i make video media pieces for my clients.

in the past the distribution method was via vhs tape. if my client had handed out all of her tapes, she put a tape dub order in. i usually charged her a very slight mark-up, close to 15%, to pack/ship/monitor/receive and quality check each dub/label/package to my client's specification.

i just completed my latest project for this client. as a distribution medium we chose dvd for her to give to her clients. she now wants dubs but wants to make them herself! i stand to loose a small piece of the dub business. but i also loose her staying in touch with me when she has media needs.

this latest video piece is comprised of three parts setup on the master dvd as chapter choices. part a is a slide show. part b is a series of talking head interviews. this is under the scene select menu/chapter option so that any of the 4 talking head interviews could be accessed independantly of the others. part c is the slide show in combination with the talking head interviews.

the run time for the slide show is approximately 3 min. the talking head interviews are approx 20 min. part c where all is linked is approx 23 min. when all parts are added up, the dvd holds about 45min of material.

anyone have any thoughts how i can prevent her from doing dubs but still keep her as a production client?

if i allow her to dub the dvd on her own, will her dubs "copy" all the menus and submenus and their linkage?

lets say there is a hassle in the making of the dubs, i can see her saying that it is the master dvd's "fault". i'll then have to "fix" this "fault" and not be able to charge my client for the time.

what to do?

ain't the digital world grand!

be well

rob

Depending on the software she uses, she can dub it all she wants, unless you've got the disc Macrovision encoded. The software typically makes an exact copy, menus and all.

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zoidberg-

if i used something like macrovision, i would most likely loose her as a production client.

the dub business is immaterial to me. it has always been more of a service that i've offered clients. though, i would still like to maintain my lofty position as her media advisor. and in this new digital world where we all reside, if she wants to make her own dubs, i guess i need to say, u go girl" but i just don't want to be brought into a "its your fault that my dvd doesn't work" scenerio which would only cost me time and potentially a good client.

thanks for your thoughts

be well

rob

she'll be able to copy. simplest solution is to charge a whole bunch more for a "digital master" [DVD] and minimize your dubbing charges, and be up front about it; your reasons are very valid, and she will understand if presented in businesslike fashion.

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Sometimes it is what it is...
and then there's times when it's really better.



==

Ah, I misread your post. I thought you were trying to prevent her dubbing them. Oh, and what Buzz said. Add some glitz next go-round and increase your costs a bit. But I understand what you mean about the dubbing being lagniappe for the business.

As long as she uses something commercial, she'll be fine -- I'm assuming she's on Windows; I've had clients use this with success: [www.roxio.com]

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/01/2006 11:07AM by Zoidberg.

Loose, you set it free, Voluntarily.
Lose, it will be lost, and in this instance, not voluntarily.

BGnR
Yes, I am being a nitpicky bast%rd!
But RobFilms is a professional, and has always conducted himself professionally, I just don't want him to lose his professional edge.

Quote
Buzz
she'll be able to copy. simplest solution is to charge a whole bunch more for a "digital master" [DVD] and minimize your dubbing charges, and be up front about it; your reasons are very valid, and she will understand if presented in businesslike fashion.

Wise advice here. Managing client expectations up front will save the day.

Yup, get out of the dub business and charge more from the get-go.

So she wants to dub them herself to avoid a 15% markup? If she's the type of client that wants to do something she's completely not familiar with just to save 15%, she's the type of client I wouldn't mind seeing leave.

She should be able to dub it just fine. If she can't, that's her issue. I can understand your wanting to avoid that, but I do not offer tech support to my clients. I have someone I refer them to. (For some clients, I do help them but only those who respect my time, effort... and pay me well when I do work for them.)

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thanks to all for sharing their wisdom (and thanks bgnr for your kind words)-

i hear the drum beat: let her dub/if so, it's her headache/charge more for the productions

all sage-like thoughts

but

at the end of the day, i'm in a service business. it is my job to deliver the goods AND make my clients happy-happy with the product-happy with the experience of dealing with me-and happy paying my bill. anything less will only diminish my chances of a continuing stream of repeat business. and it is most often easier to continue a relationship than to create a new client.

i've sent her an email saying i will deliver "master" dvds on tuesday. at that time, i will explain the limitations of her doing the dubs, prive vs tech support. if i offer her the situation as a learning lesson into the digital world, perhaps i can maintain my lofty position as her company's video guru.

again, thanks for sharing.

be well

rob