1. Task 1: Final Majors Project
Contractual:
‘A contractual brief is a type of brief or contract where a media company is employed by the client in order
to complete a project within the brief which is set to specific guidelines which the media company must
follow. It will be very important for the media company to follow these guidelines and do exactly what the
client states within the brief, if they fail to do so this can result in a breach of contract and the company
could face legal actions.’
http://creativemediaatjt.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/contractual-brief.html
A contractual brief is a form of legal document set out by a client that outlines a specific
project they’d like the employee to carry out and the guidelines they must follow. Within
the media industry the employer will most likely be some form of Production Company
hired by a clientele in order to meet there needs which will be set out within the brief. You
may be asked to create a radio advertisement for example- the contract will outline specific
expectations from the end product, what they may and may not want to see, an agreed
budget, payment methods and deadlines. Failure to meet the guidelines will result in a
breach of contract which in turn may lead the client to fire or terminate the contract and
even take legal action. The employer will agree to the contractual brief- and sometimes sign
for it- if they agree with everything set out.
If I was to carry out a contractual brief project making a radio advertisement I’d be able to
utilise my skills in the following four categories in order to expand on my own self-
development.
Communication: Communication surrounding a contractual brief will be a lot more formal
since you’re agreeing to a legal document; therefore I’d be meeting with the client face-to-
face in order to discuss the brief and ask any questions or bring forward any concerns.
Time Management: Contractual briefs are typically used in formal situations and therefore
involve strict deadlines which must be adhered too in order to avoid legal action. This
means I’d have to use my time effectively; the best way for me to do this would be to create
a schedule and update it weekly so that I can manage the project and keep myself on track.
A contractual brief would also allow me to develop my time management skills and working
under pressure.
Technical Skills: Producing a radio advertisement will allow me to gain more experience
working with in a recording/sound studio. I’ll be able to expand on my existent knowledge
of using recording equipment, whilst access to a vast sound FX’s and music library will teach
me how to source music more effectively. With the help of the editor I’ll be able to gain a
2. more indepth knowledge in using the sound board and editing software such as AviPro tool
or reaper.
Career Progression: If I was working as part of a small production team and the client that
hired us knew that we were capable of meeting there guidelines and producing work that
meets their expectations, then there’s the possibility of them re-hiring us and
recommending us to other clients rather than wasting resources in trying to find somebody
else.
3. Negotiated:
‘A negotiated brief is where the media company may possibly have disagreement or a possible issue with the
assignment/brief that they have been given and then negotiate with the client on how they can work their
way around it while sticking to the guidelines of the brief.’
https://prezi.com/s6w7vczkbbh6/negotiated-brief/
When a brief is put forward there may be aspects that the employee- and sometimes client-
do not agree on, therefore through negotiation they’ll make changes to the brief and come
to an outcome that suits everyone and still follows the guidelines. A negotiated brief means
that the project is open to a lot more ideas and suggestions that may initially not have been
thought of, however it can cause an unnecessary delay in production. A negotiated brief
typically involves compromise from both parties in order to come to a fair and appropriate
decision and to avoid incomplete work for the client, firing of the employee and a waste of
money and time.
If I was to carry out a negotiated brief project capturing photos for music based magazine,
however did not agree on the chosen style, I’d be able to utilise my skills in the following
four categories in order to expand on my own self-development.
Communication: Communication surrounding a negotiated brief will be slightly less formal
that a contractual one, however it will still consist of face-to-face meetings in order to come
to a compromise more easily. E-mailing may further complicate the matter and lead to
further confusion and upset; you’re also able to voice your opinion more easily in a face-to-
face dilemma and show that you’re listening to the clients opinions and taking them in,
without sounding rude.
Time Management: This may be slightly more flexible if you’re able to negotiate it, however
you still want to stick to the deadline they’ve given you if you want to be hired by the client
again and receive recommendations. This means that I’d need to make sure I’m using my
time effectively and following a project schedule that I update weekly to keep on track.
Technical Skills: A photoshoot will allow me to further develop and expand on my
photography skills- composition, rule of thirds, f-stop etc. Whilst the editing aspects will
allow me to further develop my existing knowledge of photoshop.
Career Progression: If I was a freelance photographer and produced photos that exceeded
the clientele’s expectations, there’s the possibility of them hiring me again or
recommending me rather than wasting resource looking for somebody else.
4. Formal:
‘This this where a media company is given a brief by the client which outlines the product which they are
wanting to be made. This brief is very open and only gives enough information to be able to produce the
product, any issues or information that the media company would like to go over can be discussed during the
negotiations with the client. Both the client and the company employed by them will formally agree on the
project and the brief but it cannot always be legally binding.’
http://creativemediaatjt.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/formal-brief.html
A formal brief is a contract set out by the client for the employee that lays out all the rule
and regulations they’d like them to follow and what project it is they’d like them to do. The
brief is very similar to a contractual one in that it provides you with the exact information
you need in order to carry out the project; however unlike a contractual brief it may not
always outline the legal information which can be risky. The words used within the brief are
carefully chosen so that exactly what the client wants is achieved. Both the client and
employee have to agree on the contract.
If I was to carry out a formal brief project creating a trainee video for the clients future
employees, I’d be able to utilise my skills in the following four areas in order to expand on
my own self-development.
Communication: Information for a formal brief needs to be interchanged officially in a
professional manner, therefore a face-to-face meeting will be required in order to make
sure everything is understood and so that any questions can be asked.
Time Management: A strict deadline will be given in the brief that I must adhere to,
therefore I’ll need to utilise my time effectively. In order to do this I’ll create a production
schedule that’ll I’ll update and follow on a weekly basis to keep me on track.
Technical Skills: The project will allow me to further develop my camera skills and teach me
a new style of filmmaking, whilst the editing process will allow me to further expand my
knowledge on adobe premiere pro.
Career Progression: The video will be seen by a number of people, therefore there is the
possibility of someone seeking out for me to carry out a project for them. If I meet the
current client’s expectations then they may hire me again as to avoid wasting time, money
and resources searching for someone else. A brief of this nature also shows that I’m able to
work within under formal conditions and follow rules.
5. Informal:
‘This type of brief is done face to face through a meeting, all aspects of the brief must appeal to all members
from the client list, the advantages of doing an informal brief is that it can create a relaxed environment and
therefore be created a lot quicker, the disadvantages of an informal brief is that it can be seen as
unprofessional and unclear.’
http://sophiehunit5workingwithabrief.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/contractual-formal-negotiated-
informal.html
An informal brief is usually set out in a casual situation verbally and not documented. The
client will simply tell the employer what it is they’re after and ultimately leave the employee
to carry out the project. This type of brief allows the employee to asks more questions and
get a better understating of their client which in turn allows for an end product that meets
there standards and expectations.
If I was to carry out an informal brief creating a music video for an aspiring artist, I’d be able
to utilise my skills in the following areas in order to expand on my own self-development.
Communication: Just like the brief name suggests, communication will be very casual,
therefore I can contact the client over email, telephone or in a casual setting and note take.
Time Management: Although there will be no strict deadline to meet, I’ll ask the client for
an indication as to when they want it complete so that I can create a project schedule and
keep track of my progress.
Technical Skills: Extensive planning needs to take place beforehand- research, ideas
generation, proposals, storyboards etc. These are all skills that will forever be usefull to me
within the media industry. Producing a music video for an informal brief will allow me to
experiment with different filming styles whilst also allowing me to expand on my own
camera skills. I’ll gain a more indepth knowledge on lighting, composition and sound. Whilst
the editing aspects will allow me to further expand my editing skills on adobe premiere pro.
Career Progression: Carrying out an informal brief is a chance for you to showcase your
skills to both the client and product consumers, therefore allowing you to be noticed by
others- particularly other media based companies and future clients.
6. Commission:
‘This brief is where a large media company will employ another independent media company to create and
produce the product for them, and after the product has been made the larger company may go on to be use
the product for an external client who will pay the independent media company for making the product and
they could even get a cut of the royalties too. The brief is not negotiated between the company and the
client, however is negotiated between the two media companies.’
http://creativemediaatjt.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/commission -brief.html
If a larger media corporation- such as the BBC for example- were to hire an independent
media company to produce a project for them this would be a commission brief. The brief
will be negotiated and talked about between the two media based companies; however the
BBC may then decide to hand over the end project to an external client; whilst the
independent company will be paid for producing the product, they may also receive some of
the money generated once it’s been distributed.
If I was to carry out a commission brief creating a short comedy segment for a larger
corporation, I’d be able to utilise my skills in the following areas in order to expand on my
own self-development.
Communication: Communication for a commission brief will need to be done face-to-face,
over an online video call or telephone in order to discuss negotiations since two media
companies working together will have different ideas. We’d need to discuss whether the
brief is flexible or whether it can be developed together.
Time Management: They’ll want the final product to be in for a specific date- especially if
there selling it on to another company- therefore I’ll have to ensure I follow a specific
timeline and meet any of the key dates they may have provided me with. In order to do this
I’ll have to ensure that has a production company we have some form of structural
production management that includes a production schedule.
Technical Skills: A project of this nature will allow me to expand and develop my skills in a
variety of areas, whether its tasks that I’m carrying out or ones that I pick up and help with
along the way. These include filming, lighting set up and control, sound, electrical work and
editing- adobe premiere pro, after effects.
Career Progression: If as an independent production company we complete the project to
the highest of standards there is the possibility of the larger media corporation hiring us
again rather than wasting resources looking for someone else.
7. Tender:
‘This is where a client will advertise their brief and a production company will bring together a proposal that
they will pitch to the client, there could be multiple pitches to the client from many different companies, so
the client will then get the chance to choose the proposal that they think best suits their brief and offer the
job to that production company.’
http://creativemediaatjt.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/tender-brief.html
This is when a client- in some cases a larger media corporation- will advertise their brief to
smaller production companies who will then bring forward a proposal and pitch it. The
client will then offer the job to the company that best suits the brief and what they’ve asked
for. The description within the brief advertised is very rough and simply outlines a
description of the product they’re expecting and in some cases a budget, its then up to the
production company to come up with an idea that stands out from the rest.
If I was to carry out a tender brief which asked of our company to produce a radio news
programme aimed at young children and teens, I’d be able to utilise my skills in the
following areas in order to expand on my own self-development.
Communication: Communication for a tender brief would be done through a pitch,
therefore I’d be developing both my presenting and oral skills.
Time Management: By showcasing a production schedule during the pitch, it shows how
committed and prepared we are to the project. Updating it weekly allows us to stay on track
and use out time effectively whilst also having some form of structural project
management.
Technical Skills: A project of this nature will allow me to expand on at develop my skills in a
variety of areas with a recording studio/radio station, whether it’s tasks I’mcarrying out or
ones that I pick up and help with along the way. These include sound- recording, music,
sound effects-. Editing- sound boards, AviPro Tool, Reaper.
Career Progression: If our pitch was chosen and we produced an end product that
exceeded the expectations of the client, there’s the possibility of them hiring us again rather
than wasting money and resources searching for another independent production company.
8. Co-Operative:
‘Within this type of brief there are usually two or more companies that are hired by the client to work to the
brief they have written for the specific project they’re wanting to be completed. After both companies have
received the brief they can then proceed to work together to produce the product. If there is a disagreement
or conflict in ideas there can be a negotiated brief in order to resolve these issues.’
http://creativemediaatjt.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/co-operative-brief.html
Co-operative briefs are put in place when a client hires two or more media based companies
or freelance workers to produce a product for them; if there is a disagreement between the
two parties working together, a negotiated brief can then be drawn up. The brief will outline
exactly what it is they’re expecting from the end product, it’s then up to those involved to
come up with the ideas.
If I was to carry out a co-operative brief working with another freelancer in order to produce
the graphic content for a print based advert, I could utilise my skills in the following areas in
order to expand on my own self-development.
Communication: Communication will need to be face-to-face in order to discuss my own
ideas as well as the other parties and come to a conclusion; this can be done in an informal
situation.
Time Management: A production schedule will need to be made beforehand in order to
ensure that we know who’s doing what and when and so that the project runs smoothly; it
also means that fair blame can be placed on the person holding the project behind.
Technical Skills: By producing the graphical content for a print based advertisement I’ll be
able to expand on both my photoshop and adobe illustrator skills; this includes both the
creative and technical aspects of the software- style, colouring, font sizes, placement and
effects, whilst also increasing my knowledge of the use of different tools.
Career Progression: Whilst there’s the possibility of working for the client again the other
party you’re working with to produce the product may ask for your assistance in a future
project.
9.
10. 1) The clientele for the brief is ‘The Big Lunch’- a not for profit lottery funded event
that happens once a year in cities across the UK. The aim of the event is to bring
neighbours together, make them stronger and tobuild community spirit. The form
of brief is a competition and open to anybody within the UK.
2) The client asks that you produce your own 60 second interpretation of the original
‘Big Lunch’ TV advertisement which aired on the 11th May 2009. The only three
requirements that must be abided are that you include the title card/big lunch
logo, tag-line and website URL, the film must be a minute long or less and that you
abide by legal rules; some of these include being over 16, a UK resident, a release
form being signed from all involved and appearing in the project and no material of
illegal nature.
3) Since the brief is for a competition it’s up to you to come up with a time scale,
however projects will only be considered if they’re submitted by midnight the 5th
July 2009.
4) Since the charitable organisation that organises the yearly event aims to bring
neighbourhoods closer, the target audience is every community of all ages,
ethnicities, religions and gender across the UK. It therefore needs to appeal to a
mass target audience.
5) Master card have obtained a rights cleared basis on a few select samples of song
which can be used within the advertisement only, however if you wish to use a
song of your own choice you must legally obtain clearance- this includes copyright,
usage rights and performance rights- in order for you to be eligible for the
competition. Since the advert must aim to appeal toa wide range of people,
certain ethical issues must be avoided- this includes prejudice, bigotry,
discrimination and illegal, explicit, sexual and violent nature towards any
community or person.
6) Due to the nature of the brief there are no constraints other than you must meet
the requirements of no more than 60 seconds and have it submitted by the
deadline of midnight the 5th July 2009 in order to be considered. It can be filmed
and submitted in any format as long as you’re able to provide good quality footage
and as no budget or money is provided this is solely up to the creator.
11.
12. 1) The Clientele is Fourwalls, however they’re in partnership with the London Short
Film Festival as they’ll be the ones showcasing the winning work. The winning
entry will be chosen by housing and film industry experts and chaired by David
Lammy MP. The form of brief is a competition, although it does not state who its’
open too, I believe it to be anyone within the London area due to the topic and
theme.
2) The client asks that your produce a 3 minute short films that looks at the London
housing situation through your own experiences; hence why I believe it to be
aimed at London citizens. The film can be of any genre as long as it’s within the
time frame and follows the topic of the brief.
3) Since it’s a competition brief it’s up to you to come up with a time scale of when
you’ll carry the project out, howeverto be shortlisted or considered as a winner
you must have it submitted by the 31st December 2014.
4) The purpose of the project is too allow people to give theiropinions on the current
London housing situation. The advertisement designed to support the brief and the
questions asked within the brief suggest to me that they’re trying to appealto the
younger generation- those who it will affect the most. This can be gathered from
the fact they tell us when you’re most likely to buy yourfirst house as well as
asking who you live with as one of the views you can express. Therefore I believe
that the client want the products to appeal to other young adults and those higher
up such as MP’s who may listen.
5) Legally you must have permission to use any copyrighted music within your short
film as well as permission from all that appear with the product. Due to the nature
of the project there are certain ethical issues that must be avoided- this involves
blaming a minority of people for the situation, bigotry or prejudice.
6) Due to the nature of the brief there are no major constraints other that the theme
of topic, the length of product and deadline. Since there is no budget provided it’s
up to you how little or a lot you spend.
13.
14. 1) The clientele is Santander- a subsidiary of branches from the Spanish Santander
group. The form of brief is a tender as it’s asking that you put together short
presentation showcasing your idea and the wining one will be made. The
competition is open to anyone up to the age of 24 due to the nature of topic.
2) The client asks that you produce a campaign over any platform whether it be
through social media, you tube, radio, television or even a game that encourages
and makes young people between the ages of 8-16 save for the future. It can be of
any length, genre or theme as long as it sets out to do what the brief asks of you.
3) The presentation can be made over any platform such as you tube or power point
as long as it’s submitted by the 31st December 2014 in order to be considered.
4) The purpose of the project is too encourage young people to invest in a saving
account for the future, therefore the end product can appeal toeither young
adults themselves or the parents who’ll be setting up the accounts for them.
5) Since you can create any form of campaign you must ensure you follow all
legalities, such as gaining rights to copyrighted music and brand guidelines- the
correct use of the Santander logo. Ethics involved include not excluding or
discriminating against a certain community orrace- particularly through
stereotype.
6) The brief is very open to all ideas and does not contain any constraints other than
you must meet what the clientele is asking of you and the deadline set out if you
want to be considered. Since there is no current set budget, this is something you
may need to discuss in you presentation so that Santanderknow howmuch money
they’ll be spending to create you campaign.