The Myth of 'The Client Is Always Right'
I know, I know. You're probably rolling your eyes. But hear me out. There's a reason so many shoots (and edits) spiral out of control—because someone, somewhere, decided the client's latest request was gospel. Spoiler: it's not. Especially when those 'insights' land late in the game, contradict everything that came before, or unravel weeks of good work.
A few months ago, we delivered a slick lifestyle spot for a fitness startup. Nice, colorful, on-brand. The CMO sent a Google Doc filled with line edits and “Wouldn’t it be more fun if...” comments. Most of these would break what worked. B-roll was about to drown the main message. Their 'fun' music cue? Completely off-mood. I pushed back—politely—but firmly. We kept the heart of the piece intact, and you know what? They emailed two weeks later saying the ad killed on socials.
You aren’t a button pusher. You’re paid for your taste, your process, and sometimes your backbone when things get weird.