Creative Calls

 On a creative call make sure to wait after you speak, hearing the creatives’ response. 

The purpose is not only to get your questions answered or get your message across, but also to connect. It’s not a show, it’s a conversation. 

You speak and then they may have a response, so allow for that as the connection may be more important than what you are saying. 

On these creative calls, as I listen to all the photographers, I always think about what I can learn and what they can learn from the discussion. I actually wrote some notes on this and want to read them because I don’t want to forget anything. Don’t rush and talk so much that they can’t respond to each point. Every point you make is important, and it’s equally important to hear how they respond.

Who knows what they might say? Hopefully, they like what you’re saying, but their responses can help you understand more and guide your perspective on the project. Hearing their responses is exactly what you need, so make sure to slow down and not rush as you talk. Allow space for them to answer.

 The Creative Call is one of those rare ‘make or break’ moments that will help you get or lose the job. When you hear a pause after the creative explains what they are looking for, jump in with a response of a visual description of how you will get what they are looking for.

I have a specific piece of advice for you, based on what I’ve noticed on creative calls. There’s often a pause when the art director is explaining the shot list and the concept. It’s crucial to wait for that pause and use it as your opportunity to reiterate your visual plan. Instead of just saying ‘That’s great’ or ‘Yeah, sure,’ use that pause to restate what they’ve outlined and explain how you will technically execute it. This helps clarify how you’re going to bring their vision to life.

Q:

Do I need to consider where a brand/agency is located before pitching them? If they’re in another state I might not be able to meet in person and I’m concerned I could lose a job over it.

A:

Communication tends to be done electronically, via online portfolio review, conference calls, video chats, etc, rarely in person. If you think the budget won’t allow for travel, you can always offer to work as a “local” once you get to the budgeting stage. Focus on the jobs you really want… that your body of work supports.

Our business can sometimes feel like a game of chess. And as they say, you can’t win if you don’t play. So be in it to win it!

This came from something I’ve been noticing lately. When people, especially clients, ask for something—things we didn’t have to do in the past—it now seems like there’s a trend where we need to give more than what’s asked of us. Whether it’s in the bid, the treatment, or even on a creative call, we go beyond. We even pay people to get the resources we need, as if we’ve already got the job. Go beyond what’s required; it’s a game, and you’ve got to be in it to win it. I mean it. Find the resources you need, and give them not just what they want, but more than they even think they want. Show up with more than they could ever imagine.

The overall purpose of the creative phone call is to give the client a sense of what it’s like to work with you. 

Creative calls are crucial to conveying to art directors and art producers that you understand their concept. We’ve heard from art producers that you could be third in the bidding but you can become first if the creative call goes really well. That’s how important it is. Not to get you nervous, but they want to hear that it’s their baby and you understand it. You’re going to bring it to life as they see it.

One important way to impress the client on the creative call is to research them before the call. Bring your knowledge of their company into the call.

When you’re on a business phone call, be aware of speaking clearer and slower than you’re used to. On work calls we are less inclined to ask someone to repeat themselves. Slow it down, enunciate, and listen.

ON “THE CREATIVE CALL”

Guest Post | Wonderful Machine & Craig Oppenheimer

It’s important to understand a few things about these phone calls. First, you should always assume that the agency/client is considering other photographers, and when they finish a conversation with you, they are likely jumping on a call to talk through the same details with another photographer…or maybe two or three more photographers. For that reason, it’s important to express enthusiasm for a project, be energetic, have questions prepared and generally put your best foot forward. I’ve been on many creative calls where photographers have responded to questions in one-word answers, or don’t have any questions about the project, and this is a sure-fire way for the agency/client to lose interest in you. Clients don’t just want a great photographer; they want a great collaborator as well. During the call, it’s therefore important for a photographer to prove that they have fully internalized the project, and explain how they can add value to the production and therefore the entire campaign. First impressions are crucial, and when you are meeting over the phone, it’s your voice and energy that matter, so make it count. 

Guest Post: Wonderful Machine + Craig Oppenheimer/ 

originally published on Wonderful Machine Member Blog

Sales tool number uno: sometimes keeping my mouth shut and listening

Q:

What is the key to having an amazing creative call? What will make you stand out above other photographers running for that job?

A:

Great question because that Creative Call is the second reason you will get a job, the first being your portfolio. There is this really smart technique in psychotherapy where couples respond to each other by reflecting back what they hear. It makes the other person feel heard.

A creative call is like that. 

The creative had this imaginative idea and they want to know which photographer can make it real and bring it to life. They want to know that you grasp their vision and that you understand it. They also want to hear what you will be like to work with. Do you sound like someone who will bring a lot to this “party”? Use technical terms which incorporate the mood of what they want to shoot so you sound like you really know what you’re doing!