The Business of Theatrical Design

by MOODY, JAMES

• ISBN13: 9781581152487
• ISBN10: 1581152485
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2002-11-01
• Publisher: Allworth Press

Summary

In addition to revealing how to get the great design jobs in traditional entertainment venues, the author shows designers how to think outside the box and seize creative, lucrative opportunities -- such as those in theme parks, in concert halls, and with architectural firms. Providing the keys for passionate, talented designers to become successful businesspeople, The Business of Theatrical Design is a must-read for novices and established professionals alike. Book jacket.

Author Biography

James L. Moody has been an award-winning designer for theater, film, and special events for over 30 years. He is a CEO for Visual Terrain, Inc., a design consultancy, and lives in Van Nuys, California.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(6)
What Kind of Business Am I?	7	(4)
Service Business
Profit-Making Business
Office, Home, or Studio	11	(10)
Geographic Location
Balance in Your Life
Cost of Living
Cost of Doing Business
Credentials
Business Stationery
Home Office
The Studio
Flexibility
Staff and Design Associates	21	(6)
Design Assistants
Staff
Interns
Hiring
Accounting for Small Business	27	(16)
Business Manager
Certified Public Accountant
Computer Programs
Specialized Business
Some Principles of Accounting
Accrual versus Cash-Based Accounting
Calendar Year versus Fiscal Year
Principles
Financial Statements
Other Terms
Double-Entry Bookkeeping
The Rest of Accounting 101
Choosing a Bank
More Reading
Business Liability and Insurance	43	(12)
Credit Reporting
Current and Long-Term Liabilities
How Are We Liable?
What Can We Do to Protect Ourselves?
Client's Liability for Payment
Business Liability
Insurance
Home Businesses
Financial and Legal Considerations	55	(17)
Paperwork for Starting a Business
Business Entities
More Complex Entities
Independent Contractor
Safe Harbor Protection
Employee Leasing and Payroll Companies
Sales Methods, Technology, and Follow-Up	72	(17)
What Are You Selling?
What Makes You Unique?
Marketing Tools
Networking
Direct Mail
Cold Calls
Brochures
Compact Discs
The Telephone
Press Release
Business Follow-Up
When to Follow Up
The Callback
Postcards
Web Sites and the Internet
Agents
Making Contacts	89	(7)
Gatherings and Parties
Trade Publications
Lists of Other Designers
Magazines and the Internet
Personal Appearance	96	(7)
Dress for Inclusion
Branding
Specific Work Areas and Appearance
Dress for the Position
The Interview	103	(14)
Luck
Game Plan
Preparation
Positive Attitude
Portfolio
Listening
Finances and Logistics
Honesty
Passion
Closing
Informational Interview
Form Resumes and Letters
Group Dynamics and Negotiating Skills	117	(14)
Writing Skills
Verbal Skills
Listening Skills
Assertiveness and Other Behaviors
Conflict Resolution
Brainstorming
Negotiating Skills
Options
Standards and Alternatives
Walk-Away Position
Group Negotiating
Theatrical Unions	131	(15)
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
United Scenic Artists
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians
Actors' Equity Association
Equity (British)
Other Entertainment Media
Unions Outside the United States
Union Contracts
Fee Schedules
Professional Organizations	146	(11)
United States Institute for Theatre Technology
Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology
International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects, and Technicians
The Association of British Theatre Technicians
The Society of British Theatre Designers
Association of Lighting Designers
International Association of Lighting Designers
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
The Professional Lighting and Sound Association
The International Costumers' Guild
The Costume Society of America
The Costume Society of Great Britain
Audio Engineering Society
The Stage Managers' Association
The Themed Entertainment Association
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
American Women in Radio and Television
The American Society of Cinematography
The American Society of Theatre Consultants
Entertainment Services and Technology Association
University/Resident Theatre Association
Contracts and Letters of Agreement	157	(14)
Uniform Commercial Code
Non-Contracting Situation
Contract Situations
Letter of Agreement
The Deal Memo
Loan-Out Agreements
What Makes a Contract?
Can You Trust the Client?
Small-Claims Court
Mediation
The Contract Rider and Follow-Up	171	(8)
Outline Form
Details Are Essential
Pre-Planning
Carnet
Technical Follow-Up
Limited Design Staff
Words with Different Meanings
Who Receives the Rider?
Promoter/House Contacting You
The Internet
Employment: Freelance, Academic, or Staff	179	(15)
Freelance Positions
Academic Positions
Staff Positions
Setting Your Salary and Fees	194	(27)
Union Wages
Personal Worth
Build Scenarios
Freelance
Business Fee Setting
Street Rate
The Last Man Method
Review Clause
Teaching Positions
Loan-Outs
Regional Theatre
Per Diem
Equipment and Service as a Side Business	221
My Business Story
What to Offer
Profit
Loss-Leader
Non-Union Shows and Other Productions	217	(8)
Negotiating Your Own Fees
Concerts
Corporate Shows
Television/Film
Themed Entertainment
Architectural
Theatre
Loan-Out Companies
Unions Changing
The View from the Producer's Desk	225	(10)
Theatre
Corporate
Themed and Location-Based Entertainment
Film
Concerts
Financing the Production
The Promoter
The Designer's Perspective	235	(5)
Intellectual Property and Ownership
Be a Problem-Solver
Paul Dexter's Advice
Matt Levesque's Advice
The Future of the Business	240	(7)
Paul's Thoughts
Liz's Thoughts
Jeff's Thoughts
Martyn's Thoughts
Joe's Thoughts
Mike's Thoughts
Craig's Thoughts
Dawn's Thoughts
My Thoughts
Epilogue
BIBLIOGRAPHY	247	(3)
Accounting
Business
Law
Marketing
Psychology
Theatre
APPENDIX	250	(13)
Associations and Organizations
Theatrical Unions, Guilds, and Associations
Commercial Publications: Magazines, Periodicals, and Resource Publications
Publishers of Theatre and Entertainment Books
Publishers of Business Books
Index	263