John Deliso's Online Resume
for the role "Content Producer"
at "I work FOR NSW"
Target Question Responses
1. How do you prioritise requests for content and manage competing priorities and deadlines?
As a freelancer, I encounter this scenario all the time. For me, my process of prioritising these requests for content starts with clear communication and expectation management. I usually have a meeting with the clients to really understand their requirements are - do they expect the all the pieces of content to be delivered all at the end of the project, or do they really want one piece of content to be created asap. Knowing this ahead of time, I can organize and plan my own schedule so I can fulfil their requirements and still have the high-quality content they are looking for.
I also aim to be transparent and collaborate with the clients during the content creation process by inviting them into the campaign Trello board where they can track how each of their content is tracking in the production process. In here, the clients are also able to give me direct feedback on their priorities, if they wish to urgently push a piece of content to the top or cancel a piece of content due to world events.
I have spent the last 5 years honing my creative skills to a point where I have a clear idea of what my estimated time of completion for the creation of various content to my clients. This, plus some self-discipline, allows me to confidently plan and quote on my services as a freelancer who focuses on creating engaging visual content.
2. Provide us with an example of successful content you were responsible for developing. Explain the process that led to delivery and what made it successful.
A great example of a successful content I was responsible for developing is my recent work with a creative agency. This agency contacted me mid-week with 2 days’ notice about directing and shooting a fashion campaign with a for a sunglasses brand with 10-day turnaround aiming to get multiple pieces of content. Since I am still working full time in my IT career, I was on a zoom call that very night with this agency’s producer to discuss the client’s idea and collaborate on a plan for a feasible shoot.
Coming out of that meeting an hour and a half later, we had a pre-production plan with several locations around Redfern and Paddington, male and female models and a vintage car. The next day, I got confirmation from this producer that the shoot was approved by the client, and the locations, models and props are secured and booked. On the day of the production, our plan was to shoot multiple pieces of content/scenes for each location to maximise our client’s investment into the campaign. I focused on directing and filmmaking on the day, and everything went to plan and on time. The producer was ecstatic, I (the director) was happy with the shoot, and the client was over the moon that we didn’t go over time and over budget.
We have officially entered post-production, 3 days from when I got the initial call. The next 2 nights, I created a Trello board and invited the key stakeholders and decision makers for the campaign – which included the producer, the photographer, the marketing officer (the client’s representative). I proceeded to create a pre-vis with an estimate time to complete to aid the producer to get the cuts/scenes approved by the client. I did this through a simple storyboard by doing a sample color grade on the footage and screen grabbing content to put through on the Trello cards. At the same time, I started to block out my schedule for the editing sessions. At the end of day later, I was given the green light, the editing commenced, and I updated the Trello board as I progressed. Do keep in mind that I still work a day job, which meant I was working on this after hours. 10 days later, I delivered the finalised package of content which resulted in SIX unique 15 second lifestyle videos each with their own theme, and TWO 30 second hyper cuts with a male and female focus.
This is definitely an unconventional way of producing content. But in a fast-moving world of social media, some clients prefer to go out and shoot as much content as they can in one day, and then decide on what content to be created later. This is becoming more and more common, which I had to take into consideration when I estimate timelines and deliverables. I had to adapt to fast changing requirements and still ensure that I can deliver high quality content to my clients.
Why do I consider this content campaign to be successful?
1. The campaign was delivered within project constraints
- I was able to deliver quite a large number of content to the agreed deadline – 10 days even with a 9-6pm day job.
- The project was on budget and on time as there was no unexpected overtime costs on the production & post-production stages.
2. Clear Communication & Client Collaboration
- I was able to collaborate and clearly understand the client’s vision. Collaborating with key stakeholders and decision makers allows me to meet and exceed their expectations of my work.
3. Good Client Experience
- I also received good feedback on the client’s experience on the transparency of the project. They loved knowing where each piece of content is at in the production.
4. They hired me again for their next project!
- Returning customers is one of the biggest measures of success for solo creative freelancing businesses. This signifies growth and that I must be doing something right.