Here are some advice points as you enter negotiations with your clients:

• At this stage a meeting with a prospective client is essential.

• Projects that have a confirmed client will be the only ones going forward into production after the pitch session on 26 February.

• 16 students and 4 films means you all have a 1 in 4 chance of getting made. The odds are better if people fail to get a client and this can happen.

• Discuss with the clients their needs, your production schedule and make sure what they do fits in with the plans for the shoot.

• They also need to know they will need to give feedback on the finished film.

• If they are enthusiastic they will offer you some access to meet and maybe take some stills of the activities before you pitch which will be helpful.

• Remember the 4 essential elements we went through in DP – character, visuals, story, conflict. Sort this out as part of your pitch.

• Be creative and be real.