The Truth About Working With Brands: A Behind-the-Scenes Reality Check
Two months ago, I was contacted by a brand for a paid collaboration. The initial excitement quickly became a frustrating experience that shed light on the often-unseen realities of working with brands. The collaboration involved creating three videos. We discussed a fee, but the brand countered with a lower offer. While not a major player, it wasn't a small brand either – they have more than several thousand followers on Instagram and appear to be doing well. Given this, I reluctantly agreed to their terms (understanding they might have a budget). Instead of the agreed-upon three products, I received only two. The first video became a major point of contention. Despite multiple re-shoots (four times!) due to constant feedback and revisions from the brand, they remained unsatisfied. Communication breakdowns further complicated the situation. Their point of contact was often unresponsive, leading to significant delays and increased frustration on my end. This lack of timely communica...