1. Working to a Brief
LO1
Regan McGreavy

2. Contractual Brief
Definition
This type of brief has to be completed in a set time (e.g. 10
weeks) and is used when a company signs an agreement
with whoever they hold the contract for specific work to
be completed within the time specified.
Advantages
The advantages of this would be that there is a set date for
work to be completed by meaning that the person who
holds the contract can work out a schedule for work that
will allow them to get it finished in time.
Disadvantages
The person who holds the contract and the company could
have disagreements for example with the deadline, costs
or final product.

3. Formal Brief
Definition
A formal brief is more to the point than a contractual brief
though the fine details are discussed at a later date. This
type of brief is not always legally binding but both
companies are agreed on the brief before signing.
Advantages
Its not always legally binding which means if the task isn't
completed to the brief there might not be a way to carry
out legal action.
The description of the task is quite detailed but the fine
details are discussed later.
Disadvantages
Because it is not legally binding the people working on the
brief/product may not be as motivated to get the work
done.

4. Informal Brief
Definition
This type of brief is very informal as there is no
documentation it is more of a verbal agreement. This also
means there may not be a set completion date as all the
details are discussed verbally.
Advantages
It is more relaxed than other briefs, also that in some
circumstances there may be no set completion date
meaning the work can be done and planned to fit in with
every day life.
Disadvantages
The fact there is no deadline and no contract may mean
people don’t want to get the work done and the whole
project could end up not being finished or take a very
long time to complete.

5. Co-Operative Brief
Definition
This kind of brief happens when two or more companies
are employed to work on the same project and
complete the project by the set time. If there was a
disagreement with the companies a negotiated brief
would be used to find something that works for all the
companies involved.
Advantages
Different companies means different skill sets this would
help get the project finished efficiently.
Disadvantages
Disagreements could happen.

6. Negotiated Brief
Definition
A negotiated brief happens when two companies work
together on a co-operated brief and come to a
disagreement over parts of the project, they
negotiated and come to a solution that works for all
companies involved.
Advantages
It allows companies to work together on the same
project despite disagreements.
Disadvantages
Everyone has to make a compromise so the project can
continue.

7. Commission Brief
Definition
This type of brief is used when a bigger organisation such as
ITV or BBC hire a smaller company to make the
production for them (A TV Program etc.…) the brief is then
negotiated between the companies, once the product is
made the bigger company would commission it and give
the smaller company a percentage of the profits.
Advantages
It means that smaller companies can work for bigger
companies and have their work on TV/cinema.
Disadvantages

8. Tender Brief
Definition
This is where a media company would publish a brief to
multiple companies describing roughly what they
want, smaller companies can then come back to the
media company with their ideas/briefs. It would then
be decided who’s was the best and that company
would be given the contract/project.
Advantages
It means many companies can try to secure the job.
Disadvantages
It means production companies are trying to out do
each other which in some cases could cause some
rivalry.

9. Competition Brief
Definition
A competition brief is used in contests either between
companies or public, it will have a deadline for the
‘contest’ when all the entries are in they will be
judged. The winner could get a prize or their project
published etc.
Advantages
Usually don’t have to pay to take part in the
contest, also the winner would be guaranteed a
prize/opportunity such as work or their work published.
Disadvantages
Not guaranteed to get anything out of doing it.