This BAD CLIENT is the reason i want to QUIT Filmmaking! Mistake Mondays!

[@Esthy]

so sorry that this happened to you, it SUCKS 🤦‍♂ I went through a similar thing early this year and I just ended up cutting communication after a while. Very very similar thing and they just kept wanting revisions (after I already included 3 in the price) so I offered to send the edited+raw files over - and they wouldn't even want to pay me for that 1 hour for the time it would have taken for me to render it all out and do that. I have a contract they sign, even for the smallest project - and they have signed it before we got started. I'm sorry, but there are only so many favors I can do for someone.... It's all in writing, all we can do is be nice and recognize the gut feeling beforehand not to take those projects. Cause I sure had that with this one. / Also, side note: it's ALWAYS the smallest projects with beginner artists/clients, and it's always on thing you're already giving them favors on top of the fee haha / follow the good vibes and put yourself first proud of you! 🥰❤

[@DomCOuano]

i quit filmmaking because of a bad client. i made my own mistakes too but the nail in the coffin really was a bad client. a bad experience with a bad client made me decide to stop filmmaking in my free time and just rest instead. client gave me a deposit of 1300. she wanted to shoot a video at a yoga studio. she didn't tell me she didn't own the studio and the owner wouldn't let us film because they had a regular class scheduled. client and i decide to shoot at a park on a different day. different day comes and i get to the park. we actually got some shots done but then about half an hour in she's not "feeling it" and says it's "totally gonna show in the video" so we stop and then... we go pick her son up from school and then we go to her house. she makes dinner and we talk about shooting a different day. i stay for dinner because yes food. but then later she goes to put her son to bed and i frickin leave. few days go by and she whatsapps me saying she can't shoot that week because she's going to Morocco. I say ok no problem but then we have to wait until next month because i'm going to Philippines the following week so we have to shoot when i get back. she freaked out like "wtf you can't go to the Philippines it's not vacation time for you we have a contract we're already so delayed" for real that's how she responded, plus curses and exclamation marks. and so i sent her back a grand, told her "i quit. i've returned 1000 and i'm keeping 300 to cover the work we did. goodbye" and i waited for her to freak out again. she immediately freaked out again, claiming we did no work and i owe her photos and video. i tell her uhhh yes we did, i packed my bags and showed up twice for you, and we actually do have photos and video from that one day in the park. she tells me she's gonna post screenshots of our whatsapp conversation EVERYWHERE like yelp and google and all over social media. and i tell her go ahead and she left me a string of voice memos saying no fuck you lmao and so then i told her hey if i give you back the other 300 do you promise to drop this whole shit, let me quit, and leave me alone forever? she agreed. i sent her the 300 and i told her ok you got my time, my effort, parts of my sanity, and all of your money back. keep your promise. she said okay. haven't heard from her since. this whole time, i had a night time job and i was attempting to do the freelance filmmaking thing in my free time during the day. this was the time i decided to spend my free time resting. sold some of my equipment. gave some away to other creatives. also got to work writing some books. i think it's real important to share these stories so those who choose to continue their filmmaking pursuit can hear these stories and prepare for what's out there. because these people are out there. and some of them are really really really really really really out there man.

[@Mike_Mandigo]

Good thing you had your communications saved. Thanks for the knowledge & tips Mario!

[@MarioVisions]

Always have to just incase they make me look like the bad guy haha I seen that story way too many times.

[@neilfullframe]

I completely feel you on this ! To be fair your girl warned you twice. But I do get it, you try to help people out and be creative but it tends to backfire. The people that pay the least always want the most ! Keep rocking and the right/easy going clients will continue to come !

[@SooDamGood]

Cheap clients always cause the most amount of problems. Thought I do think you should have an up-sell on the reivsions during the discovery process.

[@12yfilms]

This video should be getting a lot more attention. I feel you... I really do. I'm needing to update my contracts to include a few things. One of the clauses I want to add is something like this- "My video production company will only communicate with one party for the duration of the entire shoot (including pre and post-production). We will only communicate with the one and only decision maker." Something like that. I get so bothered when I'm working with one person at a company, and all of a sudden, other employees or their marketing agency people jump into the email sequence and start giving opinions. It's the worst. Goodluck friend! EDIT: Also, one thing I've noticed is that this happens to me when I don't do a proper pre-production session. That pre-production session should be where we establish the rules and shoot going forward.

[@BlackwolfImaging]

Never overlook red flags you get in those early convos.. I leave “money on the table” plenty of times if I sense a headache coming.. also my girl will read people instantly like that too, they’re always right haha

[@MarioVisions]

Foreals haha they have a good feel for the people. I felt this one too but I tried to be professional lay everything on table and still terrible haha after I gave him the Raws he literally just texted me with I want my money back now haha now I won’t be so nice

[@OSKVIDCreativemedia]

Hi! I got written down contract in 4 pages, when they put a signature thats it. If they have issues later on they can go to court. They always have to check my previous work and if they agreed, they agreed. In contract also states how much it costs for all extras if they want to change it! I had a couple people, they sent me 14 pdf pages for changes, i just told them you agreed on my rules, and i can charge you extra to change, or you can find another editor.And couple just understood and went away. Its all about contracts not a text messages or phone calls!

[@fernandosaavedra537]

Love the transparency, need more content like this🙌🏻

[@VX3XINV]

You handled it well and now you’re more aware of the early red flags (right before you said your girl warned you I was thinking the same cuz we really do be knowing lol). It’s nice that your true intention is to help artists have access to quality work so don’t let one bad apple discourage you. You were clear from the beginning about what they would get and that’s that. As soon as someone starts complaining from the start it’s worth thinking about accepting the work. Being nice to the wrong people will always drain you. Stay blessed!

[@AlexBellini3]

Haha I have a business call tomorrow with a client to talk about revisions. So this was a fun video to watch and get me prepared for what might come lmao I do corporate videography and this one client that I've just started doing a few projects with has kinda been a headache when it comes to revisions. I take on some of their projects becaue the money is unfortunately too good for me to pass up at the moment, but I honestly just do the same thing you do. I have a thorough conversation prior to shooting, make sure they understand everything, and then I personally ALWAYS go that extra mile with my customer service to make it known their getting a great deal (i.e. sometimes staying a little later to get "the shot", turnaround video edits WAY before they're expecting them, interviewing a couple extra people even though we only prepped for 2, etc.). And so when those times come at the end when they try and milk me for more, it just makes me feel a little better when I either tell them "no" OR "sure, but before we continue I'll be sending an invoice for the amount needed to do X and once received, I'll get started" (unless it's an on-set favor, in which case depending on the request, I send the invoice later that night). If they complain, I not only reiterate and sometimes even show them what it says in the contract, but then I start bringing up the extra mile stuff I've already done for them and then hope that calms them down. I haven't run into a client just yet that's gone as far as slanders me for it. Most will either ghost me after I send a quote or they'll think about it for a bit and sometimes pay out. These situations fucking suck and I honestly get anxiety when talking to clients about contract, revisions, money, etc... I just wanna create man... but unfortunately, running a business means you gotta take care of business from all ends...

[@DavinciHD_]

I literally just put out a video on this same type of topic . Dealing with Artists can be very problematic. Especially in HipHop. I’ve been threatened as well had guns drawn on me as well. Thank I also come from that element and was able to handle it but I get scared sometimes for people who’ve never had to deal with that before. It can get real tweaky in the music video space. Hopefully you don’t let this situation take you away from being a creative.

[@emmanuelpetithomme5586]

Mario you know we don't do cheap project for this reason. 1 stop that project or 2 stop that project lol. Cheap work always bring headache

[@CerneStudios]

I always tell new clients that if they want to do a 1 off video, they can find someone else.. I'm here to grow with them and make assets to make them successful in the long run. If they stuff up with small things like that you know it already...They don't want to pay a miserable extra few hundreds for your hard work? Just leave it, it's a client you don't want in the first place. Just keep clients that are respectful, see the value in what you do and always excited to make new cool projects with you. Why stressing with this, don't waste your time with close minded people. And also draft a proper contract with every single little detail, faq, person in charge (who you're dealing with, no one else), get it signed so they can't say anything about your deliverables.

[@theninetytwofilm]

First thing First! your girl called that BS out yhu should of listened cause they be knowing haha.. secondly yhu should of refund them when it was starting to get weird..last but not least yhu did the right thing by being considerate and being a businessman..But all this could of been avoided if you would of followed your first mind...This just a lesson bro! we all get frustrated !..next time don't ignore the signs

[@MarioVisions]

agree man! next time this wont happen. not all money is good money. thanks for the comment

[@GoldenEyeFilms_]

This 💯

[@royalvisualsofficial]

💯

[@RoyalZProduction]

Always good to have this stuff over text which ya did. I guess out of 20 clients, you now know it’s probably a good call now to include that any revision rounds will be an additional $250. Either way, you were clear and concise, you just had a super difficult client. Def agree with Dee that there was a big red flag when there was a creative director involved in a budget live performance video that was a total of 6 performance scenes, hahaha. But, as creatives, especially if you’re good at what you do and work hard, it’s classic for those types of creatives to go on streaks of having super happy clients for a long time. There’s always that one client that ruins the streak! It happens! Handled it professional though in my opinion 💪🏼🎥

[@MarioVisions]

yessir bro. $250 for these simple videos and $500 for bigger projects. hate to say it but dee is always right!! lol gotta give in when she says it haha thank you for the comment bro. goal is to always leave it the best professional way regardless.

[@MarioVisions]

He really just hit me with I want my money back haha

[@FieHazel]

I feel you 100% I almost quit a few times for the same reason but I decided exactly what you did to just do KZbin and stuff for myself I just did a mic drop and the client like the video but don’t wanna use it and wanted efx I said no it’s a simple mic drop he wanted it because his artist didn’t know the lyrics which the artist pointed out on the day of the shoot and I even pointed it out agreed with the artist told the manager that these are lyric based like the focuse is on that and it’s no clips to switch to to hide that fact sure it’s things I can do but then it takes away from it being simple classic mic drop video I even told him we can reschedule no charge but he get the video back love my work but don’t like that they didn’t know they verse but I hide that it’s just the fact he knew but you really couldn’t tell them he wanted a different angle the angle I told him I wanted to use at first but he changed it but these client definitely stress me out I got a lot of stories I mean a lot and I only been doing it like 4 years now and the last 2 years I slowed done tremendously because I wanted too and raised prices not because of quality but because of the stress and type of people I rather deal with so I feel u Mario and love the Channel wish you can post more so yea leave them alone lol do you lol

[@datflixx5869]

What is a "live" video? I feel your pain. As content visionaries, we bring the clients vision to life. We have the experience and knowledge to do so in any circumstance. Pay attention to red flags. If I feel some $&^T is going to cause me a headache, it's not worth it. Refer the client to another creative executer.

[@RVGODZILLA]

bro u spitting facts!

[@98JamesNixon]

It’s always the low paying jobs as well, the higher paying stuff the clients just seem to be so much easier to deal with and professional

[@FatherDaughterDuoReactions]

This was an annoying client not a bad client. I'm a photographer and had way worse situations than this. This is par for the course. My advice is if things like this make you feel like you should quit or give up then maybe you should because people are going to try you often. As he said just have everything in text or written down.

[@weshootfilms]

The old me I would have kept it gangsta lol it is what it is lol. But the grown wiser business man me would do exactly what you did my g it’s not worth the potential problems especially not knowing who or what there capable of feel me just keep it pushing my g be blessed.

[@thinkindependent2685]

HATE that creatives get misused. Perhaps if we add a bit more of MEDIA LAW and PROJECT MANAGEMENT into our stack, When this stuff comes around we can hold our own.

[@kessview]

nice one on this insight

[@eyeballbilly]

I've made the same mistake, a couple of times, good quality product low price client wants more more more, be nice, be flexible, offer solutions client wants more more more, project changes scope, client wants the best of everything now you're looking at the $ that enticed you the first place and you know u f'ed up, shoulda walked away the second it became complicated, it's on you Mario, you ignored your gut. Never send the raw footage, never, it's yours, by copyright it belongs to the creator .I'm a guessing we all made that mistake at some time, hope the rant was worth it. Cheers and let it go now.

[@MarioVisions]

Agree I should have walked away but I decided to give it a shot since they agreed but you’re right. Live n learn

[@ChrisHonesto]

This is why I quit working with artists/managers in the music industry. 90% of my headache, 10% of my income.

[@RandallMeredith]

Your price is to low. When I used to charge less I ran into the same problem you did. Always have a signed contract. Double your price. If you are the best then charge for it otherwise you will be taken for a fool. Move on and learn from this. Never ever be the good or nice guy be the professional and you will have more work and with clients who are proud to have you be the one in charge. You will laugh at all of this in a year from now when you only have great clients and are charging what your time is worth.😎

[@gafferngrip5407]

I charge a huge amount for editing bc of the stress and pain if the client causes of it, lol $3k to$5k

[@MarioVisions]

i feel you i charge about 8-10k for actual videos. for these small content videos they wont pay that unless its a big client. an independant artist wont afford that unless he has a business.

[@OnMyTrek]

Not sure what these videos are, you got a link to some you’ve done? Trying to get into music videos myself. Shall give you a sub

[@emmanuelpetithomme5586]

Contract contract contract bro. Let your mom sign one also lol

[@treylibra]

The artist is now pissin’ me off. I hate working with clients like this. If you noticed it’s always the cheaper paying clients that want more for less. Higher paying clients almost never have these many demands. My guy, you’re paying for a small bundle that’s already built. You can pay for the happy meal expecting the Quarter Pounder Angus Beef meal 🍽️ 😂😂😂😂😂

[@MikeFelkerVideos]

Fire the client

[@BryanKeithPhoto]

No favors

[@alexgrant311]

For me, I like to build a connection with people I work with before they pay anything. I found its important for me to hop on a video call to chat with a potential client in order to get a gauge on how I can help them but to also to figure out if it makes sense for me to work with them. A solid 30 minute meeting has saved me countless headaches. But also, you've been doing this a long time. Trust your instincts and listen to those red flags like you were saying. My favorite thing to say is that I'm too busy in the near future to take on the project then I suggest other people that may be able to help them out. Putting everything in a contract helps also. Ain't no " he said, she said" in a contract. I'd say use this as an opportunity to fine tune your client onboarding process to help stop this from happening again. Lowkey you might have found a brand new offering of doing higher budget performance videos that are more personalized to each artist. It sounds like your exact product offering that the client chose didn't fully fit what they needed at the time which caused a disconnect. They tried to morph it into something that it simply wasn't

[@MarioVisions]

I feel you I normally do that with an actual video but these live videos their just content pieces for people to show out to their fans and maintain up to date It’s never happened before and I always break it down to how it works so they know what their getting themselves into but yes next time my girl says or anyone tells me it’s a red flag ima just say I’m sorry I’m not your guy or I’m busy with projects right now lol. I appreciate your comment! Love how you handle your bookings before actually booking

[@patrickxiong7983]

Just say no, easy as that.

[@emmanuelpetithomme5586]

Mario listen to your girl bro

[@mini-studio]

💯

[@TheRonellCross]

Sorry you had to deal with that BS, but it's sort of on you for overlooking those glaring red flags. You clearly need to listen to your girl more, she called it, early! Giving that client a refund would've saved you a lot of stress. Still, you handled it well, but don't let people like that discourage you.

[@ozzythemighty2767]

Why do you complicate yourself with it. They sign off knowing what it is. Just say thq goodbye. This kind of clients you always going to get. It comes with it.

[@MarioVisions]

I feel you I should have. Just not in me but going forward I am. He even asked for a full refund after this video and I just left him on read haha

[@meh11235]

the problem is that your asking $100.... you need to be hitting 5k to 10k for cutting... put the folks in their space. Watch some Chris Do... make these folks understand what they value.... and You value yourself.

[@MarioVisions]

i charge 8-10k for projects. this one its different its only 30min for shooting. 30min of my setup and 30min of editing. i charge 1k which is great if you break it down. $100 for revision is great price for this type of work. unless your working with an edit thats crazy or just a bigger company. some people are just like that regardless of how great and open in communication you are

[@meh11235]

@@MarioVisions True but you're leaving value on the table that they think they can scoop up... before they attempt to scoop, they need to sign for the price of each taste [scoop] of that sweet sweet gelato

[@MichaelAivaliotis]

You also have to consider the lost potential revenue from good paying customers because you’re spending your time on these $100 projects. Missing out on other opportunities

[@CARTEBLANCHE_MV]

[ make sure you put some damage claims in your contracts, so the clients cant fuck around. Time is money bro, stop going back and forward with people that play around !! As soon as you feel like you done, cause of red flags...... Let the law ( your legal department ) deal with it !!! They fall off real quick, when you bout that legal action. you gone be peacefully dancing and singing with your girl at home . WHO WANT THAT LEGAL SMOKE WITH ME 🤣🤣🤣 ]

[@MarioVisions]

lol I wanted to do that I know I was in the right but was trying to be nice but yeah your right. I need to stop playing the good guy role and just hit them with that haha I’m in the right anyways