PIVOTING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

The second in a series of reflections on how the various sectors can successfully pivot their offering.

FIRST THE ACRONYM

Positive Intention

Innovation

Vision

Opportunities

Talents

Implementation

Numbers

Grit

NOW THE PROCESS

POSITIVE INTENTION - The key to positive intention, if it is to work, has two elements that must be addressed:

1.      A can-do attitude that you and your team need to buy into.

If all that can be seen are the blocks that the pandemic has placed in the way your offering will fall at the first hurdle. 

2.      What positive elements are needed for your customers and clients to buy what your selling?

What is happening in your consumers world that you can create a positive effect on their lives?

Currently we are, to a lesser of greater extent, in lockdown and the truth is that people are feeling lonely, depressed, and uncertain about the future. Christmas is looming and there is a real possibility that restrictions will still apply, and families will be separated.

In any event the elderly and vulnerable relatives will still want to be self-isolating regardless whether the rules are relaxed.

FACT - Music, Dance, Poetry, and all other elements of the creative arts lift the mood, relieve tension and bring joy.

Positive Intention should be adopted to bring those elements of performance to the waiting and anxious public.

How therefore can those in that sector serve the ‘market’ and innovate? 

INNOVATION – The ability to think laterally, fresh ideas, new processes to approach the new reality.

We have already seen how the Royal Opera House, The Royal Albert Hall and others institutions have made their content available online via YouTube, Vimeo, and other streaming outlets.

Revenue has been achieved by charging minimal fees or simply requesting donations from the thousand throughout the world that tune in.

What can you do to create revenue for your proposition?

Many celebrities have taken to the internet to create shows and intimate concerts.

Josh Groban is one such person. Charging a minimal amount for his series of online concerts he has raised further revenue by showcasing and inviting his adoring fans to purchase new recordings and selling T Shirts, posters, and other merchandise.

Many others are creating videos from their lounges, kitchens and other safe locations and we have seen so many inventive and creative individuals using Tik Tok.

Magicians are using these outlets also to show off their skills and perhaps laying the ground for gigs after the pandemic has ceased. Songwriters are writing pastiches of well know songs and composing other melodies.

Choreographers are creating dance routines for live mini shows for the entertainment starved audiences.

Yes, we have TV shows like Strictly, The Voice, and I’m a celebrity but for those who don’t have the budget or the advanced technology if you are not showcasing your talent you are missing a golden opportunity to shine. 

Why are the myriad of professional and amateur entertainers so slow to monetise there talents and join the online community?

Online networking events, virtual conferences, and team meeting of all kinds would be the ideal place to perform and show off your skills. With Christmas fast approaching companies and networking group owners are looking to do something different.

Many recording studios are opening their doors to talent and rather than have an empty space will agree a revenue share. Please create a song and dance about this, pun intended. Entertain us, make us laugh and share your expertise and talents with others.

VISION – A clear plan and compelling view of the road ahead.

Now is the time to think big and use every broadcasting and streaming means to realise your dreams.

The world literally is your audience. If you have a song, sing it, jokes to tell Stand Up, a dog act, doggedly try it out. Simon Cowell will love it. You may even find yourself on Britain’s Got Talent.

Collaborate with others. Musicians, actors, playwrights, and performers. If Little Mix can put a group together so can you.

OPPORTUNITIES – To seek out and understand what the market needs, and trends are.

What are the realistic opportunities out there? Look for connections to what is popular and catches people imagination.

Recently on Britain’s Got Talent the final line up had three magicians performing. What does that tell you? The public want some MAGIC in their lives

As with other sectors, what are the needs and trends for Christmas? Take to the streets and if you can BUSK.

If you are a dancer teach a new dance routine. If you’re a juggler teach people how to juggle and if you are poet write and read us your relevant piece.

TALENTS – To recognise your skill sets and that of the team, to know what further skills are needed, to learn new skills and collaborate with others who have those skills.

In every new venture and in every sector, collaboration is the key here.

Songwriters need a Bernie Taupin to write the music, singers need an accompanist and playwrights need performers and voice over artists need poems and books to narrate.

IMPLEMENTATION – No plan can work without the drive and motivation to carry it through.

Now is the time to take centre stage, start creating the plan and follow through. Again as with any new idea collaborate with marketeers, advertisers, and get the word out.

Create your own YouTube Channel, Website, PR campaign. This difference between success and failure it JUST DO IT.

Be a self-promoter, sell yourself emotionally, tell your background story. Your struggles your success and failure. Watch any talent show and see how the contestants get the audience on side by sharing their life experiences.

NUMBERS – What value does the idea bring to others and to you and what is it going to take to make it financially viable.

What is it going to take financially to put on the kind of show that is needed to make the right impression?

Calculate your investment in time, materials, technology, and other aspects of bringing the idea to fruition. Think, not what is the cost but what value do you bring to your waiting public. Never sell yourself short.

GRIT – Every plan takes determination to see it through to the end regardless of push backs.

Consider not what went wrong but what in your past went well and use that as the benchmark of your success.

The voices in your head that say, you’re not good enough, or you haven’t got the talent, or you’ve never succeeded so why should you know. Say STFU - Shut the F.. up

I have recently completed an intensive 8-week course on MENTAL FITNESS and learnt strategies how to help people quieten those negative voices in their heads.

If you need a confidence boost, who and how to collaborate with other perhaps we need to chat. 

I wish you success in what continues to be a difficult time ahead and would be delighted to help you explore how your business can be PIVOTED.

Contact me on [email protected] Or book at time in my online diary for a chat. Bring your own drink. https://calendly.com/dexter-7