There are so many things I love about the recently released show The Studio. Seth Rogen plays Matt Remick, recently appointed head of fictional film production company Continental Studios. Matt is a simple, spineless man who has spent his entire life wanting to become the head honcho at Continental only to discover that it is, in fact, his worst nightmare. Because Matt is, at heart, a cinephile - he got into the movie business because he really really cares about making great films. And it’s only when he gets the top job that he realises that what he’s actually being asked to do (asked by Continental’s CEO, played by Bryan Cranston as a man you do not wish to cross) is make films that make a lot of money, regardless of their quality.
OH MY GOD THIS!!! This is perhaps the best thing you've written (and I love every single one of these weekly emails.)
I was having a conversation with someone who asked me why I don't work in theatre anymore (I'm theatre-adjacent, but now operate very much in the for-profit realm). I broke into a rant about how I was broken by idealism in a world where everyone else gets to be the dreamer, and I am left with the good ol' reality check, bringing everyone down because - news flash! - theatres are still businesses, and everything has a trade-off.
Also another thought - I've been having so much fun out here in the commercial world, changing strategies, pivoting where things don't work, coming up with new ideas and offers, tapping into client needs to identify what's the next thing I need to do.
This is a luxury charities don't have: you have to stick to the confines of the charitable goals (as you should) and funders' T&Cs, and don't have as much freedom in being flexible with what you offer and to whom. If you add that theatre is inherently loss-making, it's a tough gig for anyone who understands money.
This is my "Golden Globe" speech for you, Rach: you are awesome and thank you!
OH MY GOD THIS!!! This is perhaps the best thing you've written (and I love every single one of these weekly emails.)
I was having a conversation with someone who asked me why I don't work in theatre anymore (I'm theatre-adjacent, but now operate very much in the for-profit realm). I broke into a rant about how I was broken by idealism in a world where everyone else gets to be the dreamer, and I am left with the good ol' reality check, bringing everyone down because - news flash! - theatres are still businesses, and everything has a trade-off.
Also another thought - I've been having so much fun out here in the commercial world, changing strategies, pivoting where things don't work, coming up with new ideas and offers, tapping into client needs to identify what's the next thing I need to do.
This is a luxury charities don't have: you have to stick to the confines of the charitable goals (as you should) and funders' T&Cs, and don't have as much freedom in being flexible with what you offer and to whom. If you add that theatre is inherently loss-making, it's a tough gig for anyone who understands money.
This is my "Golden Globe" speech for you, Rach: you are awesome and thank you!
Aw, thanks so much! So glad it struck a chord, I genuinely think it's a huge problem for the sector at the moment x