5.5 Questions for Creative Communication Success
Often we filmmakers must be one part creative genius, three-fifths entrepreneur, and about 20% therapist. We must also understand braille, pig-latin, sign language, and any other relatively obscure methods of communication. I have often found that a majority of unending, unrewarding film work is due to either miscommunications between client and production house or creative shortsightedness.
I submit several questions that should be asked in any meeting that will get your clients talking, and you will hear their intentions for your interaction. Always remember they want you to succeed as well!
1. “How can I help you?”
This idiom is typically overlooked or reduced to a sappy yokel introduction, but the mystic is within the profound direction it contains. It frames the conversation in their terms, and on their turf. Remember they have a problem, and they are looking for you to fix it, because they either can’t or won’t. Think of them as a damsel or dude in distress, and your the knight in shine armor.
2. “What do you hope to gain?”
Now that they have previously framed the conversation you are now plotting a destination. What exactly is the end game? Naturally more money, but how? Lower overhead? You now have perimeters to work within to give your pitch
3. “Is this something you are interested in?”
Perhaps you are NOT the answer to their problem. However if you can point them in the right direction they will appreciate it, and remember you and your work when they need it.
4. “What changes do you want to see?”
This allows them to realize the position you have given them. They hold the power. It is a very creatively bare place to be. Open to all criticism for the benefit of the project. Never be defensive. You may deflect an ingenues notion. Also you have allowed them to see your flexibility and ease of work flow. Everyone wants to work with a friend. Be that friendly face.
5. “If you like this, you should see what I am working on now!”
This is an excellent showstopper at the end of a meeting, but must be said with utmost sincerity and respect. You are now showing instant growth. It does not demean your current project in the least, but it does spark their interest on your current workload. If you have a trailer, concept art, or exciting casting development give a little taste of it. This is your fallback. Perhaps your meeting didn’t go as well, but this opportunity may leave something with them to call you back in the future.
5.5 “Thank you for ……”
Never forget the power of being polite. Before you leave thank them for their time, their effort, their perspective. Whatever. Everyone loves to be validated and appreciated. You will find that once you set the cordial tone this will continue on into the more tense situations which are bound to arise.
Hopefully now you have some great questions to keep in mind for any creative meeting you may be heading off to. I’m curious to see if these questions are applicable to other creative arts. Can anyone add to this list?