What is a commissioned client brief?

• A. A casual collaboration where both parties decide informally.
• B. A long-term internal memo.
• C. A formal arrangement where a larger company hires a smaller one for a media product, defining overarching requirements.
• D. A personal letter from the client.

Answer: (C)

A commissioned client brief is a formal arrangement where a larger company hires an external supplier to create a media product, and the document sets out the main requirements and constraints for the project. It defines what needs to be produced, who it’s for, the key messages, the intended audience, the deliverables, the budget, and the timeline. This makes expectations clear and provides a basis for planning, approvals, and evaluation.

For example, a big brand might commission a video from a small production house. The brief would outline the goal (raise awareness), the target audience, tone and style, length, where the video will appear, the budget, and important milestones. Because it involves an outside party and formal terms, this is distinct from a casual collaboration, an internal memo, or a personal letter.