both work on a project and at the same time beeing honest. It can be hard to convince the client that this or that decision will be better for the overall output. Often it takes a few projects to gain that trust in you, or to gain the right level of dialogue.
Its a good sign that the client wants you to do more work for him, a certain level of trust must be there, so be honest or at least try to be.
 
No offence to the readership, but I get the feeling the client is a woman ... hopefully with a sense of humour.

If so the client is a Queen, work on that.

Cheers.
 
Put your ego away. You are working for the client. If the client is a micro-manager and wants that kind of control and they are paying the appropriate fees, then they get that kind of control. It their product, not yours. I'm not saying its easy. Having your creative work thrown away is no fun.
 
Last edited:
Put your ego away.

Good suggestion! Unfortunately I am not the Dalai Lama. So this perceptive feedback has helped me a lot to think more clearly about what to do. Thanks to each of you.
 
Last edited:
I agree with what most people are saying. In corporate, if the client wants to micromanage they have essentially paid for it. It's annoying, but if you don't want to deal with it, just pass on the client (unless the money is very good I suppose).
 
I tend to look at things this way… I'm not out saving the world, I'm producing a video. Smile, take their money and pay your bills!
 
Clients that pay on time at a top rate are always right. Especially when they're not.

If you have the right attitude, these kind of jobs don't have to be frustrating, the can be fun. You're in a service business. Try to emulate a great hotel desk clerk or a great waiter that really seemed to enjoy providing you with a great experience. It will make your job easier and more fun.
 
arniepix said:
Clients that pay on time at a top rate are always right. Especially when they're not.

If you have the right attitude, these kind of jobs don't have to be frustrating, the can be fun. You're in a service business. Try to emulate a great hotel desk clerk or a great waiter that really seemed to enjoy providing you with a great experience. It will make your job easier and more fun.
Click to expand...

+1
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top