A great holiday season full of entertainment!

Beautiful weather is forecast for the upcoming weeks and there are hundreds of great events scheduled throughout Central Florida. In keeping with the ‘out of the ordinary’ theme in presenting events and entertainment, this holiday season is packed full of great things to do. Here are just a few of the attractions that are highly recommended that you probably did not see in the high-priced world of mass advertising.

If you like vintage aircraft, located about forty-five minutes west of Orlando, just off of I-4, is one of the nation’s largest private collection of vintage flying machines. Fantasy of Flight offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with rare and, in some cases, one-of-a-kind airplanes. For those looking for a little more adventure, Fantasy of Flight has a 600-foot zip-line attraction named Wing WalkAir, which gives participants a chance to experience the thrill of wing-walking without all the danger. If the zip-line was not enough excitement, a little closer to Orlando is the indoor skydiving attraction named IFLY Orlando. So, if it’s the sensation of floating on air you’re looking for, these two Central Florida attractions make for a great deal of fun during the holidays.

If being on the water is more your style, there are two other Central Florida attractions that are great fun for the entire family. The first is a thirty-minute drive north to Mount Dora for Premier Boat Tours. Using large and spacious pontoon boats, the tour meanders through the Dora Canal and some of the most beautiful, unspoiled landscape in Florida. The second scenic boat tour, highly recommended, is headquartered in the amazing Blue Springs State Park just north of Orlando near Orange City. The wintering home for hundreds of Florida Manatees, Blue Springs is also the home of St. John’s River Cruises. Also using large pontoon boats that allow passengers room to move around, St. John’s River Cruises takes you back in time through the native flora and fauna that are only found in Central Florida.

With these best-kept secrets in mind, it is 82 degrees and a beautiful cloudless sky in the entertainment capital of the world – get out and enjoy all that Central Florida has to offer.

Couple of Great Downtown Venues

Located in the heart of downtown Orlando are two landmarks, well actually one landmark, and the next-door neighbor is a spin-off. Originally built as a Vaudeville theater in the 1920s, The Beacham has morphed into a movie theater, nightclub, and is back again as a great venue to host an event or perform in one. With a permanent stage, professional audio and lighting systems, VIP seating, full liquor license, and an audience capacity of over 1,000 guests, The Beacham is a great place to have a great time.

The Beacham’s next door neighbor and connected by an internal door is The Social and it is another great place to conduct an event. Offering the same amenities as its larger sister next door but with a smaller and more intimate atmosphere. Depending on the seating and catering arrangements, the audience capacity of The Social is between 350 and 400 guests. Of course, in addition to producing your own events at these two venues, they are also great places to see local and regional performers, along with small touring groups looking for more intimate locations.

There is ample parking located two blocks west in the city pay lots under Interstate 4. The convenience of these two locations continues with great restaurants within walking distance, including great sushi at Ichiban’s, and great steaks at Kres Chophouse, and Spice Modern Steakhouse. There is also excellent seafood at both Cevieche Tapas, and Cityfish, and for more simple fare, there’s the Wall Street Cantina.

To round out the convenience of downtown, there are also three great hotels in the immediate area. Starting with the Grand Bohemian Hotel, three blocks east, the Sheraton Orlando Downtown, which is four blocks north, and the Embassy Suites, located four blocks to the southeast. All three properties are excellent selections to make a visit to the downtown area complete.

For more information about producing events at the Beacham and the Social, check out the additional links below:

The Social Production Media Kit

The Beacham Production Media Kit

 

Reduce Risk with Education

At a recent gathering of fellow colleagues in the industry, the topic of legal liability started to migrate through the conversation. Throughout the afternoon, several business leaders discussed their experience with the litigious society that surrounds us and I was very impressed that the common theme in our talks was how, over the years of managing very successful careers, almost all of us have avoided lawsuits, both as plaintiffs and defendants. Certainly, over the years of producing, directing, performing, load-ins and load-outs, and the myriad of opportunities to get sued, none of us had to endure the expense of both time and money in a courtroom.

In avoiding exposure to liability, our group discussed the wealth of information available to entrepreneurs on the Internet that can help guide business owners and employees in making decisions and choices to reduce liability. The first asset that I recommended was a short video I’d seen several years ago on ted.com by internationally recognized law professor Michael Sandel titled, What’s the right thing to do? Professor Sandel is an outstanding educator that has the great talent of explaining very complex ideas and concepts in easily understood language. His concepts are simple and sound, making the right decisions in the first place greatly reduces future exposure to risk. Professor Sandel’s contribution to the subject is explained in detail in his book, Justice: What’s the right thing to do?

With more evidence of colleagues doing smart things with smart phones, it seems like everyone had a favorite learning tool that started their education in avoiding litigation. Numerous assets were shared and two I had never seen before really stood out in the crowd. Similar to the ted.com educational videos, iTunes has two great educational audio podcasts that I would recommend to everyone wanting to manage their exposure to risk. The first one is by Bob Ambrogi, in an interview with California entertainment attorney Gordon Firemark, on the subject of celebrity status and liabilities in managing individuals that attain that level of media exposure. This is a short, but very informative, segment from a series of interviews conducted by Ambrogi of several well know experts on entertainment law.

The second asset recommended by the group is also part of an audio podcast lecture series by Attorney Gordon Firemark on the subject of the JOBS Act and crowdfunding. Both subjects are current and relevant in starting a new business or expanding an existing one. Hiring employees in the current economic climate with the prospect of higher corporate taxes and mandatory healthcare coverage is a subject all business owners are interested in and this episode in the series has great information on reducing the potential liability during the hiring process.

These videos and audio podcasts offer a wealth of information about doing business in today’s litigious environment and how to avoid excessive exposure to risk. There has never been a time in history when so much information is readily available to us to assist in managing our businesses. Take advantage of these and other assets at every opportunity. Until then, go out and enjoy some live entertainment!

Legal Updates in Entertainment

I was perusing one of my favorite entertainment industry websites, hollywoodreporter.com and happened to migrate over to the Esquire tab for some up-to-the minute legal issues that may be interesting. Another reason I look there is because their blogs are always informative, relevant, and entertaining. The first article that caught my eye is the latest in the ongoing litigation involving LimeWire.com and end user file sharing. After reaching an over one hundred million dollar settlement with the RIAA, several Hollywood film studio conglomerates seized the opportunity of an earlier judgment and the recent RIAA settlement and filed a new round of law suits against LimeWire for copyright infringement.

Although industry analysts believed that with the overwhelming evidence and their past losses, LimeWire would seek a settlement rather than go through another costly trial but LimeWire appears to be drawing a line in the sand. According to the article, LimeWire is asking the court to force the film conglomerates to prove LimeWire facilitated infringement. Although this case and many others have proven that the RIAA and others can win lawsuits and recover some of the losses file sharing has caused but, when all the suing is complete and settlements made...file sharing may go down in history as the technical achievement that destroyed the recorded music industry.

The second article I thought was very interesting was regarding litigation between (William) Faulkner Literary Rights, LLC and Sony over the use of a quote from one of Faulkner’s books, Requiem for a Nun. The suit alleges that the quote, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past,” was used in the Sony production of Woody Allen’s film “Midnight in Paris” and spoken by actor Owen Wilson.  Faulkner Literary Rights, LLC claims that neither Sony nor Woody Allen sought or received permission to use that quote and therefore, Faulkner Literary Rights, LLC, incurred damages. In their response, Sony claims that since William Faulkner used the quote in a public speech, that it is classified as fair use and receiving permission was not required.

This is an excellent example of how complicated the details of copyright laws are and in this age of advanced technology and the ability to record everything almost all the time. Staking a claim on ownership rights is only going to get more complex in the future.

One final article I thought was really interesting was about a recent finding by the U.S. Copyright Office on exempting certain activities from being deemed illegal under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act's (DMCA) anti-circumvention protections. The jest of the article was that under a recent ruling the U.S. Copyright Office that it is no longer illegal to take a certain part of a DVD and "make use of short portions...for the purpose of criticism or comment" according to the article this includes use in “noncommercial videos such as remix or mash-up videos, documentary films, multimedia ebooks offering film analysis, and for educational purposes such as a film studies classroom.” Of course prior to this ruling media critics were becoming concerned that copyright owners would be able to prevent them from being able to use examples of works in negatively reviewing copyrighted material. With this ruling, educational facilities, both for profit and not for profit, will be able to use portions of protected works in educational surroundings without receiving prior permission.

This was a very interesting week with the legal happenings in the entertainment industry and these articles prove again that this industry, at least the legal side of it, is forever changing.

The Plaza Live – Great Venue to Produce Your Next Gig

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It seemed like a good idea to write about a single venue last time so I am continuing with that theme this week with another one of Orlando’s great local venues, this time it is The Plaza Live. The Plaza Theater was the original name when constructed in 1963 as a movie theater with extra wide aisles, freezing air conditioning, and state-of-the-art rocking chairs in two separate theaters. The venue remains an Orlando landmark.

After sitting dormant for several years the facility re-opened in 2002 as a live event production facility and renamed The Plaza Live. Dark during most of this summer

due to roof re-construction, The Plaza Live is back in action with a large number of great gigs booked throughout the remainder of 2012 and into 2013. Perhaps one of the best parts of The Plaza Live is that it is available to independent promoters for rent. The two theaters, appropriately named the Small and Large Theater(s) are accessible from a main lobby entrance. The Small Theater accommodates up to six hundred guests in a very intimate atmosphere and the Large Theater accommodates up to one thousand six hundred guests that includes a spacious balcony section.

Both theaters have permanent stages, high tech house sound and lighting systems along with the engineers to operate them. The total facility is versatile enough to promote everything from dance performances, rock and roll shows, intimate acoustic performances, weddings and school graduations. The Plaza Live also has a full liquor license and can provide a full range of catering options. Check out this link for venue rental prices and production specifications. Conveniently located just east of downtown Orlando near the intersection of Bumby Avenue and East Colonial Drive, The Plaza Live is close to great eateries, shopping, specialty shops, and offers almost unlimited free parking. If you’re thinking about your next gig you should be thinking about The Plaza Live.

Now, get out there and enjoy some live entertainment!

Harry P. Leu Gardens – Orlando’s Secret

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I don’t often write about a single venue but as we head into October and a little break in the heat and humidity I thought I’d share one of the ‘tourist capital of the world’s’ secrets. It’s Harry P. Leu Gardens located less than a mile north of the heart of downtown Orlando. This 50-acre former residence of local business leader H.P. Leu and his wife Mary Jane was donated to the city of Orlando in 1961 and is now open to the public for tours, special events, and rental for private events.

Having grown up less than 4 blocks from Leu Gardens I have seen it transform from what we used to call ‘the big house’ with surrounding gardens and orange groves to one of Orlando’s best-kept secrets. The beautifully landscaped gardens containing what seems like hundreds of different varieties of camellias unfold to a gentle sloping hill leading to the shores of Lake Rowena. Yes, that’s the lake across the street from Loch Haven Park! As you can see, this is truly in the heart of downtown Orlando. In addition to the gardens there is a museum that depicts life on the property in the early 1900’s when Orlando was just beginning to grow. Of course Orlando didn’t really catch on until the wide use of indoor air conditioning in the early 1950s.

With a break in the heat and the secret out, Leu Gardens is the place to visit if you want to capture the beauty of the natural side of Orlando. Special events are planned throughout the autumn months starting in October with Storytime, Date Night, Jazz ‘n Blues Stroll (my personal favorite), and of course Halloween week would not be complete without Ghost Stories at Leu Gardens. General admission is less than $10 dollars, parking is free, and I’ll let you in on one final secret...daytime admission is free on the first Monday of each month.

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a real crown jewel for the city of Orlando and I have certainly enjoyed it most of my life. The secret is out – the first Monday in October is tomorrow and admission is free, go enjoy one of Orlando’s secrets!

Interview with Pat Doyle - International Talent Booking

I recently had the opportunity to sit down for a few minutes and talk to Pat Doyle, owner of one of Central Florida’s busiest talent booking agencies, International Talent Booking located in Orlando, Fl. ITB has been in business for over thirty years providing talent of all kinds to the local and international marketplace. With this track record of successful accomplishments I thought Pat would be the perfect person to ask about negotiating agreements with all kinds of clients from performers to promoters.

My first question to Pat was; “As a talent broker you actually have to negotiate at least two agreements with each performance, one with the talent that you are acting as the booking agent for and one for the customer buying the talent services. How do you bring all the parties together?”

Pat Doyle: “The very first job as a successful negotiator is to establish the mutual benefit of consummating an agreement between all parties. Everyone has to be comfortable with knowing that his or her needs are being met. I try to build a relationship with the parties in order to understand those needs first and then offer solutions. Everyone has to benefit from the final outcome and that’s how to start the process.”

In furthering that subject I asked Pat; “So, without disclosing any trade secrets, how do you establish the opening offer of terms and conditions when negotiating with such a wide range of clients? Is there some standard that you use?”

Pat: “Absolutely, and the only trade secret here is establishing and maintaining the relationships that allow us to continue to be successful. In beginning negotiations with clients one of the earliest conditions we agree to is the objective standard we are going to use to determine many of the remaining terms and conditions of the contract. The great news is that literally thousands of talent contracts are signed each week in this industry and between union standards and past practices, establishing that standard should be routine. Determining the promoter’s budget and the talent’s perceived market value are the two standards much harder to establish.”

My final question to Pat was; “What is BATNA?”

With a slight chuckle, Pat Doyle: “BATNA, the best alternative to a negotiated agreement is what that acronym stands for and especially during the talent to promoter discussions, I make sure the talent I represent knows what’s at stake in case we are not able to reach an agreement. I most cases, promoters/customers will let us know what their budget is for a specific appearance and once all the ancillary costs are calculated, it’s the talent side we turn our attention to. I’ll be the first to admit that compared to thirty years ago, our current talent list has a much better understanding of the business behind the scenes than ever before. Being able to decide what happens if we are unable to reach an agreement is near the format of that understanding.”

These are great tips to remember when negotiating any agreement whether you’re the promoter or the performer. Knowing how to reach an agreement is one of the first steps to success!