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Show PR questions

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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2274
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Topic: Show PR questions

Posted By: fotij
Subject: Show PR questions
Date Posted: 2/25/07 at 9:34pm

I have two questions, both pertaining to PR....

First, is it true that you can't announce your season until you have officially secured the rights? Is there supposed to be some kind of disclaimer, like the royalties are pending, or something like that? If so, do you all secure the royalties for all shows at the beginning of the season?

Next question is about the use of the official show logo. Are you aware of any restrictions? Do you have to pay an additional fee to use the logo?

Thank you!

Replies:

Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 2/25/07 at 11:00pm

1.1 Yes!
1.2 No!
1.3 Yes! (Prior to rather than at the being of the season)

2. In a lot of cases yes.
In all things check your contract/performance licence, with the copyright agent.
Also you might have problems with using any unofficial logo’s, owned by others, for the same production.

-------------
Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

Posted By: dboris
Date Posted: 2/26/07 at 1:02pm

"1.1 Yes!", in response to "is it true that you can't announce your season until you have officially secured the rights? " is an interesting question.

I checked the web sites for three major license companies, and the answer to this seems to vary:

Samuel French:

"We recommend that you do not hold auditions, start the rehearsal process or begin significant production work before you obtain a royalty bill from us signifying that you are approved for your performances."

Dramatists:

"It is not advisable for you to hold auditions, begin rehearsals or make any major production plans before you obtain written permission to proceed. "

MTI:

"After receiving a license offer from MTI, it must be returned along with payment before you proceed with any announcements, advertising or production plans. "

The language from both Samuel French and Dramatists is pretty soft, MTI a lot stronger. It's obviously a good idea to secure a license, so you are sure it's available, but I don't know if they can legally require you to. Now if opening night rolls around and you still don't have a license that's another story.

Having a disclaimer in your season brochure that all shows are subject to change is always a good idea. The rights for a show can be pulled from you at any time even after you have paid for them.

Dan

Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 2/27/07 at 4:29am

The last part of the post by Dan, is very relevant & happens more often than one might think.
I have known it to come about a week before the show opened at a community theatre. Because a professional company had applied to do the same production later that year.
There was nothing the group could do but close & return the money from the pre-sold seats.
They attempted to settle their loss in court & failed miserably. Even though they had a Solicitor who was prepared to act ‘probono’ it was a fruitless exercise.
In fact I’m not sure if they got the licence payment back or it just became a credit with the agent.

-------------
Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}