There's no business like show business

A rookie's lessons in launching a film festival in Scotland

As I sat in the Suter Cinema in Nelson NZ watching The Big Bike Film Night, I had no idea that 2 years later I would be the guy holding the mic in front of a sell out show at the Scottish premiere. The content is lovingly curated by my friend Brett Cotter, and had already achieved cult status as one of leading film festivals touring Australia and New Zealand.

Arriving in Scotland in late 2020 I decided to launch The Big Bike Film Night in Scotland, yes that's right, in the middle of a pandemic. The timing of my decision at first seemed bizarre, particularly to some of cycling's big brands who literally laughed me out of the room when I approached them for sponsorship. By the time I managed to get the national tour on the road in September 2021 it turned out that I was the only promotor bold, or stupid enough, to commit to an in-cinema tour and it subsequently sold out nationwide.

Fast forward 3 years and I can now look back with fondness at the people I have met and the relationships I have formed across the length and breadth of this fantastic country. We have entertained over 4,000 cycling film fanatics in sold out venues in the big cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and discovered sell out audiences packed full of personality in the smaller locations of Fort William, Comrie Croft and Boat of Garten.

Our audiences have laughed, and cried, and I have laughed and cried with them. These have been memorable shows where you not only feel the energy and inspiration ripple across the audience, you know that people will head home and begin planning adventures by bike of their own. There were the inevitable lessons learned, and I wanted to share these with other budding promoters and business owners, because I think these can be applied widely.

• Never sell your soul for the sake of a sponsor. Look for long term relationships with people who understand your vision and dreams. Above all find sponsors and supporters who share your child like enthusiasm for what you're trying to achieve. I was very lucky to be introduced to the Scottish mountain bike company Deviate Cycles and they 'got it' from the first conversation.
• It is not about you. The stars of the show are the cinematographers, the characters found within the films, the projectionists and the folks who staff the venues....and above all it is about the audience.
• Do not try and chase perfection. Find balance with what is ultimately good enough on the day and learn from each experience. Yes I had many technical issues, particularly with subtitles and sound quality, but I learned every time.
• Remember that even if your are doing it alone, you are never alone.
• It is not about the easy conversations with venues, sponsors, and business partners. The relationships are forged in how you handle the tough conversations.
• Don't be afraid to walk away from bad business or people who try and prey on your perceived weakness. If someone is trying to bully you or they are behaving like bullies, make sure you tell them because in my experience they often don't realise it.
• Smile and honestly, the world smiles with you.
• Listen...I mean really listen and lean into complaints, and then do whatever is possible to leave on good terms. Never let money get in the way of a happy customer. Thank and acknowledge people for their thoughtful feedback.
• And lastly, always check that yesterdays underpants are not stuck in the bottom of your trousers when you head on stage to speak! Yes this really did happen to me...

I hope these tips are useful to people who are considering venturing into the world of show business or even business ownership. I am so thankful to so many people who helped me along the ride, there are too many to list here. Above all I need to thank my long suffering wife and amazing daughters for supporting me on this wild adventure, Deviate Cycles, Bark and Ride, and StraightCut Design. I especially want to thank Brett Cotter, who 10 years ago decided to host a cycling film festival in Taupo NZ to help pay for the repair of a vandalised bike statue.

For information on The Big Bike Film Night in New Zealand, Australia, England or Scotland pedal across to The Big Bike Film Night.

Keep pedalling!

Ollie