In Production We Trust
September 14, 2009Trust is an important aspect of our business, though it is seldom explicitly addressed. Once you boil off all the artful language, schedules, rosters, budgets, and proposals what’s left is very simple: One entity trusts another entity to perform a function.
The product may be tangible, as with production elements, or it may be conceptual, as with a design goals; in either case, clients trust the work will get done. Each client will have a slightly different relationship with their production company, but consider these five points before signing on the dotted line.
The production company should …
… protect the client’s reputation. That emotional comfort is worth a lot.
… act ethically with their client’s clients. Long-term relationships are more important than short-term gain.
… also act ethically down the chain of command. Treating workers well and compensating them fairly inevitably pay off in extenuating circumstances.
… make the pricing transparent for every element of the project. Budgetary surprises are unacceptable.
… recommend the correct type of gear. The needs of the job matter more than what’s sitting in the shop.
… use the appropriate amount of gear. More is not necessarily better, but it is certainly more expensive.
If you trust your production company, never let them go. If you don’t, then perhaps it’s time for a change.
