Understanding Briefs

 A brief is defined in media terms as a resource that outlines the objectives, target audiences, budget and other criteria that are important to the client in the production of a media product

5 Types of Briefs

• Contractual - The production company goes into a legal contract to make the product. If the production company fails to make the product they can face legal issues. Tends to be abundant in larger companies. Harry and Meghan had a contractual agreement with Netflix to make a show. 
• Negotiated - If the production is a cooperative brief given to two or more media companies working on the same project. It allows issues to be discussed with each other.  The brief can be negotiated to suit every party involved in the production. 
• Informal -  Usually verbal only, requirements are flexible.
• Tender - The client will advertise the brief and a media production company will bring together a proposal that they will pitch to the client. There could be multiple pitches from difference companies so that the client can choose the client that they think is most suitable. Decisions can be based on ideas, timescale or even cost.
• Formal - The production company is given a brief by the client which outlines the product which they want to be made. Only gives enough info to produce the product, any issues that the production company has must be discussed during the negotiations with the client

Disadvantages of Informal: No legal requirement to follow the instructions; Requirements could easily be misunderstood    

Advantages of Informal: It allows the producers to be more creative with their designs; It is easier than obtaining a contract