[suztv]

Hey guys.

Just wanted to vent a little. I'm working with someone who is relatively green and a little emotional and I have to say it's been a challenge so far just getting them to give feedback for changes and making sure that what they are describing is what in fact that they want.

I don't know what other people have as experience in this area but I know that I've run into similar clients like this a few times in the past 15 years.

I just got off of the phone with the person and all they could talk about is how my tone is and that they stayed up all night and that their computer isn't working. Tons of excuses but very little in the way of accountability. I told them that in order to get the edit done I need all of the feedback consolidated and signed off on. I've sent a list of the changes that they wanted and even then the client balked at signing off on those changes.

This person is very new to the industry and has no background or education in directing, video or otherwise. So communicating with them has been haphazard. They don't know the difference between a jump-cut or a cross-fade/dissolve. I've sent definitions, references but the individual refuses to use industry terminology so the entire process has been sluggish to say the least.

Often edits or vfx (can you have that person appear as if they are a genie or from smoke) that this person asks for are done and then after reviewing the fx they ask that it be taken out (I didn't like the way that looked with my footage and it doesn't look like the example). I've told them that that won't be done moving forward and that VFX from this point on will be at an additional cost. I want them to concentrate on the editing and overall timing and the motion graphics before we get into the weeds with any high-end VFX. The client did not like that and basically told me my tone was disrespectful.

Even with the challenge of dealing with this type of client I intend on finishing the project. However I'm debating the wisdom of that decision.

If you have a crazy client or have experience dealing with these types of individuals - I would love to hear that I'm not alone.

Thanks for letting me vent y'all.

[kanga]

You are not alone. This is probably the biggest bugbear of freelancing. Well even if you have a reasonable size studio it can be difficult. Really professional people see it as a challenge to deal with awkward clients. There are traffic managers and account managers that are really good at keeping everything on track during a project. It can be a full time job though.

This is all stuff you know though. As a freelancer you have to have very good connections and spend a lot of time hunting for gold clients. I heard someone mention a figure of 15% of clients are good ones, 70% are shopping and the remaining 15% are to be avoided!

People talk about good contracts and if your guy wont sign anything it doesn't sound good. A good contract is no good without a good lawyer. Idealy you want to be a pro finish the job and get paid. I have had jobs when everything went like a dream and got broadcasted but I had to get a lawyer to get my money. The guy was rich, he didnt pay anyone, who knew?

You are not alone in your situation but judging by what you have written I wouldnt count on the job going well.