Task 1b and 1c

1. contractual 
2. negotiated
3. formal
4. informal
5. commission
6. tender
7. co-operative brief
8. competition 

Task 1b)  Individually, write a 100 word explanation each of the above sections with examples of each type

Task 1c) Individually assess the strengths and weaknesses of each type of brief (Distinction)

Informal brief is likely to have a verbal agreement having no written document or contract making it not professional. There are no guidelines to follow in an informal brief allowing the people involved to be as open as they want and creative to their ideas. An advantage of this brief is that it is less stressful as you don't have to worry about follow guidelines and being able to create what you like. An disadvantage could be that it could be risky as there are no documents stating what needs to be done meaning the outcome could not be what is wanted or a result of nothing. Another disadvantage is that it can be organised resulting the outcome to not be of high standards and may not go to plan. 

A competitive brief is made accessible to all production companies, each company then will make a brief for the client. The complete projects are judged they most suitable project will be published. Entering the competition is usually free and the company who wins are rewarded in money. An advantage is that there is no fee and companies are guaranteed work if they win the competition. A disadvantage is that that company who doesn't win has waste their time and effort in the project. 

Co-operative brief is when two or more companies are hired to complete a task working together. This may take a shorter amount of time because rather than one small company working on the task there is two, resulting in being more creative and having more ideas which can result in a better outcome. However, a disadvantage of this brief is that because there are more than one company working on the project there could be a cause of disagreements meaning that a negotiated brief will need to be made to appeal to both companies coming to an agreement. An advantage of this brief is that you are working as a team meaning that you are able to help each other causing less stress on yourself on completing the task in time. 

Contractual brief involves a contract which is signed by a company which is an agreement of what is expected giving the deadline and discussing the guidelines. A contractual brief needs to be completed in a certain amount of time, the person who completes the task paid a fee at the end when the project is finished. An advantage of this brief is that you have control and a better understanding than any other brief on how to complete the project. By giving a deadline you are having to plan a schedule making it organised and easy to follow. Another advantage is that there is proof of an agreement by a written document which makes it legally professional. One disadvantage of this brief is that there may be some disagreements for example on the costs, how you are expected to work and the length of time set to complete the task. 

A formal brief is when a media company is approached by a client who will then present then with the company's brief where they establish the product they want them to make. This brief only contains important information that is required when completing the brief. Further information would be discussed when negotiating with the client similar to a contractual brief. Both of the parties will agree on the project which didn't mean that the contract is legally binded. An advantage of a formal brief would be that the client is open to ideas suggested also the brief is clear for individuals to follow knowing exactly what the client wants. A disadvantage could be that the brief isn't legally binded meaning that if there was a problem legal action cannot take place. 

Negotiated brief is used when a co-operative brief goes wrong. It occurs between two companies who are working together on a task where one of the companies has a disagreement about the project meaning that a negotiated brief is needed to be made to appeal to both companies. This may mean changing the content or making sure that the project is kept within the boundaries of legal obligations. An advantage is there are multiple companies still being able to work together on completing the project. A disadvantage is that both parties will have to compromise allowing the project to continue.