Re: How do I ask client to.... without offending him?

Dear Clyde,
Mark has already done a good job of touching all the bases on how to react to client-caused delays. So let me add an idea on prevention, which is typically the least expensive solution to any problem.

When developing a statement of work, creative treatment, contract or whatever document is used to confirm expectations and state a timeline, I usually structure the timeline with two columns of due dates: one for my group and one for the client.

Then, in the narrative that supports the timeline, I make clear that my deadlines are contingent on client approval of the previous deliverable -- or in your case, providing needed material. For example, the script is due ten working days after client approval of the creative treatment; shooting completes 12 working days past client approval of the script.

I of course estimate when all of these milestones should happen. So the timeline does have specific dates. But the supporting narrative makes clear that all of these dates are not fixed, but contingent on the client hitting their dates.

This both makes clear, in writing, that you can't do your job until the client does their job, and gives you a signed document to point to when using one of Mark's well-crafted sentences to state that you're pulling the plug until the client delivers on their responsibility.
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