Chortle Conference: How To Succeed At Edinburgh
Panel: Ryan Taylor (Pleasance), Louise Gilbert (Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society), Steve Bennett (Chortle), Paul Sullivan (Publicist), Alex Petty (Laughing Horse), hosted by Viv Groskop.
Viv asked the panel how performers are protected, particularly in light of the Cowgatehead fiasco which has left many performers without a venue. Louise says that the EFFS is set up to provide logistical advice but cannot get involved with specific contracts. Alex stresses the importance of researching as much as possible, while Ryan states that the Pleasance are upfront about their practices and provide all the required information. There's a general consensus that all of the information that performers require is out there, like the fact a company called "Out Of Hand" runs the outdoor poster scheme around the city.
Ryan stresses the importance of word in mouth in promoting a show and Louise highlights the Fringe Media Office who possess a database of press contacts. Steve encourages participants to get creative, citing the example of Jess Fostekew who set up a fake PR company. Paul advises acts to restrict their press releases to a solitary page with high quality images. He believes the earlier an act can arrange their PR the better, believing that March is a good time to start making those arrangements. All acts should be keeping in touch with the press office.
The panel are asked whether acts should invite an agent if they're doing a three hander. Ryan thinks that no agent will be offended if they're asked to take a look at a particular act and Steve agrees, but notes that Chortle are concerned largely with one hour solo shows in terms of reviews.
Viv asked the panel how performers are protected, particularly in light of the Cowgatehead fiasco which has left many performers without a venue. Louise says that the EFFS is set up to provide logistical advice but cannot get involved with specific contracts. Alex stresses the importance of researching as much as possible, while Ryan states that the Pleasance are upfront about their practices and provide all the required information. There's a general consensus that all of the information that performers require is out there, like the fact a company called "Out Of Hand" runs the outdoor poster scheme around the city.
Ryan stresses the importance of word in mouth in promoting a show and Louise highlights the Fringe Media Office who possess a database of press contacts. Steve encourages participants to get creative, citing the example of Jess Fostekew who set up a fake PR company. Paul advises acts to restrict their press releases to a solitary page with high quality images. He believes the earlier an act can arrange their PR the better, believing that March is a good time to start making those arrangements. All acts should be keeping in touch with the press office.
The panel are asked whether acts should invite an agent if they're doing a three hander. Ryan thinks that no agent will be offended if they're asked to take a look at a particular act and Steve agrees, but notes that Chortle are concerned largely with one hour solo shows in terms of reviews.
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