NG Farrell Marketing

Vancouver’s MOVE: the company, in association with the Dancing On the Edge Festival, will be presenting a new, full-length work by Artistic Director Josh Beamish, entitled “SOLD DOUBT” at the Vancouver Playhouse, July 9^th and 10^th, 2010.

The company continues to set its own rules and is excited to be self-presenting SOLD DOUBT, which it is describing as a “contemporary dance rock concert”. Performed to instrumental renditions of iconic rock group No Doubt’s Greatest Hits, SOLD DOUBT blends high-octane physicality with witty theatrics, as it plays on public perceptions of the popular music industry. Making it’s way through the hits, the ballads, the dance remixes and the obscure songs you never knew you loved, SOLD DOUBT blurs the lines between art and entertainment, dance and theatre, and comedy and tragedy. Using No Doubt as a platform to explore society’s greater addiction to the idols we create - and then dispose of - the work juxtaposes the power of the fans against the power of the suits. The perfume ads, photo shoots, product placements, clothing lines, YouTube homages, lights, costumes and the dance, all come together to reveal a tale of a girl, her band and a shopping cart full of oranges. SOLD DOUBT features the dancers of MOVE: the company and special guest Jesse Tyler of Atlanta Ballet.

NG Farrell worked with Vancouver photographer Peter Eastwood to create custom photography of members of the company that is being featured in campaign creative that pays homage to the “Tragic Kingdom” album cover art of No Doubt. We are now executing a print campaign, that will consist of transit shelter posters and print collateral that will soon be seen throughout Vancouver. A full PR, social media, and sponsorship campaign will work to ensure that both shows at the playhouse will be "sold out." Show programs will also simulate album liner notes, rather than the usual program format, and we are working with partner Go Golf Events on creating a beautiful, post-show VIP reception to be held at the Playhouse.

 Given the current state of arts funding in BC, it seems in some ways an inopportune time for the level ofgrowth, and for self-presentation, as undertaken by MOVE: the company. Undeterred by the daunting challenge of not only surviving this economic climate but further evolving, the company has developed a radical campaign for community support for its presentation of SOLD DOUBT.

In fitting with the theme of work, we have a sponsorship campaign to “sell off” the movements of the show. SOLD DOUBT has been choreographically structured like a rock concert, and as such, potential patrons are being offered options to fund or “buy” a particular song or theatrical segment, ranging from buying a song or single choreographic piece, through to buying an entire act and having a product placed directly in a scene.

“This is the way of the future and I'm not afraid to take chances and really push the boundaries of how dance is presented in Vancouver”, says Artistic Direct, Josh Beamish. “I want to take this company, our city and our province, to stages around the globe, as we prove that arts in Vancouver are not only valuable, but worthy of a presence at the international arena. This campaign is a fitting way to engage the local community, and actively demonstrate a tongue-in-cheek nod to our subject. If a work exploring “selling out” in the entertainment industry can't get public creation funding, then are the arts not put in the same position as any other corporate sponsor dependent market? How long will it be before you start seeing dancers on stage plastered in logos like race car drivers?”

Tickets for the show go on sale on June 4th at www.ticketweb.ca or by calling 1-888-222-6608. Media contacts should be directed to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Further information on the company can be found at www.movethecompany.com.

I went into a local coffee shop at around noon today. As usual, it was quite busy and as I was waiting in line, it occurred to me how remarkably quiet it was, even though the place was quite full of people. And then I realized why. I took a quick head count. 18 people. Number of people with, (and seemingly hypnotized by) a laptop computer or hand-held device: 14. Number of people reading traditional print media (newspaper or magazine): 3. Number of people too strung out on something to do neither: 1.

I remember a time when people went to coffee shops to meet, chat and interact. Now we go to seek information (of course thanks to the brilliant marketing strategists who decided to put free internet connectivity in coffee shops!). As a marketer myself, I’m motivated by what I saw today. Because it confirms yet again how people are now self-driven to seek out information, and how we truly are in a golden age of web search and publishing. Because of this, we have the perfect environment for connecting performers and audiences, associations and members, publishers and reader, sellers and buyers, and of course, lovers of all shapes and forms. And the best part is that it can all be done for little or no cost.

That’s why I think all sports and culture organizations right now need to take a hard look at their business and marketing plans to scrutinize whether or not they are maximizing their use of the Internet and digital communications to reach their audiences, make connections, and most of all, generate badly needed funds. I am continually baffled when I see sports and culture organizations that still have tired, useless, brochure-style websites from 5-10 years ago, when there are so many free or inexpensive web tools that would help them connect with audiences – old and new alike - sitting in coffee shops hunting for news and topics of interest. Perhaps there is still a misconception that publishing online and managing a digital communication platform is both costly and time-consuming. But it is neither and I do hope to chat more with our friends in the sport and culture sectors about making the shift to the digital age and ensuring that every pillar of your organization’s strategic plan has at least one valid digital communications initiative to support it.

So let's get out into the digital world. People are sitting waiting for you!