The creative call is the time to give your technical examples of how you will be bringing this project to life. It may seem like the time to listen, but it’s really the time to talk.
The creative call feels like you’re just getting their information so you can do the bid. That’s really not what’s happening. They want to hear from you. Make sure you give examples of what you’re going to do so they can achieve that look they’re going for. Be really specific. Give examples. It’s your time to step forward. That’s really what these calls are about. Be the one on the call giving the information vs just receiving.
Give everything you’ve got on these video ‘Creative Calls’ by being fully present.
Let the client feel like they know who you are with a bit of warmth in your facial reactions.
Be prepared with ideas or comments, mentioning their website to show you are their ultimate team player whom they can count on to understand their branding goals.
Have questions ready to go that will suggest your production strategies and game-plan, all to help them get a sense of what you offer.
I was just on a video creative call and came up with some tips to help you secure the job from these calls. Video calls can often feel stiff and awkward, so it’s important to create a sense of warmth and presence. Make sure to maintain direct eye contact and avoid positioning your camera off to the side, as this can make it harder to connect.
Do your homework by researching their website and mentioning specific details on the call. This shows how serious you are and demonstrates that you understand their brand. Reference something from their website or the call—such as the shot list or details about the talent—to show your comprehension of their needs.
Prepare some questions in advance, whether they relate to talent, color retouching, the shot list, or lighting. These questions don’t necessarily have to be literal questions but can serve as opportunities to showcase your strategy and production ideas. Be yourself and give them a sense of how you’ll solve their problems effectively when they hire you.
Have a genuine self sales chat (elevator pitch) ready to go for an awkward portfolio showing or a zoom meeting when you need something to share about yourself.
Be prepared with a few tidbits that won’t sound like “sales,” but more like you sharing a story of an experience you had that shows how you like to work.
We know that you probably aren’t a salesperson if you’re listening to this and you’re more of a creative person, but you are a creative business. You need to have a sales pitch, or an elevator pitch. It needs to express who you are or how you dealt with something on a shoot that makes you more valuable to them. You need to know your client and who they work with and what kind of scenarios might come up for them. Have a few stories or scenarios to discuss because it shows that if something happens during a shoot, you would be able to handle it because of a past experience. Have these talking points ready to go so that when you’re in the moment you just have these keywords to remember if there’s an awkward moment of silence or you only have one minute to make an impression. How are you going to say what you need to say? What would you say to this person? What do you want from this person? Do you want to take them to lunch? Do you want to have a meeting? Do you want to talk to them about an idea you have? Have it ready to go.
“When we reach out to an artist to bid on a project, it’s the start of a relationship of sorts. We’ve been admiring their work and would like to initiate a conversation.
The Creative Call is the “first date”. The Treatment is the second one.
The treatment tells us whether the artist heard us, but equally as important, how it resonates with them, now that they’ve heard our thoughts and vision for the project. It’s feedback to that “first date”. It should never be just a regurgitation of what we said. It should be how they would take our starting point and build on it.”
Treatments are important. It can get you the job. We just lost a job because we didn’t do a treatment. I asked the client why? The winning photographer was chosen because their treatment was so fabulous and it reconfirmed what they heard on the creative call. They need to know you’re as professional as you sound. Because you might sound professional on the phone but they need to know you are the person they heard on that call.
Have a genuine work-related story (elevator pitch) ready to go for an awkward portfolio showing or a zoom meeting when you need something to share about yourself.
Be prepared with a few tidbits that won’t sound like “sales.” but more like you share a story of an experience you had that shows how you like to work.
I know you might not consider yourself a salesperson if you’re listening to this and you’re more of a creative person, but in the business of creativity, having sales pitches or elevator pitches is essential. You need to have a few ready that can clearly express who you are and how your experiences on a shoot make you valuable. Know your client—who they work with and what scenarios might come up for them. For example, if you recently traveled somewhere and it’s relevant to their needs, mention it. Have a few examples ready to show how you’ve handled situations during shoots based on past experiences. These small, personable details can be very impactful.
Be prepared with key points for any situation, especially if there’s an awkward silence or limited time. Think about what you would say to this person and what you want from them. Whether it’s arranging a lunch, scheduling a meeting, or discussing an idea you have, have your approach ready to go.
ASR: Vinnie, I was enjoying your crystal clear quality of your camera on our Zoom creative call. You really were clearer than I have seen before. What equipment do you use to get this so sharp?
VF: I use Canon EOS R that is connected to my computer through a capture card, the capture card is an Elgato Cam Link. For audio I use a Zoom H% recorder that is also connected directly to my computer.
Zoom calls are our way to connect with clients through our visual presence by direct and confident eye contact.
We’re noticing how important it is to really give eye contact as if you’re in person, because you are, in a sense. You’re as in person as we’re going to be right now. Make sure you have good eye contact and sit up straight. It shows how you are as a person, how you feel about this job and your excitement level as well as your presence if they choose to work with you. Showing good eye contact and sitting up straight shows you’re able to connect with the person you’re having a meeting with. Showing emotion on your face, being a warm person and reiterating what they have said to you, but in your own words will help you connect to whomever you are having a Zoom meeting with. No matter what the point is on the Zoom calls. It’s important to connect with the person you’re meeting with.
It was poetry to my rep ears when I heard the words this client responded with on my photographer’s creative call –
“I hear the emotion you want to bring to this, and I hear your energy for this concept.”
Finally, the words that embody exactly what we need to achieve on these calls.
Creative calls have been a hot topic for everyone wanting to know what makes a good creative call. I’ve never been able to nail down the words as well as I did the other day on a call when I heard a creative discuss the energy and emotion they bring. In our business, as photographers, you need to bring the same passion that got you into this career to these calls. Be yourself, and convey the energy you will bring. Show them the concept and make it come to life. As Neff said, “That baby will be brought to life by you because you get it.” There’s only one way to demonstrate that understanding: through how you present yourself on the call. Words alone won’t do it—it’s about how you sound and how you convey your vision. Prepare for the call by finding the right words and expressing your understanding clearly. Show them what it will look like and how you will bring it to life.
Are producers, creative/art directors & agencies open to virtual meetings?
A:
Yes, virtual meetings are happening although keep in mind we have busier clients than usual because a lot of layoffs have happened and they are doing the work for 2 or 3 people themselves. We can’t expect many clients to show up right now. The other part of this is I’d suggest you only do this if you have something to say and show. Make sure you really have a “pitch” to share and new images so that it is meaningful for them or else it could backfire and work against you.
I have some Zoom meetings with creative agencies coming up. Usually you can bring a few books and leave-behinds, and sometimes even cupcakes, when meeting in person. Obviously you can’t do that in a Zoom meeting.
Any tips or suggestions to help stand out?
A:
Today’s Zoom meetings need a bit more awareness than in-person meetings as you don’t want to talk over others, or be too quiet, too loud, or speak too quickly. Definitely do some tests to see how you can be as crystal clear as possible. Get your lighting right and set up where you will be sitting. I do not suggest using those fake backgrounds as they will get all the attention and may prevent people from hearing what you are saying if they are looking more at your background. Treat the meeting as real as possible and no need to be nervous. Be yourself and listen to others. You can always send your cupcakes over after the meeting, 🙂
