HETV Developing effective client relationships and negotiating skills in VFX

Whatever the challenges VFX teams are facing – significant workloads, working virtually, in hybrid teams or with clients WFH, this highly-regarded course provides VFX teams with practical ideas and insights they can use in developing effective client relationship and negotiating skills both now and in the future.

Each course consists of the online session, a one-to-one mentor session and a follow-up group review session to really support you in putting new approaches and ideas into practice.   

The course is rooted in the day-to-day realities of working in VFX, the demands of clients (both internal and external) and current challenges. You will come away with key ideas, tips, resources and, above all, increased confidence in the way you develop effective relationships and handle challenging situations and negotiations.

This programme is supported by the ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund with contributions from UK high-end TV productions.

Who it's for

This course is for those already working in VFX as producers, production coordinators, leads and related roles. The course is open to those working in VFX studios that service high-end TV.

Places are limited; no more than two people from any one company per course please.

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to: those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds; people with a disability; people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We offer inclusive training. If you have any needs which we can accommodate during the recruitment process and beyond, please let us know and we will be happy to work with you to meet them.

What it covers

The course consists of the online session, a one-to-one mentor session and a follow-up group review session to really support you in putting new approaches and ideas into practice.   

Subjects to be covered include:  

• Fundamentals of building long term, profitable client relationships
• Understanding your role as problem solvers and experts      
• Appreciating your expertise; putting a price on how you add value
• Clarity and challenges in project scoping and sign offs 
• Explaining your thinking: the value of ‘why?’
• Understanding your internal and external client’s POV: the pains / gains spectrum   
• What clients really want: top tips for developing effective relationships
• Understanding the value and purpose of different forms of communication in a remote and hybrid working world: online, ’phone, email
• Negotiating for a win-win; identifying your negotiating style
• Building rapport – the key skill for any negotiation
• Preparation – identifying your BPO (Best Possible Outcome) and Plan B
• The essential skills: active listening, asking open questions and paraphrasing to check understanding
• Identifying suitable trade-offs
• Helpful phrases and questions – what to say and what NOT to say
• Identifying the red flags – when to seek support
• Your take-aways: summarising what you have learned and what you intend to put into practice as a result of the training

Comments from previous participants 

“This was a great course providing insight and techniques at the core of what we do in VFX.”   

“This course really helped me to reassess how I think about my client relationships, and how to think more carefully, rather than just being reactive.”

“I feel I have learnt a lot that I am trying to put into practice and helping others to do so too.”

“I found the course and Angela to be very knowledgeable, insightful, super-collaborative and approachable. I really enjoyed it and have taken a lot from it.”

How to apply

There will be a choice of online two courses for this programme on the following dates:

Course 1 - Thursday 19 January, 2023, 09:30-14:00 (includes 20 min break and mini-breaks) 
Course 2 - Wednesday 1 February, 2023,  09:30-14:00 (includes 20 min break and mini-breaks)

Please click 'apply now' to apply for your place.

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