Client Brief

Client Brief 

Requirements: 
Explicit requirements - MUST meet these
Implicit requirements - Indirect and implying 
Open for interpretation - Your choice to make decisions based on what appropriately fits the brief e.g choice of colours, font choice 

TYPES OF BRIEFS

Formal/ Informal

Contractual 

Negotiated 

Cooperative brief  

Competition 

Commission 

Formal Brief 

• Written document 
• Technical and specific language 
• Focused/in depth (detail,budget, deadlines, requirements) 
• Majority of briefs in this style 

Informal Brief 

• Chat over drink (informal environment)
• Non/limited documentation supporting 
• No direct contractual agreement (can't blame client if it goes wrong) - no signing so no ownership
• No specific requirement outlined initially 

Contractural Brief (formal)

• Tasks accepted under legal obligation (signed document)
• Client's desires and deadlines outlined must be met 
• Both clients and the media producers must abide by the brief 
• Beneficial as the legal obligation so there is no blurred lines and it is clear cut and set out. 

Negotiated Brief 

• Both client and media producer work together to make decisions 
• Through negotiations brief may be altered 
• Producers may have discussions with client and discuss storyline for film,budget  

Co-operative Brief 

• Two or more media producers/ production companies working together to meet brief 
• E.g film producers and different a post-production house
• Some people may like one media producer and not the other in a production 

Competition Brief 

• Brief is advertised/given to multiple media producers 
• Producers have to pitch 
• All the different producers create their product 
• Client then picks which one is best 
• Wastes time to create brief 
• Reward is often just the prospect of getting your project published/disputed 

Commissioning Brief 

• Media company imploys independent company to produce project on their behalf  
• The brief is not negotiated between the media producer and the employer/commissioner 
• The commisioner might negotiate the brief with the client 
• Independent company is paid and may receive royalties