What do you do if external stakeholders are not responding to your film production communication efforts?

Timing is crucial when it comes to executing projects. Before a production even begins, a schedule should be made to assess all the key milestones and deliverables, and what days/weeks those are due - from both the production company and the client. In this scheduling phase, it can be valuable to ask the stakeholders and client what their availability will be like to work on the project so you can re-evaluate the scope of work you can rely on them to provide. For example, some stakeholders will be SME's and require consistent attention to the project. On the flip side, some clients want you (the creative expert) to guide the way, and check in only at the important stages.

In the film industry, timing can indeed make or break your efforts to engage stakeholders. It's crucial to understand the industry's cyclical nature, such as when film festivals, major award seasons, and market events occur. These periods can significantly impact stakeholders' availability and responsiveness. By aligning your communication efforts with these quieter times, you're more likely to capture their attention and receive a timely response.

You can enhance your film production communication efforts and reengage external stakeholders effectively. Building strong relationships and maintaining open lines of communication are essential for fostering collaboration and achieving success in your film project.

simple: If they CANNOT respond, THEN FIRE THEM. And do give them their money back, or a contractual agreement for whatever portion you may be responsible for, upon GROSS payment of eventual sale of the final project (should that ever come about). You can find other support. What you DON'T NEED is a "peanut gallery" second-guessing every production decision through whatever lens chosen (on any given day), though NEVER EXPRESSED IN WRITING per contract prior to their so-called "support". You work too hard to entertain posers. Start over if you must. Maintain your integrity: If this kills the project, then it kills the project. Be an adult about that and MOVE ON. Your next project will be better for your having done so.

When met with silence in communications with stakeholders, consider the timing of your outreach. Stakeholders manage multiple priorities, so your message may coincide with a busy period for them. Evaluate the optimal time to follow up, such as after industry events or holidays when stakeholders are more likely to respond. Strategic timing enhances the likelihood of engagement and fruitful communication.

Refine your message and delivery for clarity and impact. Use creative and targeted strategies to capture their interest, such as visually engaging presentations or compelling success stories that resonate with their values. Stay persistent and flexible, adapting your approach as you learn what captures attention and fosters meaningful dialogue.

In film production, clear communication with stakeholders is crucial, especially since they might not be familiar with industry-specific terms. Misunderstandings can delay decisions and affect the project's timeline. Therefore, simplifying messages and directly stating what is required from the stakeholder can significantly enhance the efficiency of the communication process. This approach not only fosters better relationships but also ensures that projects stay on track by facilitating quicker decision-making.

When working with clients, it can be beneficial to contextualise communication with a deliverable, milestone, or date. With any communication around deliverables from the client, ie. feedback, assets, or expertise input, include when you might need these answers to ensure you're sticking to the production schedule, making it clear what the goal and timeline for it is.

In the film industry, leveraging relationships isn't just about networking; it's a strategic tool for problem-solving. A recommendation from a trusted colleague can significantly influence decision-making, as trust and reputation are paramount. This approach underscores the industry's collaborative nature, where personal connections often facilitate progress more effectively than formal communications. It's a reminder that in film production, who you know can be just as important as what you know.

Sometimes, stakeholders are a team of very few, so getting back to you drops down the list. Typically, I find a quick phone call can clear up a lot of the questions being asked over email, which sometimes because more time consuming to response to.