Sunday, 2 March 2014

WEEK 1: Staffing A Production Company

I started by watching the video about staffing a production company and completed the quiz, which I got 5 out of 6



Different Kinds of Theatres:
In England there are a variety of different working theatres that have different approaches to creating work. For example a Production House produces its own work whereas a Receiving House receives work by inviting touring artists or companies to their theatre.
Production Houses:
Production Houses are responsible for producing their shows in-house, a non-theatre example could be Aardman as they are responsible for creating their own work (Wallace and Gromit, Flushed Away). Much like Aardman theatre production houses are responsible for creating and promoting their own work. An example of a working production house is the Globe Theatre in London, which shows a variety of Shakespeare plays in the summer months. The plays are produced to be performed at the Globe to allow us to explore the work of Shakespeare in an interactive and educational way.
 
Receiving Houses:
Receiving Houses differ from Production Houses in the way that Receiving Houses do not create their own work. Touring companies and artists can be found performing at Receiving Houses. The Cliffs Pavilion Theatre in South End is a receiving house. Between December of last year and March this year the Cliffs Pavilion had several events including David Hasslehoff in a pantomime and the pop duo Rizzle Kicks performing in concert. Receiving Houses are effective as it allows the theatre to open up to a wide and varied audience by showing pieces of theatre alongside concerts. Receiving Houses allow the people living in the area to see a variety of productions and this will in turn keep the theatre popular as they’ve always got something new to offer.

https://southendtheatres.org.uk/Online/default.asp


T.I.E Companies - Theatre in Education
 
Theatre in Education companies (TIE) take projects into schools and create performances that are supported by teaching material which then encourages the teachers and young people to undertake further work after the TIE visit. The performances are not designed to give the children factual knowledge but rather explore sensitive issues. TIE companies use theatrical performance and drama workshops to explore social, political and moral significance to young people. The Belgrade Theatre Coventry is the first theatre to have a TIE company (1965) and began by offering a free service to schools and young people in Coventry. The Belgrade runs an annual project “Big School” which explores the transition from Primary to Secondary School and the theatre is also open for developing new projects on request. TIE companies are committed to providing schools with unique programmes that enrich and extend the National Curriculum because they have found that young people learn best when they are learning creatively and having fun.
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Cameron Mackintosh – Staffing Structure

Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. is responsible for producing successful musicals such as Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and Oliver. To be able to produce a show that can then be put on the West End or taken to tour around the UK you need an efficient team of people who are responsible for the overall production, the marketing, casting, the music and the technical side and these all need people who specialise in these aspects.

Directors:
The director/managing director is responsible for the overall running of the production company and so oversee planning and funding activities. The Directors would be in charge of finalising decisions made within the company.
Training Requirements/Experience: In the case of Mackintosh Ltd. Cameron Mackintosh has had success after success with the shows he has produced showing that a vast experience is important to being a director. You’d need good communication skills and have organisational skills.

Production:
The production team is made up of executive producers and production assistants. The producers are responsible for finding the money to finance the show and managing financial risks. The producer will also source the team and cast who will create and put the show on.
Training Requirements/Experience: There are no specific training requirements but do need to be able to lead and oversee a team successfully. They need to be capable of taking an idea and working with it in all aspects.

Marketing and Press:
Jobs include Heads of Sales and Marketing and Marketing Account Manager. As a Marketing Manager they have the responsibility of promoting and informing people of a production. In a large company like Mackintosh Ltd. the Marketing Manager would have to approve proofs for promotional material (leaflets, posters). The Marketing Manager would also liaise with the media to further promote the production.
Training Requirements/Experience: Organisation and the ability to communicate messages and ideas are important for this job. To become a marketing manager you would possibly need experience as a marketing executive first. Employers are more interested in the skills and industry knowledge obtained by the person rather than their formal qualifications.



Technical:
The technical department includes the Technical Director and Production Manager. The Production Manager oversees all technical aspects of a production and would be responsible for appointing technical staff. The Production Manger must work closely with the Producers, music, costume and set designers as well as supervising the technicians. The Production team are responsible for delivering the creative team’s vision.
Training Requirements/Experience: To become a Production Manager a degree in an appropriate subject is necessary, such as engineering. However other skills needed include organisational and interpersonal skills, as well as being able to work in a team and being able to communicate well with others.


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