Financial Broadway

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Comment by Boffo Box on January 28, 2010 at 11:14pm

Hey everyone - great idea for a group. I have a few books to recommend: From Option to Opening (Donald C. Farber), CTI Guide to Producing Plays and Musicals, David Merrick The Abominable Showman, and So You Want to Be A Producer (Lawrence Turman).

Also, we just launched Boffo Box this week - which is an online resource for theatrical professionals with gross/attendance data, production information, people & company directories and more. I'd like to hear any thoughts you guys might have on it.

Comment by KG Marshall on August 29, 2009 at 11:31pm

I am new to producing on a commerical level. I have found a property, and need start up capital and young producing partners willing to get they're hands dirty. How do I get started? I want to have the show up and running on the West Coast in September. I need helping hands on this one!!!!

Comment by Tyler Phillips on June 10, 2008 at 11:56pm

take two???

We are getting increased interest in this discussion group thanks to the great and continuing support of the members and our featured guests. At times we touch on the areas of law, finance and maybe even a little tax talk. Everyone should remember that these are discussions and are not intended to be consultations. So the following disclaimers apply:

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Comment by Nate on May 18, 2008 at 4:29pm

Must chime in here and add to the praise for Ken's blog. As a young producer, Ken's lil' piece of the web has provided an invaluable source of information, insight, and tips. I've been able to take some of his ideas and adapt them for my own shows. He's also a super nice guy, and a great person to work with. Many thanks to Mr. Davenport! :)

Comment by Fran on April 21, 2008 at 9:23am

Sorry I havent responded Tyler. I've been juggling time between being a Mommy and rehearsals. (oy!) Yes, it was the John Doyle revival of Sweeney. A friend was involved and when I heard Sondheim, Sweeney and revival in the same sentence, I told him I wanted to do it too. It was really a very simple process. They sent us the prospectus . We sent them a check and voila'! We were producers. Well, kinda. More like investors. But fun none the less.

Comment by Broadway Mouth on April 8, 2008 at 6:54pm

Hey Tyler, I don't know if this really responds to your comment, but one thing I would say is that the number 1 goal at first is to write the show.

From my perspective (which is growing), unless you are assembled by a producer as part of a team, it is best to write first. You may not get any money until the producer officially options the work (is that the right word), even if he/she assembles you as part of a team. They won't option the work until they see it and like it. Even then, the real financial reward doesn't start until rehearsals begin. It's something one does for love above all, with the hopes to sustain a living from it.

I have written two books to musicals (no music, oddly enough), two novels, two sitcom pilots, etc. without start-up money. Until someone can see what you can do, they're not going to take you on. In the world of writing novels, no one cares about a writer's idea. Ideas are a dime a dozen; the publishers want to see your work.

I would say there usually is a lead producer (and if there isn't, there should be). I don't understand all the different titles, but on Broadway now you have the actual people involved in producing (which can be divied up--fundraising, creative, advertising, staffing, etc.), then those who get producing credit for investing (this happens in Hollywood all the time--notice the different levels of producer in the credits).

Comment by Theresa Lexie on April 6, 2008 at 10:35pm

Yes, I'm glad to see this group because I'm interested in learning more about the "behind the scenes" happenings regarding theatre.

Tyler, I agree that reading Ken's blogs is a great start. Also, he has a list of books on his website that may be worth checking out. I plan to do just that once I can find two minutes to call my own.

I have a degree in psychology (for what it's worth..haha), so I'm interested in learning more about the the process of combining both right brain and left brain functions to produce a synthesized product. Producing a show takes both logic and creativity. Being a teacher of the gifted, I teach both logic and creative thinking, and I often have a tendency to teach them independent from one another. However, it seems to me (as a complete and total novice in every sense of the word) that producing a show requires a blending of both of these skills, and I can't imagine that it's an easy task.

Ok. I'm rambling. I just wanted to say that I'm happy to see this group. As soon as I get to one of the books from Ken's list and as learn more about this, I'll have something potentially intelligent to add. *smile*

Theresa Lexie

Comment by Tyler Phillips on April 4, 2008 at 1:37am

OK, I just got out of 'Broadway' school...........

http://www.theproducersperspective.com/ (see Ken Davenport's comment below)

Ken's blog is informative, important, inspirational, indubitable and yes...fun!

I feel like I just sat in the corner booth with Hal Prince knockin down bacon and tomato sandies and the scrolls got unrolled (well a couple of them at least...). It's official Ken's blog is prereq reading for this group. I know that's like preachin to the choir looking over at the early list of group members to the right but newbies (like me!!) need to check it out... Please keep 'em comin Ken. I am currently working on my questions and comments.

Fran... (to quote Jeff Goldblum from ID4) "oh my god in heaven!" this was the John Doyle revival???? Please share some more... Were you approached or were you already in that mix of people? Baruch-Viertel-Frankel are now involved with A CATERED AFFAIR, I think (?)

Comment by Ken Davenport on April 3, 2008 at 6:24pm

Hey guys, excited about this group! Let me know if I can help, and check out my blog at www.TheProducersPerspective.com (which is also fed into my BSpace.com page). Be happy to help where I can!

Comment by Fran on April 3, 2008 at 5:47pm

Funny you should mention THE PRODUCERS. Baruch/Vertel/Frankel were the producers. They have also done Hairspray both here and in London. They are responsible for the current Gypsy revival, (which is fabulous btw), and they also brought THE FANTASTICKS back.
I am sure there are different levels. Obviously the more you put in the more you get back. Also, if the show makes no money, well, then you make no money. We got our investment back with in 6 mos.. Not bad for a limited run. Let me tell you, when the checks started arriving from "The Sweeney Todd Company" it was thrilling for me.
I wish I could tell you more specifically right now, but ask me more questions and I will try to answer. Maybe I can even put you in touch with Steve Baruch. :o)

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