In a digital co-production, the relationship between the producer and the expert is the heartbeat of the project. But even with great intentions, things can go wrong—misunderstandings, delayed feedback, mismatched expectations, or even total burnout.
Conflicts don’t happen because people are bad—they happen because communication is unclear, assumptions go unchecked, and emotions get mixed with deadlines. This article will guide you through proactive strategies to avoid tension and build a partnership rooted in respect, clarity, and shared goals.
Why Conflict Happens in Co-Production
You’re juggling different worlds. The producer usually speaks the language of funnels, scripts, platforms, and launches. The expert lives in the realm of content, delivery, and subject mastery. These different viewpoints are what make co-productions powerful—but they’re also what can create friction.
Here are some common causes of tension:
- Unclear roles: The expert expects the producer to write scripts. The producer expects the expert to do it all.
- Missed deadlines: One party feels like they’re carrying all the weight.
- Different visions: One wants a minimalist course. The other wants to cover everything.
- Feedback issues: The expert rewrites everything last-minute. The producer feels micro-managed.
- Ego clashes: It happens. Especially when stakes are high.
Now let’s look at how to prevent this from the start.
1. Create a Shared Language Early On
Before any course outline or recording begins, align on key concepts:
- What does “done” mean to each of you?
- What is “high quality” in your shared view?
- What’s the tone, mission, and transformation you both envision?
Have a 1–2 hour call just to define these things. Record it. Write it down. This shared vocabulary saves time later.
2. Define Roles and Responsibilities with Clarity
Use a simple table or document to outline:
| Task | Owner | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Script writing | Producer | Expert reviews final draft |
| Lesson recording | Expert | Producer gives tech checklist |
| Funnel design | Producer | Needs expert’s branding input |
| Testimonials | Producer | Expert provides contact names |
This prevents the fatal mistake of “I thought you were doing that.”
3. Write a Transparent Briefing Document
We covered this in the last article, but it’s worth repeating: a co-production brief is your best weapon against conflict. Include:
- Timeline and deadlines
- Deliverables by each person
- Course goal and audience
- Visual style and tone
- Platforms and tools to be used
When both parties sign off on the brief, it becomes a neutral reference point when emotions rise.
4. Align Expectations Around Feedback
Decide on:
- How many rounds of review will exist (2 rounds? 3 max?)
- What’s negotiable and what’s final
- Who has the final say in:
- Course structure
- Copywriting
- Visuals
- Marketing decisions
Create a protocol for feedback. For example: “Feedback should be sent via email within 3 days, using tracked comments, with a maximum of 2 revision cycles.”
5. Use Asynchronous Tools to Reduce Pressure
Real-time communication can create pressure and urgency. Asynchronous tools like:
- Notion for project updates and shared documents
- Loom for video messages
- Trello or Asana for task management
- Google Docs with version history
These tools let each person respond on their own time, reducing unnecessary meetings and stress.
6. Discuss Boundaries and Schedules
Ask your expert (and yourself):
- What days/times are off-limits?
- Are there holidays or family obligations ahead?
- How do you prefer to be contacted? WhatsApp? Email? Slack?
Also: what’s your worst case scenario? Discuss what happens if one of you gets sick, moves, or gets overloaded.
7. Don’t Assume Technical Knowledge
Experts often feel embarrassed when asked to record a lesson and have no idea how. They may:
- Use poor lighting
- Look away from the camera
- Speak too fast or too slow
Offer gentle support:
- A tech checklist with webcam tips
- Examples of well-done lessons
- A short video training or guide
Respect their learning curve. Remember: they’re not course creators—you are.
8. Celebrate Wins Publicly, Handle Tension Privately
Praise their effort on social media. Share the behind-the-scenes moments. But when something goes wrong, never call them out publicly.
Schedule a private Zoom. Use the “feedback sandwich”:
- Start with appreciation
- Then gently raise the issue
- End with a solution or encouragement
People are more receptive when they feel safe.
9. Resolve Conflicts Using Facts, Not Feelings
If conflict arises:
- Pull up the brief or message history
- Identify the root cause (deadline? misread tone? missed task?)
- Stay calm and avoid “you always…” or “you never…”
- Use facts: “We agreed on X. What happened?”
Seek resolution, not blame.
10. Practice Empathy—They’re Probably as Overwhelmed as You
Experts have imposter syndrome too. They worry:
- “Am I good enough for this?”
- “What if nobody buys?”
- “Will I sound boring on camera?”
Check in emotionally. Say things like:
- “You’re doing great—this module has a lot of value.”
- “It’s okay to re-record; we have time.”
- “The draft is great—we’ll just tweak a few things.”
Support creates loyalty.
11. Document Everything
Don’t rely on memory. When decisions are made:
- Send a recap via email
- Use Google Docs with version control
- Record key meetings
This builds trust and avoids the deadly phrase: “I don’t remember agreeing to that.”
12. Have a Conflict Resolution Plan
In your initial agreement, add a clause like:
“In the event of a serious dispute, both parties agree to schedule a mediation meeting within 72 hours to seek resolution in good faith.”
This can be informal—but it gives both sides a clear next step in moments of crisis.
13. Know When to Walk Away
Some partnerships don’t work—and that’s okay. If:
- Deadlines are constantly ignored
- Respect is lost
- Communication shuts down
Then exit gracefully. Have a clear agreement on:
- Who owns the existing content
- What happens to leads and audience data
- How to dissolve revenue or refund agreements
Professionalism matters, even when the project ends early.
14. Build Long-Term Relationships, Not Just One-Off Projects
Treat every co-production like the beginning of a brand alliance. If you show up as organized, respectful, flexible, and fair—you’ll get referred to others.
And the best experts? They’ll want to co-create with you again and again.
Final Thoughts
The best partnerships aren’t conflict-free. They’re resilient. Built on clear expectations, honest conversations, and mutual respect.
If you want smooth co-productions, don’t just think about tech and funnels. Think about trust.
Great producers don’t just build courses. They build people.