Event Entertainment Trends for 2011

It is clear within the Event Entertainment industry that planners and producers must deliver exceptional entertainment that offers a return on investment for the client and attendees.  A company cannot be seen as spending lavishly on fancy events.  They must be able to educate their attendees in an entertaining yet efficient way.  Companies are still producing events because they generate revenue.  Events also help to build relationships with clients and peers.  In my research for live entertainment trends in the event industry, I came across an interesting article from Corporate and Incentive Travel Magazine.  I thought I would share my findings on some trends in the industry for 2011.

The first trend relates to having an engaging and educational event.  Many entertainment planners are developing shows that are customizable which have proven to deliver the intended message in an entertaining way.  For instance, a Broadway musical filled with familiar tunes can make an immediate connection with corporate groups. After all, these songs are the cultural fabric of our society and can help soothe and comfort in difficult times.  It is important to understand who your audience is and customize the show to them; the client’s demographics, interests, corporate philosophy, marketing plans and any other relatable data. Only while utilizing this essential information can planners begin their quest for the most effective entertainment experience.

Barbara Edwards, founder and CEO of California Host, an event company based in San Francisco did just that. She created a unique activity that entertained a technology company’s 300 sales executives from around the world while simultaneously educating them about sales themes and San Francisco sites.

Edwards organized attendees into groups of eight people to visit famous sites throughout the city to hunt for clues to the company’s five new sales themes. Each site provided a clue to the themes, and each clue was intrinsically connected to the location. For example, the height of the Transamerica building related to the idea of setting high goals. Other sites such as Knob Hill and Fisherman’s Wharf had their own unique clues. At each location, one of Edwards’ staffers provided a clue to the next site that team members would visit.

It was a smash hit. “We didn’t expect more than half of the participants to actually complete it. But every attendee participated in the event and finished it, and they had nothing but good things to say about it afterwards,” Edwards said (www.themeetingmagazines.com).

In my work as a Producer for The Disney Event Group, we understand the importance of delivering the message in an entertaining way.  Our events must ensure that the attendees walk away with the right message.  Yes, they must have a great time and build relationships, but most importantly they must walk away with the right message.   We are always interested in new ways to engage, educate, and entertain our guests at Walt Disney World.  I wonder what new technologies related to entertainment will impact the future.  It is clear that continued innovation and creativity will be the keys to success in the events industry.

References

http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/index/default.aspx?tabid=1055

Financial Resources for Creative Entertainment Business

 I am coming to the end of my Master’s program in Entertainment Business at Full Sail University.  It has been an incredible journey as I gained a new level of useful knowledge.  My hope is that you have gained some insight from my learning throughout these months, too. 

The final class is the Final Project: Business Plan.  It is exciting to be pulling everything together in a comprehensive business plan that I will be able to use as the foundation for my new entertainment business.  When I originally started this blog, my intention was to focus on creative entertainment productions.  I wanted to generate a conversation with creative and production professionals about creating new innovative ideas for the entertainment industry.  However, the requirements of each course have focused the students to speak to specific topics. Additionally, I found the process of writing my blog beneficial for my readers as well as my own learning. 

This week we were given the choice to discuss financing opportunities, requirements for different types of financing for start-up businesses, and information available on websites with a plethora of alternative financing information.  As an alternative, we could focus on the theme we had established with our original blog.  I believe that my readers could more greatly benefit from discussing the financing opportunities.  This may allow you to find the resources required to be creative and successful with your individual entertainment projects. 

The alternative financing websites have some common themes that include CDFI’s.  The vision of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (the CDFI Fund) promotes an America in which all people have access to affordable credit, capital and financial services (cdfifund.gov).  The CDFI Fund was established under the Reigle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994, and since then it has become one of the largest single sources of funding for CDFIs and is the largest source of hard-to-get equity capital.  

CDFIs are specialized financial institutions that create economic opportunity for individuals and small businesses, and help provide quality affordable housing and essential community services. CDFIs help bridge the growing U.S. financial services access gap by bringing capital and financial services to low-income people and communities. Therefore affording them access to capital to start and expand businesses, build and purchase homes, and develop much needed community facilities (www.ncif.org). 

There are requirements for obtaining funds from these financial institutions.  Many involve low income, minority, or Native American communities.  It takes some digging and research to find an opportunity for the rest of us.  However, there seems to be a number of institutions ready and willing to help start-up businesses.  Small businesses create jobs in America and many government organizations are doing what they can to provide assistance to entrepreneurs. 

If you are looking for alternative financing for your business venture, be sure to weigh the advantages and disadvantages so that you make a good decision for your business.  Each program must be carefully researched before signing a contract and moving forward.  It will take some time but with the right resources, you can be following your dream and creating creative entertainment that could help bring joy to the world.

http://www.ncif.org/index.php/CDBIindustry/CDFIs/

http://cdfifund.gov/who_we_are/about_us.asp

Lessons Learned From Experts in Business Plan Development

It has been an interesting month in my business plan development course at Full Sail University.  My research has helped to shape my company into a more viable entertainment business.  On my last post, I researched two experts in the field of business plan development, Brian Hill and Dee Powers from Profit Dynamics Inc.  I learned that a business plan must be written to appeal to investors.  According to the expert research, the components of a business plan that are key to raising capital include a well-qualified management team, growth potential, product and size of the market (www.go4funding.com).  This information gave me an insight and I included these key components in my business plan.  My goal is to appeal to investors, start my own media company and finance two musical films I currently have in development.

As I looked at my own management team, I realized that more diverse qualities within the management team were needed to appeal to investors.  So I began to search for another business partner to be sure I had a solid team with the necessary skills to successfully start my endeavor.  I wanted someone who had the same passion that I have for creating engaging musical films.  I decided to ask a friend and colleague from college, Andre Mika to join my team.  Andre Mika has a similar passion for music and a strong resume with experience in both digital online platforms and studio entertainment production.  Mika is regarded as one of the industry’s leading new media and digital strategists. He provides brands with valuable insights about how combining creative, technology and live experiences create better engagement with customers (www.tbaglobal.com).  His experience will compliment mine and give investors the confidence to invest in our mission.

Additionally, I wanted to be sure I was engaging the teen and young adult market.  I needed someone with direct experience with this demographic, proper qualifications, credibility and talent.  The light bulb went off and I decided to bring Dr. Steve Zegree onto my team.  Dr. Zegree is one of the leading music educators in the world as the Professor of Jazz and Director of Gold Company at Western Michigan University.  His students are among today’s leaders in jazz and pop performance, Broadway, recording studio production, writing, arranging, singing and music education (http://wmugoldcompany.com/about).  His experience will bring credibility to the quality of the music of each film. This is important as I differentiate my company from other “bubble gum” musical films aimed at the teen and young adult market. We engage this market through the film as well as the licensing of the live musical production.  Zegree’s experience with arranging contemporary music for this audience will benefit my organization and allow my company to further achieve its goals.

Another key component that investors look for is growth potential.  It is important to include realistic financials in a business plan and discuss growth opportunities.  Therefore, I included a chart with low, medium, and high sales projections so the investors can see a realistic overview of the potential return on their investment.  This section was added to my business plan because of the research of the aforementioned business plan experts.

The most important section of a business plan that investors will be looking for will be the executive summary, the management team section, and the financial section.  It will be important for me to communicate the mission of my company and have a strong overview in the executive summary. The first and the most important part of a business plan is the executive summary, it grabs the reader’s attention. This crucial section must be written professionally without any errors and contain all crucial points that attract potential investors and lenders in brief (Haider, 2009). In addition, make sure to have a strong management team and give the investors’ confidence that the team is qualified to successfully run the organization.  Most importantly, show that the company will have a high probability of a return on their investment.

References:

http://go4funding.com/Articles/Angel-Investors/Angel-Investor-Decision-Making.aspx

http://wmugoldcompany.com/about

http://www.tbaglobal.com/tba_person/andre-mika/

Haider, A (December, 2009). Importance Of Executive Summary, Vision, And Mission Statement, In A Business Plan.  Retrieved on July 30, 2011 from: http://article-niche.com/launch/Importance-Of-Executive-Summary-Vision-And-Mission.htm

 

 

A strong business plan is the key to achieving your dream!

Do you dream of owning your own business?  If you do, you are like millions of other Americans. The ability to own your own business could lead to a path of wealth, independence, and a chance to make a valuable contribution to society.  However, many entrepreneurs make the biggest mistake before they even start.  They are unprepared for the challenges of starting and building a business.  Most often, their business plan lacks the crucial elements required by investors.  A well-written business plan shows a company's strengths and potential for growth and profitability. A business plan becomes a critical element of success in bringing in capital, a merger partner, buyer or obtaining debt financing.  In this post, we will examine two experts in the field of writing a strong business plan so your dream of owning a business can become a reality.

Brian Hill and Dee Powers are two business-planning experts who have published books and advised hundreds of companies across the United States.  They are the founders of Profit Dynamics Inc. a research and consulting firm.  They focus on entrepreneurs, small and midsized companies, and have assisted in the preparation and review of hundreds of business plans. 

Mr. Hill has worked for a large financial institution, a diversified natural resource firm, and a hospitality company.  He specializes in finance and has written articles and is considered an expert in the venture capital industry. He has been interviewed for and published in numerous publications including Smart Money, Business Week, and Business Journals in several cities. 

Dee Powers has worked as a financial executive for the Governor's Office of Arizona, a retail firm and a major hospitality organization.  The New York Times, Washington Post, the Associated Press and various local publications have interviewed her as an expert in the publishing industry from the author’s point of view.

Together, Hill and Powers have written over 100 business plans and reviewed hundreds more. They have advised thousands of entrepreneurs in their search for capital and preparation of their business plans.  Their web site, www.capital-connection.com, was one of the first web sites established to assist entrepreneurs in their search for capital. They are co-authors of "Inside Secrets To Venture Capital," and "Attracting Capital from Angels," both published by John Wiley & Sons. They know what investors are looking for and help create business plans that are favorable and a realistic presentation of a company.

One of the critical and key components that investors are looking for is a strong management team.  In a recent survey conducted for their book, angel investors and venture capitalists were asked to rank the most important factors when evaluating a company prior to their investment.  Even though both groups of investors ranked the factors differently, both angels and venture capitalists agreed on key components.  The components include quality management, growth potential, product, and size of the market when deciding on an investment.  These components are considered key in order to successfully raise capital.  Entrepreneurs need to: demonstrate the quality of their management team, focus on the potential growth of their company, define their market, and prove that the size of their market is large. In addition, they need to demonstrate that their unique product or service fills a need in the current market.

Most investors will reject individuals who seek capital for their start-up companies. There are numerous reasons that would lead investors to decline a particular deal. A strong management team with a proven track record, geographic location for a given venture, and industry preference are just some factors angels look at when deciding on a specific investment.

For more information on how to write a strong business plan, check out the following websites.  Your dream is possible if you take the time to develop a strong plan.

http://go4funding.com/Articles/Angel-Investors/Angel-Investor-Decision-Making.aspx

http://capital-connection.com/money.html

http://www.brianhillanddeepower.com/books.html

Ryan Seacrest leads the way with Social Media Efforts

Do you know an Artist or performer who has successfully integrated social media into their marketing efforts?  Many artists are beginning to see the value that social media can play when it comes to increasing awareness of their products.  Ryan Seacrest has masterfully led the way with a social media strategy that has helped launch new opportunities for the American Idol host.  I thought Seacrest was a good example for a discussion of social media and it’s impact on your business and marketing efforts.  In this post, we will take a closer look at Seacrest’ career and business ventures in particular and see how social media has assisted his efforts in launching his own production company.  Can some of his strategies work for your business?

Ryan Seacrest is an American radio personality, television host, network producer and voice actor. He is the host of On Air With Ryan Seacrest, a nationally syndicated Top 40 Radio Show that airs on KIIS-FM in Los Angeles and throughout the United States and Canada on Premiere Radio Networks, and the internationally syndicated chart show American Top 40, also syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks. On television, Seacrest hosts E! News and American Idol.

Seacrest has been able to use his on air popularity to gain fans and stay in touch with them through social media.  He has over 4,711,200 Twitter followers.  He is a leader in using Twitter as a way to stay in touch with his fans.  There are few that can argue that they haven’t come across Ryan’s Twitter feed. At one point or another, as the intrepid leader, Seacrest runs an account spouting information and content that ranges from the adorable, to the astonishing, to the absurd and everything in between. The business magazine Fast Company has recently recognized his efforts, and named him the Most Creative Person On Twitter.

His approach to social media is to have a conversation with his followers.  This approach has allowed Seacrest to build relationships and gain the trust with his connections.  He also has launched a successful career and his own production company, Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP). 

RSP has developed several reality TV shows including Keeping Up With The Kardasians and most recently Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution on ABC.  He has many more on air and in development.  Seacrest uses his on-air time and Twitter to communicate to his audience about these programs.  He creates a buzz about what is happening on the show and always promotes the time and channel his followers can tune in to see Food Revolution. His social media strategy seems to have worked too.  Seacrest was just labeled the most powerful man in Reality Television, stealing the title from his former boss Simon Cowell.   

So, how can you use social media to enhance your business?  It will take some time as it has with Seacrest.  However, it is a great way to build awareness, gain trust, and launch your own successful entertainment venture.

References

http://www.fastcompany.com/1757066/the-10-most-creative-people-on-twitter

http://ryanseacrest.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/RYANSEACREST

Making Your Video Go Viral

 Recently, I have been researching different ways to launch my creative content business Raybabe Productions Inc.  Digital Marketing is a crucial part to the success of my company because there are many low cost or no cost strategies to drive business.  Perhaps developing a creative video that shows a piece of my creative content could be posted on the web? What next?  How can I make this video go viral? 

David Meerman Scott from WebInkNow.com has an incredible blog on Digital Marketing and Leadership Strategies.  I found some great tips on how to make a video go viral on the world-wide-web.  Here are the eight tips Mr. Scott shared.

The most important thing is to make sure the video is funny, amazing, remarkable, or have some fascinating information or be controversial.  The video needs to have a reason for people to pass it on.

TIP #1

The first tip is that you don’t need to hire a professional.  A homemade quality video can work great.  Plan ahead and shoot several takes to get it right.

 TIP #2

Your video should be less than two minutes.  Think very short.  Although YouTube will accept a video that is less than 10 minutes, try to make the video between 30 seconds and two minutes. 

TIP #3

To best promote your video, you'll want the video title or description on YouTube to be accurate and interesting. Use descriptive keywords and language that people will find when they search for videos.  Make sure to use the correct categorizations on YouTube so people can find it.

TIP #4

Some companies try to sneak corporate-sponsored videos onto YouTube in a way that makes it seem like it is a consumer-generated video.  Scott warns us to not attempt “stealth” fake customer insertions on YouTube, as YouTube is adept at fleshing out the fakes. 

TIP #5

The fifth tip is to try a series of similar videos to build interest.  This tip may help me as I introduce the characters of a slapstick comedy film.  Perhaps a few short funny videos to help introduce my characters?  Collectively, they could tell an interesting, amusing, and short story.  These videos could create interest and link them to my films’ website.

TIP #6

When uploading your first few videos, you are likely to hear a deafening silence. You'll be waiting for comments, but none will come. You'll check your video statistics and be disappointed by the tiny number of viewers. Don’t get discouraged. It takes time to build an audience. Make sure people know it is there and can find it. Create links to your video from your home page, product pages, or online media room. Mention your video in your e-mail or offline newsletters, and create links to your video as part of your e-mail signature and those of the others in your organization.

TIP #7

You also need to make sure bloggers know about you.  Sending a link of the video to bloggers or commenting on other people's blogs (and including a link to your video) is a good way to build an audience. If you comment on blogs in the same space as yours, you might be surprised at how quickly you will get viewers to go to your video.

TIP #8

Finally, while Scott believes it is difficult to purposely create viral marketing buzz, it is certainly possible. He suggests creating a number of campaigns and observe what is a hit, then nurture the winner along. Think like a venture capitalist or movie studio and try a number of things in order to get that elusive hit.

These tips were very useful for marketing my video content and they could also help you.  Check out the link at the end of my post to view some of the nominated viral videos from the 2011 Webby Awards.  My personal favorite is the Digital Nativity.  Let me know if you had some success with your video going viral by sending me a comment.  I’d love to hear your thoughts about digital marketing and viral videos.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/12/viral-video-nominees-webby-awards-2011_n_848377.html#s263501&title=Bed_Intruder_Song

http://www.webinknow.com/2007/08/8-tips-to-make-.html

Presenting Your Art To An Audience Is'nt Always Easy

I had an interesting week attending shows at the Orlando International Fringe Festival.  This year marks the Festival’s 20^th anniversary combining cutting-edge performers with innovative works.  Each year, artists join together from around the world to tell their stories and produce their own shows.  All proceeds directly benefit the artists.  The festival is billed as “10 days of Theatre, Art, Music, and Madness.”  As I enjoyed the festival this year I was reminded how difficult it is to put yourself out there and have the world critique your work.  It’s not easy!  

Right around 8 years ago I had the opportunity to write and produce my own show at the Fringe Festival.  It was an amazing experience and I learned a lot about myself.  Although the critics panned my show, the experience was worth it.  I learned that you have to continually take risks creatively if you want to be successful in the entertainment industry.  Each experience teaches you something new that will help with your career goals.  This process requires a passion for art and ultimately, leadership. Without leadership your art will not find an audience.

If you really want to put your creative content out there whether on stage, television, on film, or in a book, you must have passion for it.  Many people in the industry have the passion but lack the leadership.  Leadership is essential for selling your creative content.  You must be able to build partnerships and move the process forward.  Once you have put it together, you have to sell it.  This can be the hardest part and many search for agents, managers, or producers who can do this work for them.  If your lucky, you can focus on writing and you will have a team to focus on the selling.

However, most of us have to take the lead on selling our idea by ourselves.  There are many new avenues for us to sell our creative content.  Print-on-demand services allow writers to self publish.  These services are becoming more popular as new technologies begin to emerge.  The traditional model is slowly fading away.  You have to do your homework when selecting one of these services.  You should learn about the many different companies available and evaluate the pros and cons of each.  You may find the perfect fit for your creative content.  You can find more information on POD’s at www.sfwa.org. 

Fringe is an excellent opportunity for creative writers and artists to put their show out there in a relatively safe environment.  Print-on-demand services offer a similar but different opportunity.  However, you must have a balance of leadership and passion.

http://orlandofringe.org/

http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/pod/

It May Be Time To Self-Publish

 Are you frustrated with trying to find an agent to get your creative work published and distributed?  It can be a daunting task due to the overwhelming number of writers simultaneously shopping their work.  Agents and industry executives are bombarded with submissions from creative types and they cannot possibly sign us all. 

Recently, I have been researching alternative ways to publish and distribute my own creative work.  My findings reveal that there are other alternatives to the traditional model we have become aware of through the years.  Technology and the Internet have changed the way consumers are purchasing content.  Print-On-Demand (POD) services open up opportunities for self-publishing for many writers.

Print on demand and publish on demand is a printing technology and business process in which new copies of a book (or other document) are not printed until an order has been received.   Many traditional small presses have replaced their traditional printing equipment with POD equipment or contract their printing out to POD service providers.  

POD services utilize digital printing technology to provide publishing services to writers. They range from DIY services like Lulu.com, which provides free online templates that allow anyone to upload and format a book, to super-fancy (and extremely expensive) publishing packages that include editing, custom cover design, enhanced marketing, and other extras (www.sfwa.org).

These POD services are not just for books.  You can find service providers who specialize in publishing and distributing your music like CDBaby.com.  This service will sell your music to iTunes and other music providers.  They will make your music available for purchase online.  In addition, you can find services to offer your film or audio-visual work.  CreateSpace is a subsidiary of Amazon and offers POD services for books, CD’s, and DVD’s. 

There are pros and cons that need to be carefully considered when choosing a POD service.  You should understand the cost for the service and how much revenue you will retain per unit.  You want to maintain control of your work and make sure you maintain publishing rights.

POD services can be an excellent option for some writers and some projects. For others, however, it is simply not the right choice. It is vitally important

to understand the facts, assess your goals, and make an informed decision.

You can find some incredible information on POD’s from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America website.  Check it out!

http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/pod/

Protecting your Creative Property

It is very important for creative professionals to protect their intellectual properties.  Can you image if someone infringed on your creative project?  I know, I would be devastated if that happened to me.  So I thought this week, I would interview an entertainment attorney who can help answer some important questions so we can protect our creative works.  I was fortunate to land an interview with Steve Hilsee, Senior Legal Entertainment Council for Walt Disney Entertainment.  Steve and I have actually worked on a few projects together throughout my years at Walt Disney World.  He advised me through a major contract involving an event featuring Lenny Kravitz in concert.  He was invaluable during tough negotiations with multiple parties.  It was a source of comfort for me to have Steve’s experience with entertainment contracts.  I sat down with Hilsee and we discussed his latest projects with Walt Disney Entertainment.

RF:  First, I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to me about entertainment law and your role with Walt Disney Entertainment.  Can you tell me some of the projects that you are currently working on for the company?

SH:  First, it is my pleasure to sit down and talk with you, Ray.  You and I have crossed many paths throughout the years.  My role with Walt Disney Entertainment is to work with all the production and casting teams at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line and protect the company from any legal liabilities that may arise.  Needless to say, I stay quite busy with a multitude of entertainment law issues.  Currently, I am working on an international contract with Talent Casting and Booking.  They have identified a performing group from China that they want to contract to perform daily at the China Pavilion at Epcot.  They identified the group through a third party from New York City.  We drafted a detailed contract to be sure that all labor laws are followed.  With an international contract we need to understand and work with different customs, terms, and legalities.  There have been several delays in the process and the third party refused to forward our contract to the Chinese government for approval of the performer’s work visas.  It has been a process.

RF:  International contracts especially in China must be difficult to follow as the law continues to evolve?  Did you work on any of the Disney Shanghai Theme Park negotiations with the Peoples Republic of China?

SH:  Yes, international law can be tricky, especially in regards to China.  I did not work on the legal negotiations for the Disney Park in Shanghai.  However, I was made aware of the progress and the issues we were negotiating with the Chinese government.  Our legal team did a great job with these negotiations and ultimately arrived at an agreement.  This arrangement is going to open up a whole new market for Disney.  It’s a huge accomplishment!

RF:  What entertainment law concerns do you deal with on a regular basis?

SH:  Well, I examine multiple contracts everyday that involve agreements with performers, production companies, as well as intellectual property issues.  For example, we produced Finding Nemo, The Musical and I was the lead attorney with many of those contracts.  Disney hired many outside consultants to develop the show.  One of those contracts involved the creators of the music.  Tony-award winning musical composer, Robert Lopez, and his wife, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, penned new songs specifically for the show.   Of course, the rest of the music was taken from the movie.  So, all of these intellectual property issues were negotiated with each rightful owner of the music.

RF:  Do you have any advice for creative individuals who are creating music or other intellectual property?

SH:  The most advice I can give is to be sure you are consulting a qualified attorney who specializes in entertainment law.  There are many attorneys out there but you must work with someone who specifically understands the entertainment industry.  It will be most beneficial for you to seek council prior to entering into an arrangement.  This is the best advice I can give you.

RF:  Thanks again Steve for your time.  I know you are a very busy man and I appreciate you sharing your insight. 

SH:  You’re welcome Ray.

My conversation with Steve reinforced my belief that those who are involved in the entertainment industry should seek the counsel of a qualified entertainment law attorney. Taking this invaluable step can protect you from making a legal mistake that could endanger your company or your intellectual property rights. 

http://disney.go.com/index

Registering Your Creative Work is a Must!

Many creative people fail to register their scripts or music with the United States Copyrights Office.  This causes many legal problems for the creative community.  Recently, I have been researching articles for Intellectual Property infringements and came across three that were interesting.  I thought I would share my thoughts on these cases.

First, in a copyright infringement action against the producers of You Don’t Mess With the Zohan, a court awarded the defendants, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., $1,000 in attorney fees after considering Robert Cabell, the plaintiffs financial circumstances (Loeb & Loeb, 2011).  The district court granted Sony’s motion for summary judgment.  Which is a decision made based on evidence and statements presented on record without a trial (www.lectlaw.com).  Cabell alleged that the film and its marketing materials infringed his copyrights in works featuring a character named Jayms Blonde.  Apparently, he did not have the supporting evidence to convince the court to take the case to trial.  The court ruled that Cabell’s claims were objectively unreasonable.  The original motion was a fee upwards of $568,000.  However, the court considered Cabells financial situation and lowered the fee.  This is an example of someone who took the risk of suing a major corporation without the proper evidence.  He was lucky his financial situation was bleak because the court could have required him to pay all of the defendant’s attorney fees. 

The second article that I have found interesting involves new technologies that are emerging and causing a whole lot of Intellectual Property issues.  Recently, a cease-and-desist letter was sent to Ali Davar, founder and CEO of Zite, the iPad news magazine software creator (Indvik, 2011).  The letter was sent from some heavy hitters in the news industry including the Associated Press, Dow Jones, and Gannett and Getty Images.  Zite analyzes users everyday reading habits and pulls the information from Facebook, Twitter, and Google Reader.  They know what stories the reader clicked on or bypassed.  They even can determine how long they’re read.  This gives users an online magazine tailored to their own interests.

The concern comes from the publishers who complain that pulling the content from their sites takes away the potential for ads and other data.  They are not getting any pageviews or ad impressions and this has an adverse effect on their businesses.  Davar has cooperated with the publishers and agreed to render their content as a webpage.  It will be interesting to see if Zite begins a strategy with these publishers in the future.  It seems to me that they could negotiate a deal where both Zite and the Publishers could benefit.

Finally, the last article deals with writers stealing content from online blogs to incorporate in television episodes.  Apparently, CBS and their CSI:NY series created a show based on Teddy Wayne’s creative blog (www.motherboard.tv).  Unfortunately, Wayne did not understand his freelance contract with Radar, the gossip magazine, and unknowingly handed over his rights to them.  Therefore, he is unable to seek action because he is not the owner of the copyright.  A CBS attorney implicitly acknowledged that the series used his blog to develop the show.  This brings us to the importance of understanding anything that you post on the Internet.  If you post your content on Facebook, you have just given them the right to do practically whatever they feel like doing with your photos, updates, and profile data (Pasternack, 2011).   As creative people, we need to always make sure your creative content is protected.  You can find more information on how to register your work with the United States Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov. 

References:

http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/s102.htm

http://www.jdsupra.com/post/documentViewer.aspx?fid=0382ed14-70f6-49a1-9c80-d61570cb2a83

http://mashable.com/2011/04/01/zite-cease-and-desist/

http://www.motherboard.tv/2011/2/22/tv-shows-stealing-from-blogs-and-other-internet-wonders

http://www.copyright.gov/

Columbia Artists Management Inc.

Are you in need of an Artist Management Company to help you manage your career?  Recently, I have been researching companies who do just that and found one that has been in existence since 1930.  Columbia Artists Management Inc. (CAMI) is an international leader in managing the careers and touring activities of the world's most prominent performing artists and institutions.  Led by Chairman and CEO Ronald Wilford as well as the managing partners of their subsidiaries, the company has been on the forefront of performing arts management and production throughout the world for eight decades.  You should definitely do your own research when looking for someone to manage your career, however, here is a company with years of experience that may be an opportunity for you.  

CAMI continues its legacy in the discovery and career development of the next generation of young artists.  The company maintains its position as the world's largest classical music management firm internationally and is recognized for its distinguished list of Artists & Attractions. 

The firm’s managers include a diverse selection of individuals who specialize in the careers of instrumentalists, conductors, opera singers and other vocalists, as well as in the touring activities of orchestras and instrumental ensembles. Complementing its activities in classical music, the company manages an extensive roster of world music performing artists, as well as the leading classical, modern and popular dance companies.

For over thirty years, through its Columbia Artist Theatricals (CAT) subsidiary, CAMI has pioneered the development of national Broadway touring. Today, CAT continues its long tradition of distributing the highest caliber of theatrical entertainment. Through the further development of collaborative partnerships, CAMI continues to expand its activities at the forefront of media development and the performing arts.

As you are searching for someone to represent you, you should make sure the company has the experience and clout to lead your career in a positive direction.  This may be the most important decision you make in your career.  For more information, check out CAMI website.  You may find some helpful information from one of the leading Artist Management companies in the industry.

Reference

Retrieved from:  http://www.cami.com/?

Sponsorships can be a win/win for Artists and Companies

Are you having a hard time finding the funds for your project?  Recently, I came across an interesting article on the Artist Management Resource website.  The article gives some great advice for Artists who may be looking for sponsors for their tour.  It turns out that companies are also looking for new ways to reach their customers.  Many businesses are beginning to discover that consumers are becoming harder to reach using traditional advertising/marketing techniques.  Sponsorships can provide a win-win situation for all involved - a way for businesses to reach consumers more effectively by utilizing integrated marketing; and an avenue for musicians to acquire funding for their tours and/or projects. I thought I would share some important tips from the article so you can jumpstart your career.

First, you must be able to clearly identify your audience, their loyalty level and buying habits - apart from buying your music/merchandise and attending your shows.  Your target audience may just be the right fit.  For example, if the highest percentage of your audience member’s are 34-55 year old females; they are proven to buy health and beauty products.  Perhaps businesses that sell similar products to this audience would be interested in supporting your efforts. 

You must also identify the benefits and market them to potential sponsors.  Be aware of the benefits that will be most useful to a prospective sponsor including your mailing list, image, talent, or perhaps even logos, merchandise, and even copyrights and trademarks.  You should keep your fees reasonable as well.  In addition, you need to be clear about the type of image you project.  Sponsors will associate with projects that fit their image they are trying to establish and cater to the demographics they are trying to reach.

Another suggestion is to create or produce a project that is appealing to the media.  Companies prefer projects that can attract TV coverage, especially if their logos and/or products can show up in the broadcast of an event.  Be open to bundling your project with other companies that have more clout than you.  However, you must limit the number of companies that you attach to the event/project.  Conflicts will occur when sponsors compete or don’t match well with other co-sponsors.

Finally, you want to help your sponsor to gauge the effectiveness of the benefits that you are offering them.  The business needs to make sure they are generating a solid return on their investment.  A suggestion may be to hand out flyers at the event with a coupon offering a discount or promotion.  This will help the company measure the success of the sponsorship.  You also need to prove that you can deliver the benefits promised to the sponsor.  Make sure you follow through on all professional promises.

Artists continually search for funds to help support their projects.  Sponsors are a great way to help!  You can find more great information on this topic as well as Artist Management information at www.artistmanagementresource.com.  

Retrieved from:  Rwakaara, J (2007) ArtistManagementResource.com

The River Of Trust at Disney

A successful corporate event at Disney merges the entertainment and hospitality industries.  Michael Roach, Sales Director for Walt Disney World understands both worlds.  In addition to nearly 15 years of experience at Disney, he has also held national sales positions with the Ritz-Carlton Company, Amelia Island, and Hyatt Resorts Caribbean.  For the past 20 years, he has managed people, programs, and budgets to deliver events that are both entertaining and effective.  Recently, I sat down with him to discuss how he continually succeeds with negotiating deals for Disney.  His insight was inspiring and his success is based on what he calls “the river of trust”. 

RF:  First, I want to thank you for taking some time to talk with me about your role at Disney.  You certainly have a busy job making magic happen at Walt Disney World.  Can you start by explaining your role with Disney Parks and Resorts?

MR:  My job at Disney is to create opportunities for corporations to hold a dynamic event at Walt Disney World.  We work with our amazing creative teams to develop an event that finds solutions and maximizes their return on investment.  Their decision to book an event here is not taken lightly.  There are a lot of other locations where companies can take their business, not only in Central Florida but also around the world.  Our differentiator is what we call the “Disney Difference”.  We have some of the best Creative Directors who focus on their message by using the vast amount of resources available at Disney.  This includes the incredible entertainment that we are known for around the world.  Our tagline at The Disney Event Group is “Everyone has a story, we help you tell it”.  My job is to help build that river of trust with the client so that we secure the business and our clients walk away with a world-class experience for their attendees.

RF:  What do you mean by building the river of trust?

MR:  It’s about building professional relationships so that our guests feel they can trust us with their event.  The meeting planners are tasked with making sure they deliver on the experience.  They have to trust us before they sign a contract to ensure the deal works for them.  Building that professional relationship is the key to gaining their trust.  They have to feel that they are “winning” something from the negotiation.  If they can trust that we are looking out for their best interests they will move forward with signing the contract.  We build that relationship by listening to their needs and collaborating with them to develop solutions for our client’s event.  The result is quite powerful when all the stars align.  My proudest moments, and the most rewarding ones, are when our clients come back year after year because of the foundation of mutual trust. 

RF:  It sounds like you work with your clients for mutual benefit.  You gain a sales contract that ultimately helps the Disney stockholders and the client gains an incredible “Disney” experience with a strong return on their investment.  Would you agree? Do you believe that mutual benefit is important in negotiations?

MR:   Absolutely!  The client must feel that they are benefiting from the negotiation.  They must walk away knowing that the investment was worth the experience.  In the end, if the client is happy than we are happy.  We know that their experience with us will play a role in their decision to return in the future.  That is why the Disney brand is so successful.  We are dedicated to delivering world-class service.  This is a winning model for us and ultimately benefits our company while servicing our client’s specific goals.

RF:  Have you ever dealt with clients with differing values than Disney?  How do you deal with dirty tricks in a negotiation?

MR:  Disney has strong corporate values that we take very seriously.  We believe in honesty, integrity, diversity, courage, openness, respect, and balance.  These values are so important when it comes to a negotiation.  They become a road map for a successful outcome.  There are times when I have seen different tricks played by some clients.  Typically when I see dirty tricks, I have not done my homework with the client.  I need to listen more to their needs and come up with alternative solutions for them.  For example: They may want a lower cost for their experience.  My job is to present those solutions.  I will work with my team to look for cuts in the budget that will not have a large impact on the overall experience.  This approach has worked for me with these clients and many times I have been able to secure the business.

RF:  You certainly have a very interesting role at Disney.  Thank you for your time and explaining your important position to me.

Mr. Roach has an incredible perspective on successful negotiations.  Developing professional relationships to build the river of trust is so important for a successful outcome.  I think we all can take his advice when it comes to negotiating a deal. 

For more information on The Disney Event Group check out their website at www.disneyeventgroup.com

Exciting NBC Pilot Announcements

Some great new television pilot ideas are in the news and are inspiring me to be more creative. In particular, the new NBC boss, Bob Greenblatt, has moved quickly to take the reins of NBC and has lined up several exciting new shows.  He has ordered four new pilots and has put the brakes on several prior production commitments.  In a recent Variety article by Cynthia Littleton, she discusses some of the NBC shifts in focus.  I do have to say that they are quite exciting!  Here’s the deal…

The most notable pick-up is “Smash” from Steven Spielberg, Craig Zadan, and Neil Meron.   “Smash” is a project Greenblatt developed at Showtime but has now secured it for NBC.  This hour long tuner is a show-within-a-show vehicle about a group of people who come together to produce a Broadway musical.  It's based on Spielberg's idea of following the development of a musical from beginning to end.  Greenblatt put the project in development in 2009, and it's a concept close to his heart.  He is a big theatre fan and three years ago produced the Broadway adaptation of “Nine to Five”.  Theresa Rebeck has penned the pilot script and will executive produce with Spielberg.  Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman are on board to pen the tunes.   You may know them from their “Hairspray” success, among many others.  It sounds like “Smash” will add some competition to the phenomenon that is “Glee”.

Also in the works is “I Hate that I Love You,” from Jhoni Marchinko.  She is most remembered for her “Will and Grace” show creation.  Her new project comes from 20th Century Fox TV and will appear on NBC. It's a single-camera romantic comedy in which a straight couple introduces two lesbian friends to one another, resulting in a pregnancy. 

"Mann's World," is an hour-long concept from Michael Patrick King revolving around a celebrity hairstylist in L.A. The show focuses on the challenges he faces in running his business and staying relevant in a fast-moving business.  

Finally, rounding out the new projects for NBC is David E. Kelley's spin on "Wonder Woman".  Where we find Diana Prince leading a double life as a high-powered corporate executive. 

All these new picks seem to be a great move for Greenblatt at NBC.  Let’s see if the network can turn things around from their lackluster performance in recent years.  In sounds to me that these projects have potential to be ratings hits.  I hope these new pilots can contribute to their recovery, as well as add a new creative wrinkle to the television landscape.

Retrieved from:  http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118030692

Helpful tips for the Creative Entrepreneur

Starting your own business can be a daunting task for a creative person!  Many highly creative people ignore the business and spend their time focusing on being creative.  Of course, the result all too often is a failed business. Recently, when researching other creative businesses, I came across an interesting article from Jennifer Lee, the creator of the Right-Brain Business Plan.  My interest was sparked from her 10 Tips for the Creative Entrepreneur.  The article hit the mark on frustrations I have heard from creative individuals and it also touched a cord with my own frustrations.  So I thought I would share my thoughts on Lee’s tips with you.

Lee has created a term called “musepreneur” which she defines as a creative entrepreneur who uses their right-brain intuition and inspiration to launch and grow a business.  The key to being a successful musepreneur is to fully embrace creativity. The artistic gifts can actually help individuals find fresh solutions to their business challenges and enable new ventures to grow in ways never dreamed possible.  Here are some of Lee’s tips to help unleash solutions to create a successful business. 

First, enlist your imagination and use your creative intuition to paint the biggest picture of your business success (literally or figuratively). Spend some time envisioning where you want to be a year from now.  When you’re in touch with your vision, it’s easier for the details to follow.  If detailed project plans overwhelm you, try planning with Post-it Notes instead. Write each task on a Post-it Note.  Then begin arranging them on a large piece of paper attached to a wall. You can draw rows on the paper to show weeks or months and start sequencing the notes on a timeline. The cool thing is your plan isn’t set in stone. You can easily move the notes around as you gain more clarity about what’s next.

When you’re juggling many creative projects it can feel like you’re not getting anything done. Rather than getting frustrated, acknowledge that you’re moving forward even if it’s one small step at a time. Lee explains that a great way to do this is to find a beautiful bowl, and each time you complete something from a project, drop a bead into the bowl. Before you know it your bowl will be full.  If you’re feeling stuck, do something creative to find your flow again. Maybe you sing a song or paint a picture. The important thing is that you keep your creative momentum. See what fresh perspective emerges.

Another important tip is to build on what you know and use something you’re already familiar with to gain clarity on an unfamiliar issue. For example, how is creating a budget like following a recipe? What’s the first thing you do when you prepare to cook? Perhaps it’s finding the right recipe (or a template for the budget). Next, you gather all the ingredients (or the line items on your budget). Then you measure the ingredients (or you put numbers to the different line items). By walking through the steps of something you know, you’ll discover your own creative resourcefulness and the new tasks will feel less daunting. 

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Outsource what you’re not as good at or don’t enjoy. Hire an accountant to set up QuickBooks. Gather a board of advisors to strategize on marketing. Get a virtual assistant to schedule meetings. Delegating frees you up to focus on the heart of your business.  You can also reach out to someone you admire for some mentoring. Make a date with your fellow creative cohorts to brainstorm ideas and support each other. Together we can help each other grow our businesses!

Check out Ten Tips for the Creative Entrepreneur at: http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/magazine/10-tips-for-the-creative-entrepreneur/1754