Rising Through the Minors

Halloween Weekend 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 21:50:00 +0000

On October 30th 2015 I boarded a plane from Philadelphia, PA to Burbank, CA by myself for the first time. I traveled across the country to support my friends who were working on a brand new stage show. That stage show is Ghoulmaster's Haunted Playhouse. That's right the Ghoulmaster is back and better then ever with an all new show in Hollywood, CA.

I arrived at Bob Hope Airport around 5pm and the Ghoulmaster himself (Pete Carter) picked me up and we went straight to the theater for the 8pm show. This show blew my mind it was so good. I didn't have the words then to describe it because I was so tired from being awake for 24 plus hours and I still don't have the words. It was just outstanding on so many levels. These professional reviews do a fair job describing this show for me: Stage Raw, Theater Mania, Discover Hollywood, Broadway World, and Horror Buzz. There is a DVD out there where you can get a feel for the show, but it is nothing like experiencing it live.

My very talented friends: Pete, Chuck, Zack, Teddy, Lauren, Sam, and Brie worked on this show. As well as the rest of the cast who I have come to know and love. This show was the product of a dream coming true. If you work hard enough for something anything can happen. This show was funded by a Kickstarter campaign, and volunteers. This was very much a passion project that everyone involved felt strongly about.

While this run of the show has come to an end I have no doubt that this is not the end of the Ghoulmaster's journey. If I have learned one thing about Pete Carter it is that he doesn't give up and he finds ways to make his dreams come true.

Rewind to the 2014 GMG Show

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 21:11:00 +0000

Again, sorry this is over a year late but I wrote about all of my other GMG experiences so I felt that I had to continue. As it turns out GMG 2014 would be the last GMG show. This show was different in many ways. For example, there were four new cast members. That was a lot considering most years there was only one new cast member. These people meshed very well into the atmosphere that was already created. They made their characters come to life in the best way possible. The color scheme also changed because the ghosts all wore white costumes. This made them stand out. The promo pictures alone were beautiful because the costumes popped out from the background.

The 2014 experience was very relaxed in my opinion. While we did have some challenges (especially with the CO2 tanks) overall it was a laid back atmosphere. We all meshed really well together. Everyone new their job and did it well. We stayed ahead of the game and even had some down time which I don't ever remember having. It was fun playing cards against humanity in the break room with both the cast and crew.

I remember actively trying to take everything in because I had a feeling that this would be the last year. As it turned out I was right. I have had 5 amazing seasons of working on this show. We have become a family not only the cast and crew, but the fans are also a part of this family. We may all be moving on to bigger and better things but we will always support one another.

Stay tuned on how we support one another in my next post.

Ghoulmaster's Ghost 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Wed, 07 May 2014 03:50:00 +0000

So it has been awhile since my last post mainly because I no longer have to for school. This post is also 7 months late but I felt that I needed to write down my experiences anyway.

Flashback to August 2013, I found out that I would be the supervisor for Ghoulmaster's Ghosts. This was great news. I have been working on this show for 3 years and I felt that I was ready to lead my outstanding team.

Move forward to September 13th, opening night. After a crazy tech week my team managed to put on a great show. I would argue the best one yet. We overcame some last minute issues with the installation of a new projector, all while trying to prefect the scene changes.

My first attempt at being a supervisor, in my opinion, was successful. At the same time it was stressful. I was never trained to be a supervisor. I just did what I thought was best. I found out that being a supervisor meant relaying messages to my cast a crew. Meaning my supervisors would tell me something and I had to tell my crew. The biggest obstacle I faced was time. Time was always against me. I had to make sure we opening the doors on time, that the pre show started on time, that the cast was ready and the stage was reset so the show could start on time. Putting on 3 to 4 shows a night in the span of 5 hours is hard to do.

I also learned this year that all that hard work means something to the fans. I have come to know many of the fans. They not only appreciate the casts talent, but they also acknowledge the crews talent as well. I have an amazing group of people that work on this show. Most of them have been a part of this show since the beginning. That is what I think makes this show so special. We work well together. We know our parts, and we do them well. I could not ask for a better group of people to work with, and I am fortunate enough to call them my friends

GMG 2013 was special and we will soon find out if we will get to do it all over again this year.

Ghoulmaster's Ghosts 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 16:09:00 +0000

Last night, Friday, September 21^st, was the preview night of Fright Fest for Six Flags season pass holders. The Ghoulmaster’s Ghosts cast leads the procession and the Ghoulmaster awakens Dr. Fright to kick off Fright Fest every night. The procession is backwards this year because the stage has been moved from in front of the Big Wheel to Movie town.

After the Awakening at 6:30pm, the cast had to prepare for their show at 8pm. The cast did not get back until 7:15pm, and we could not do a run through before doors were to open at 7:30pm. This means that the first show we performed for a crowd was the first show we every done with full costumes and makeup. Surprisingly, we pulled it off with only minor adjustments to be made. That is a great way to start the show when we consider that last year took 2 weeks to pull off a show with no mistakes.

I believe that we are better prepared this year because we had a week of rehearsal compared to two days last year. The tech crew has been putting in 15 plus hour days all week preparing for this show. I had to do a personal first, and go under the stage to run wires. Most people do not know that there is insulation under the stage. I crawled in there with a full jumpsuit on including safety goggles and a mask. That was an experience. There is just enough room to craw between the structures holding the stage up. It is pitch black and sound proof. I felt like I was in another world.

Now that the first show is out of the way we go full time as of today, Saturday, September 22^nd. There are four shows on Saturdays: 5pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm, and 9,45. If you are going to come, and see the show I would recommend coming in October. Everything is better in October. The park is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until October 28^th. Including Columbus Day.

Fright Fest 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 19:08:00 +0000

It is that time of year again. October is just around the corner and Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey is gearing up for the best year of Fright Fest yet. Work crew has already started to transform the park by setting up terror trails and placing cobwebs everywhere. This year Fright Fest will last 6 weekends. That is one more weekend then last year. New thrills will be added while some favorites will get revamped for more fright.

I will once again be the stage manager for the Ghoulmaster’s Ghosts show located in Showcase Theater. In preparation for the show my crew and I have been hard at work hanging and gelling lights, fixing and placing speakers, working on props, cleaning the theater, and doing set design. All of these improvements are essential to putting on a great show.

This show will feature great dancing, video storytelling, fog, cold flow, strobe lights, lasers, projections screens, and a great sound track. The man behind the vision is the Ghoulmaster himself Pete Carter. Pete has had this stage show for three years now, and he develops a new show every year. It is an honor to work with him, and I am amazed every year by what he comes up with.

The entertainment department at Six Flags Great Adventure has spent the last year preparing for Fright Fest. Fright Fest is our time to shine, and is pretty much all we ever talk about at work. Now that it is finally here we are all excited to put on the largest Halloween party ever. Are you ready to join in the Horroreveloution?

If you are in the New Jersey area from September 22^nd to October 28^th feel free to come the Six Flags Great Adventure, and be sure to see the Ghoulmaster’s Ghosts show while you are there.

To see last years show follow this link.

For more information feel free to read my October 2011 posts on last years Ghoulmaster’s Ghosts show.

Experts Views on the Value of Business Plans

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 02:26:00 +0000

Expert Kevin O’Leary says that having a great idea is not enough. The idea is just the start. The entrepreneur then has to stay focused on the end result. Staying focused means sacrificing certain things, for example a social life. These distractions will not only delay success but they might hinder it entirely. He also says to not be afraid of failure. Failure sparks innovation. Doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results is the definition of insanity. Try something new after you fail and succeed at that then you will no longer be a failure.

I believe the most important section of a business plan to an investor is financials. Investors want to see the money. They want to know when they will make their money back if they decide to invest in your business. Investors want to know the price point of the items sold, how much inventory can you sell, and what is the net profit in the end. My business plan has changed to accommodate enough profit for the investor after they have seen the financials.

After financials the investor is looking at the branding of the business. Branding explains what the business is, and how it is marketed to the masses. Branding is very important, it is the identity of the business, and how it distinguishes itself from the competition.

Expert Barbara Corcoran is more concerned about the person behind the plan. She wants to see the drive, work ethic and qualifications. The management section of the business plan is important to her. She also wants to see who is doing a good job and who isn’t. Corcoran is concerned about the team around the business. If one member is not up to scratch then in brings the company down.

The bottom line is to have a business plan that lays out everything in your business so that there are no surprises to the investors or to the entrepreneur.

Kevin O'Leary and Barbara Corcoran

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 16:53:00 +0000

Kevin O’Leary and Barbara Corcoran are two of the five investors on the ABC television show Shark Tank. Robert Herjavec, Daymond John and Mark Cuban are the other three investors. The premise of the show Shark Tank is to listen to business pitches, and for an investor to make a deal with the owner of the company.

Kevin O’Leary started a software company called SoftKey in his basement, which he later sold it to Mattel for $3.2 billion dollars. “Barbara Corcoran turned a thousand dollar loan into a real estate empire in Manhattan.”

When deciding on which entrepreneur to back, O’Leary and Corcoran have different criteria. In a video entitled “Shark Tank Season 3 Set Visit: The Sharks Tell All!” from June 15, 2012 Corcoran mentions how O’Leary is just after the money or return on investment. Whereas, Corcoran claims that she cares more about the entrepreneur and the product.

O’Leary himself backs up Corcoran’s claim in his article “How to Win in Business Negotiations: Never Forget, it’s All About the Money!” Here are some of his tips from the article. Know what you want and can accept from the deal. Be reasonable in your demands. If you don’t know what you want, how can you explain why you want it? If you set up the negotiation showing the other side what is in it for them they will be more inclined to accept your offer. Finally don’t’ let greed get in the way of closing on a good deal. If it is a good deal take it. Don’t try to push for more and then lose it.

Corcoran credits her success to being able to develop great advertising hooks. She says that the hook is the key. Once you bring the people in then you have to find a way to make them trust you. She says “If people trust you, they’re going to buy from you, if they trust you they’re going to recommend you—and it’s in the recommending that build the empires.” On of Corcoran’s strategies for expanding her business was to publish a report on what she wanted to accomplish. For example she wanted celebrity clients so she published the “Madonna Report”. Because that ran in the paper Richard Gere became a client of hers.

Corcoran says, “I think entrepreneurs have to be born with the talent to work with people. A lot of people that want to be entrepreneurs, but they don't have the people talents, and I think the part that's made is your background, how hungry you are to succeed.”

I agree with this quote for Corcoran, but I would like to add that motivation is more important then the people skills. People skill can be learned, however, motivation can only come from within you.

Tri-Castor

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Mon, 21 May 2012 01:53:00 +0000

The Trenton Thunder is doing something new this year, and that is streaming their games live on the Internet. In order to accomplish this task they need a Tri-Castor. A Tri-Castor is a device that acts like a switcher in the control room. It has multiple camera inputs, with graphics, and audio channels. The Tri-Castor is great because it is compact and portable. Trenton Thunder has five camera feeds that input into the Tri-Castor. However, an unfortunate quark to the Tri-Castor is that only one camera can be previewed at a time.

The use of a Tri-Castor has changed their whole operation. The Tri-Castor operator has a lot going on during the game. The operator controls everything. One-person switches between the cameras, captures the replay footage, controls the audio and displays the graphics. Before the game the operator has to update all of the graphics with the correct stats for the night. The graphics feature is a lot like Photoshop in that multiple layers go into making one graphic. These graphics are mainly for lower thirds when a batter comes to the plate.

Live streaming is something only a select few Double A teams have. The Tri-Castor is not new technology, but it is something that the Trenton Thunder value very much. Now that they can stream live new advertising spots have opened up. The radio broadcasters narrate the game. However, in between innings they get muted on the live stream. As of right now this is dead space in the stream. When advertisements get sold that gap will be filled. This is one of many options the Thunder can give to their sponsors looking to advertise with them.

MiLB.com is where these games can be found. MilB.com hosts all minor league live-streamed games. The set up is similar to MLB.com streamed games. A person needs to pay a subscription in order to watch the games. Live streaming has been a great advantage to Thunder fans giving them another option to watch the game. The use of a Tri-Caster is what made live streaming possible for the Thunder.

GCH Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Mon, 07 May 2012 02:23:00 +0000

On April 29^th Gym Class Heroes performed at Six Flags Great Adventure. I was lucky enough to work this concert. The day starts with setting up backstage. This includes getting the dressing rooms ready as well as the catering area. In the dressing rooms has to be everything the band requested in their rider. The rider is a document that the band uses to make their stay as comfortable as possible. This document is extremely important because if something is missing the band can decide not to perform. Fortunately, everything met the bands requirements and they performed.

Then the band arrives and we unload the equipment. The step up is the longest process of the day. There are a lot of heavy equipment that has to make its way to the stage. Four to six guys are carrying one crate at a time. The contents get unpacked and placed in position. Then cables are run to all of the equipment from the sound and lighting booth. Once everything is hooked up the sound check begins.

That takes us to lunch, and a little down time to hang out with the band. By now fans have started to line up outside of the arena. We try to do our best to entertain them. An hour and a half before the show is a meet and great between the band and a lucky few fans. Then the gates open an hour before the show. Security is now in place to control the crowd. The show goes on and everyone is enjoying it.

After the show and everyone leaves, it is now clean up time. This is by far the worst part of the job. People make a mess no matter how many garbage cans are around the arena. None of them get used. Everything is one the floor. Simultaneously the equipment is getting packed up. Packing up takes a little bit longer then unpacking because of rolling up cables, and making sure everything fits back into place.

Once everything gets packed up, the band is ready to go. We say our goodbyes and start to prepare for the next show. That is what a typical day is like. It is a lot of hard work, but it is also a lot of fun. Next time you are in the area come to Six Flags Great Adventure and see a concert. Most are free with theme park admission.

Six Flag Great Adventure Concerts and Events

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:58:00 +0000

I have been working at Six Flags Great Adventure for the past 5 seasons in their entertainment department as a show technician. This year in addition to that I will also be working their concerts and special events. I am excited for this new endeavor especially because I plan to start my own concert venue one day, and this will be an excellent learning experience for me.

So far this season there has been one special event. It was the New York Boys Choir who performed for over three thousand people. For this event Great Adventure used an outside audio company to supple the equipment because the venue had no audio equipment in place. It was just an empty theater that has not been used for years.

I learned a lot from this event. For example, I learned how to take an empty space. and create an audio setup around it. I learned the methods of unloading and reloading the equipment trunk. Of laying cable efficiently, and hidden from audience view. Of setting up and positioning speakers for maximum audio quality. At the end of the event I learned how to properly pack up the equipment. That includes the proper way to roll up and tie a cable.

I am glad that I had this small event as my first event. In a way it was a practice for the future. The next event is a concert on April 29^th in the Northern Star Arena, which can hold ten thousand people. Gym Class Heros will be performing. I am looking forward to working on a larger project like this. I love knowing that what I do behind the scenes makes it easier for the artist to perform and entertain the audience. That is the whole reason I do what I do, to make sure that people have a good time at the concerts I help setup.

This summer should be filled with a lot of learning and fun. It is something I am looking forward to.

Cirque du Soleil

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:15:00 +0000

On April 11. 2012, I went to see my first Cirque du Soleil show. It was the Michael Jackson The Immortal Tour, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. They did not disappoint. The show was amazing. Cirque du Soleil did a great job blending together Michael Jackson songs with audio clips from his interviews. It had many styles of entertainment including: a mime, dancers, acrobatics, and gymnastics. It also had great visuals as well such as, videos, props, and costumes.

Cirque du Soleil is known for its’ over the top productions. They are the masters of transporting the audience into the world that they have created. Cirque prides itself on the eight key characteristics that define who they are. These eight characteristics are: acrobatics, acting, art forms from around the world, imaginary worlds, dance, daring, dexterity, and grace.

For the Immortal World Tour they defiantly showcased these talents. For example, there was a performer who portrayed a monkey so well that in the beginning of the show I thought he really was a monkey. The way he moved, and swung his arms was just like a monkey. There was also a performer with one leg. That was not a disadvantage for this performer. He was amazing. The way that he can breakdance, and use his crutches like hand stilts made him by far my favorite performer.

Cirque du Soleil first formed in the early 1980’s in Quebec, Canada. “In 1984, during Quebec’s 450th anniversary celebrations of Jacques Cartier’s discover of Canada, the province sought an event which would bring the festivities to all Quebecers.” That invent was the first Cirque du Soleil tour. Today Quebec is still the headquarters where performers go to rehearse for months to prepare for a show.

Cirque du Soleil has many shows to choose from. The Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour will be touring the US until August and then going over seas. I highly recommend everyone to go and see this great show.

Industry Experts

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 02:40:00 +0000

I recently watched some podcasts with entertainment lawyers discussing a variety of topics. These entertainment lawyers are Mark Litwak, Greg Eveline, and Stanton “Larry” Stein. They discuss distribution, copyright, and media consolidation respectively. The following is a summary of what they discussed in the podcasts.

Mark Litwak mainly talks about contracts for film distribution. The filmmaker has to know if the distribution company distributes to theaters, home video, or television. That information is crucial to the filmmakers marketing plan. In negotiating a distribution deal filmmakers should include certain clauses in the contract. A performance clause is a must. This clause allows the filmmaker to get out of the contract if the distribution company does not hold up their end of the deal. Distribution companies ideally want long-term deals. If the filmmaker agrees to this, after the first few years, distribution companies don’t try very hard to distribute the movie. That is why short-term deals are better and they can always get extended. (Litwak, 2011)

Another important clause is the audit clause. This grants the filmmaker the right to check the books of the distribution company. This is an important clause to make sure that the distribution company is spending the allotted budget on the filmmaker’s movie, and not another movie. (Litwak, 2011)

The next podcast is from Greg Eveline on copyright law. Eveline stresses that artist should write their own songs because money is found in the publishing. The melody and lyrics of a song can be copyrighted. If the artist only performs the song they do not hold the copyright. In most cases the record label would hold the copyright. This is called a work for hire or assignment. The record company employees the artist, for a salary, and then has the right to own the copyright. For many artist, they well get a change to recover their work because of a right of reversion. The right of reversion states that after 35 years the artist can get the sold copyright back. (Eveline, 2011)

The last podcast is from Media Concentration in the Entertainment Industry with Stanton “Larry” Stein. Stein talks about the 6 conglomerates that control what we watch, listen to, and read. Some examples are Disney and Time Warner. These 6 conglomerates control 6 thousand TV stations, 15 thousand radio stations, and 80% of the newspapers. (Stein, 2008) This is an issue because it causes a lack of creative and informative content for the general public to consume. Because these companies are so large the artist, or profit participant, sometimes has to sue the company. They have to do this because the company does some creative financing to hold on to the money, and not give the artist their fair share. That is what Stein does; he represents the artist in these cases.

These experts have helped me in thinking about my business plan. I will be distributing my videos to the home theater market. It is good to know that there are different distributors, and knowing which one I need to do business with. Copyright is something I will have to deal with all the time. Being a company I will have to have work for hire contracts if I want the copyrights to a product. I don’t see how the last podcast relates to my business plan, but it is just good general knowledge. Try to have your own thoughts, and not to freely except everything the media gives you. They only portray one side of the story.

For more information on these topics please see the following videos.

References

‪Entertainment Attorney Mark Litwak Gives Us A New Look Into Hollywood - Filmnut

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NryrU1uwqPI

‪A Seminar in Copyright Law with Entertainment Lawyer Greg Eveline

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei50ZKq0Y_k

‪Media Concentration in the Entertainment Industry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuVAGMr-ytw

Intellectual Property

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 03:06:00 +0000

Intellectual property and how to protect that property is a concern in the entertainment business. The following are three examples from the Hollywood Reporter of current lawsuits that have been filed, and my opinion as to what the outcome might be.

Justin Bieber has been sued by RC3, a company that created the Joustin’ Beaver mobile app game. RC3 claims that the use of the name Joustin’ Beaver is in their First Amendment rights. (Gardner, 2012) In addition to using the name Joustin’ Beaver is also a parody of Justin Bieber. The game uses characteristics associated with Justin Bieber such as: his hairstyle, purple sweater, and attention from photographers and fans. (Gardner, 2012)

To me this is a tough case. I want to agree with Justin Bieber and his representatives because Joustin’ Beaver was created to make money off of Justin Bieber’s fan base. This game is diluting Bieber’s trademark by allowing others to associate Bieber with the Joustin’ Beaver game. However, I believe that Joustin’ Beaver is a parody because it is commenting on how crazy Bieber’s life is. The question is which criteria in most important in determining if this is trademark infringement. I believe Justin Bieber will win this case because the dilution of his trademark affects his livelihood.

The next article is about an artist, Maya Hayuk, who is suing RCA Records and Sony Music over her work being shown in Elle Varner’s music video “I Only Wanna Give It To You.” (Gardner, 2012) Hayuk created the piece of art for Rye Rye and M.I.A. for their music video “Sunshine.” (Gardner, 2012)

I believe that Hayuk does have a case here for copyright infringement, and she should win. She did not give permission to RCA and Sony to use her art in the music video. RCA and Sony are in fact using her work commercially by making money off of the video stream revenue. Hayuk deserves credit and compensation for her contribution to the music video.

This last article is about a lawsuit between The Velvet Underground and the Andy Warhol Foundation. The issue is whether or not the banana album case was in the public domain and if Andy Warhol had the right to license it. (Gardner, 2012)

This is an interesting case because the album was released in 1967 before the copyright law was amended in 1978. (Gardner, 2012) If the album cover was in the public domain why would Andy Warhol have to have a license for the copyright? Both The Velvet Underground and the Andy Warhol Foundation claim that the copyright has acquired a secondary meaning associated with each party. Furthermore, Gardner (2012) says:

According to the facts in record, MGM Records paid both the band and Warhol $3,000 to furnish the image for use on the 1967 album cover. If the record label paid the money as a work-for-hire agreement, the true "author" of the image, under the law, would be the record label.

If that is the case then nether The Velvet Underground or the Andy Warhol Foundation have any claim to the use of the album cover. I feel that this case will be dismissed as being in the public domain because it is following the rules set by the laws of 1967.

References

Gardner, E. (2012, February 27). Justin Bieber sued by creator of 'Joustin' Beaver' game (exclusive docs). In Hollywood, Esq.. Retrieved March 1, 2012, from http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/justin-bieber-sued-joustin-beaver-video-game-295548

Gardner, E. (2012, February 27). Artist sues Sony over background used in music video (exclusive). In Hollywood, Esq.. Retrieved March 1, 2012, from http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/Maya-hayuk-lawsuit-sony-295409

Gardner, E. (2012, February 27). Velvet Underground files new complaint in odd banana album cover case. In Hollywood, Esq.. Retrieved March 1, 2012, from http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/velvet-underground-lawsuit-banana-album-warhol-foundation-294801

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:47:00 +0000

Last week I went on vacation and visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWHP) at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. It’s funny how you don’t think about things until it is brought to your attention. That happened to me while I was at WWHP. I went there to relax and have fun. While I did do that, I also found myself noticing all the ways Universal Studios uses product management in the everyday running of WWHP.

Universal Studios new that WWHP would drive business results. They had a product Islands of Adventure, and WWHP was the perfect addition. They jumped at the chance to have something that Disney World did not. They also realized what a huge following Harry Potter had from both the books and the movies, and wanted to give an experience to these fans that nobody has ever done.

WWHP delivers results through people with their employees. These employees are not only dressed like wizards, they speak to the guest like wizards. It is a really strange experience to be called a muggle, especially if you have never read the books or seen the movies.

WWHP ensures market-driven direction through everything they offer from rides to merchandise. Islands of Adventure is first and foremost a theme park. Theme parks are known for rides. WWHP is known for “The Forbidden Journey” ride through Hogwarts. They knew that the public wanted a way to visit Hogwarts in real life, and they provided the first and currently only way to do that. The same can be said for everything else in HHWP. It is the only place that you can walk the grounds of Hogsmeade, eat at the Three Broomsticks, drink butterbeer, and have Moaning Myrtle talk to you in the bathroom.

HHWP is the perfect Fit and Function for Islands of Adventure. It is a great addition to sections of the part that it already has such as: Dr. Seuss, Jurassic Park, and Marvel Super Heroes. Universal Studios knows what WWHP as a product has to do. It has to entertain, and transport guest into the world of Harry Potter. It has to be authentic and provide physical objects to purchase. Such as wands and chocolate frogs. WWHP does all of that and more.

If you have never been there I highly recommend it, especially if you are a Harry Potter fan. This small part of Islands of Adventure far outshines the rest of it. I have one piece of advice the frozen butterbeer is better then the regular kind, and a must have when visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Island of Adventure.

Reference

Product Manager's Field Guide (pp. 3-15). (2011). N.p.: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:44:00 +0000

I recently saw the Broadway play “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, staring Darren Criss. Criss is known for playing Blaine Anderson on the hit TV show Glee. Before Glee, Criss founded StarKid Productions with his fellow classmates and friends at the University of Michigan. He stared in their productions of “A Very Potter Musical”, and “A Very Potter Sequel” playing the role of Harry Potter. Millions have viewed these plays on YouTube.

As it happens, Criss replaced Daniel Radcliff, who played Harry Potter in all eight movies, in the role of J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed. That was a really smart promotional move on Ricky Rollins part. Rollins manages Criss. The hype that surrounded Criss for his three-week run on Broadway brought in major box office dollars to the tune of over four million.

Criss made his Broadway debut in How to Succeed. This three-week run proved that Criss is leading man material. He can hold his own with the best in Broadway. Criss has an endearing quality that makes the character of Finch likeable, instead of being portrayed as a shark. He also has the spirit and energy needed to pull off such a demanding role, and make it look easy. Criss is also very humble and appreciative of his success.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a great show. This is the third production of this show on Broadway. The set is more elaborate then every before with it’s six sided windows to the World Wide Wicket building. The choreography and music is high energy and catchy. The core cast is outstanding, and that is why the show continues to be a success even with the rotating leading men. Next up to fill the role of J. Pierrepont Finch is Nick Jonas. Jonas will fill the role until the middle of July. This is a show worth seeing. For tickets visit their website.

Interview with the General Manager of the Trenton Thunder

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:55:00 +0000

Today I had a phone interview with Will Smith the General Manager of the Trenton Thunder baseball team, the AA affiliate of the New York Yankees. The topic of the interview was negotiation. As the GM, Will mentioned that most of his negotiations deal with cost savings. In every business finding new ways to save money is very important, and therefore it is no surprise that this task is given to the GM.

Will mentioned that during negotiations he is rarely between a rock and a hard place. There are usually other options to consider. Some examples he mentioned were in the concessions area of the business: If not Coke then Pepsi, if not Dietz and Watson then Nathans, and so on. Sometimes, if you are the New York Yankees you can have companies bid for the rights to your broadcasts. That was not the case last year when the Thunder changed their radio broadcast station from The Bronc to WTSR. It is always hard to end ties with a partner that you have worked with for years, but when a better offer comes along it would be foolish not to take it. That was the case with switching to WTSR. WTSR offered a better signal over a larger listening area. Which satisfies the Thunder stakeholders, the fans, whom the Thunder will do anything for.

Package and long-term deals are concepts that Will lives by. If a company is willing to really invest with the Thunder, and buy a package deal then they should be entitled to a discount. He mentioned that most of the time companies really like 80% of a package deal. The remaining 20% is what has to be negotiated. For that customization the discount will not be a steep. Will was really animate about negotiating long term deals. In the end he feels that it is the best for both parties to have long-term deals because negotiation takes time. If you have a good working relationship go for the long-term deal. There is no need to renegotiate every year. He also feels that if you offer a long-term deal and they do not except then you can always fall back on a one-year deal.

The main lessons I have learned from this interview are to do your homework and to know your product. If you do both then you will be prepared for whatever the other side throws at you.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:23:00 +0000

I am currently reading the book Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. This book is a biography of Jobs life published shortly after he died. Jobs personally went to Isaacson to have this book made because he wanted the world to know his story. Jobs wanted no say in what was written. He only wanted a say in what the cover art looked like. In essence that was Jobs, he was all about the presentation.

What I found really interesting about this book was the early years of Apple, and how it came to be. Jobs co-founded Apple with Stephen Wozniak. Wozniak was the engineer who built the computers, and Jobs was the business side of the company. Together they started the partnership with $1,300 in working capital.

The Apple I was the first product Apple Computers sold. It came preassembled for commercial use rather then for the hobbyists, who bought computers to assemble and customize for themselves. The order was for 50 computers that would be sold for $500 apiece. Apple did not have the money to pay for the parts. They took out a $15,000 loan for 30 days and worked around the clock to make sure the computers where made, and could be sold in time to pay back the loan. They made a profit of $10,000 on that first order.

Then came the Apple II in 1977. To finance the Apple II Mike Markkula invested $250,000 to become one-third equity participant. Thus Apple became a corporation with each owner having 26% of the stock saving the rest to offer to other investors. Markkula was in charge of marketing and sales. He taught Jobs that the look of the product was very important. Thus the Apple II had rounded corners and white instead of black. Over the next 16 years almost 6 million Apple II would be sold.

This launched the beginning of a great career for Jobs. The Mac, iPod, iTunes, iPhone, and iPad would follow the Apple II and make Apple Corporation one of the most successful groundbreaking companies ever. From Apple’s 1997 “Think Different” commercial, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” That is what Apple has done with the leadership of Steve Jobs.

References

Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 01:12:00 +0000

I recently went to a Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO) concert to get me in the holiday spirit. This was my first TSO concert, and I was looking forward to it. I became a fan of TSO because of their Christmas music, not knowing that they are so much more. For those of you who don’t know (because I didn’t) TSO is made up of six longhaired rocker guys and one girl. The name orchestra is used in a different way when talking about TSO. When I think about an orchestra I see a large group of musicians playing strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, and a conductor leading them. TSO is different in that they are a band with guitars, drums and keyboards that also has a string section of 6 musicians. These musicians are selected from a local orchestra from the city TSO is currently playing in.

This concert was amazing. I knew that the audio would be good because I already love their songs, but I had no idea that the production quality was going to be so high. TSO tells a story with their music. They have a narrator who paints the picture, and then the song and lights display tells the story. The lighting was expertly done. The lights dance around the area and stage in a very visually appealing way that highlights the tempo of the song.

The rigging moved up and down. It had video monitors on the ends, and at one point the monitor displayed teeth. The rigging looked like a dragon with flame coming out of its’ mouth. There was cold flow, snow falling and lasers. As well as a bridge that came down from the celling that their dancers danced on. This is the type of show that I would like to work on one day.

I would really like to know how they finance a tour like this. I had the highest price range ticket of $70. TSO does something really nice. One dollar from every ticket goes to a local charity in the city they are currently playing in. For the concert I went to $10,883 was given to a local soup kitchen. Then they have to pay their crew to set up and break down the set. The equipment I assume is rented. TSO has 6 orchestra members, 7 singers, 1 narrator and 7 members of the band. It takes a lot to put on a concert. If I want to start my own venue I am going to have to learn a lot more about finance, and I hope that this month will be a great start to my financial education.

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 02:33:00 +0000

“Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish” those were Steve Jobs parting words to the 2005 graduating class of Stanford University. They weren’t even his own words (they came from the Whole Earth Catalog), but this parting sentiment is what I will take away from this commencement speech. But let’s start from the beginning. Jobs is an excellent storyteller. His commencement speech was broken down into three stories. In essence these stories cover his life.

Jobs dropped out of college because he didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life. College for him was taking required classes that were not interesting to him. Instead he sat in on classes that were interesting to him. Jobs mentions a calligraphy class that ten years later inspired him to incorporate into the first Mac Computer. This was his first story about “connecting the dots”. Jobs wants all of us to trust that the choices we make now will connect the dots to the future.

Jobs next story was about how he overcame being fired from Apple. He claims that being fired was the best thing that could have happened to him. He was now free to be creative. Jobs started over with two new companies Next and Pixar. The moral of this story was to “love what you do”. Jobs believes this and follows it everyday.

In the aftermath of his passing this last story about how to live each day as if it was your last is the most touching. Jobs talks about having pancreatic cancer, and having to prepare for his death. Having faced that challenge once he hoped to have a few more decades before he had to do it again. Unfortunately, that was not the case. His point of this story is to follow your dreams, and not to let anyone stop you from obtaining that dream. Life is too short to follow someone else, and deny yourself from doing what you love to do.

Now back to Jobs parting words, “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.” After listening to Jobs explain his background he truly lived by these words. To me they mean never settle for what society is telling you to do or follow. Go against the norm of society, and keep improving on what you love to do. I personally will try to live by his words of wisdom because they make sense, and they worked for him.

Rest in Peace Steve and thank you for you genus innovations.

What is PLASA?

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:48:00 +0000

Earlier this year, 2011, the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) and the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) merged under the PLASA name. PLASA exists to support the people who work in everything from theatre, live music, to TV and film. PLASA regulates technicians who work with camera cranes, electrical power, fog and smoke, performance floors, rigging and stage lifts. The main goal of PLASA is safety. They have developed the Entertainment Technician Certification Program, which will be awarded to technicians who pass the rigorous requirements.

As a stage manager my number one goal is also safety. Backstage during a show is dark. It is important that all props are organized and all wires are off the floor. This ensures that everything is in its proper place, and there are no trip hazards around. In addition the equipment we use is heavy, and most of the time hanging from the catwalk. It is important that there are regulations in place to protect the cast, crew and audience. For example, every light must have a safety cable attached to it in case the C clamp comes off the pole.

PLASA membership includes a wide range of benefits such as: business support and advice, industry news, events and meetings, business resources and financial advantages, industry research, technical and professional development. These are great benefits to those who want to improve their skills and strengthen the entertainment industry.

One way PLASA tries to strengthen the entertainment industry is by holding trade shows. This years trade show took place at Earls Court in London from September 11 to the 14^th. There were over 340 companies that displayed their exhibits in audio, AV, lighting, stage tech and rigging. This was the place to be to discover the latest technology in the entertainment world.

To keep up to date with the changing technology PLASA publishes Lighting & Sound America, Lighting & Sound International and Protocol. These industry-focused magazines cover product and business development as well as industry news and issues. Some of the material in the print magazine can be found on the website for free.

PLASA is a small entertainment association of around 1,100 members. However, these members are dedicated to their craft, and what they do is important for the events industry to operate successfully. So here to the people who work behind the scenes to make events possible and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Problems on Set

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:01:00 +0000

In live theater anything can happen. I am learning this first hand right now. Of the sixteen shows we have put on so far only one has been considered perfect. Problems will arise. It is how you overcome them that matter.

One major issue I have been having is with staffing this show. My employees agreed to the duration of the show, and then they tell me that certain days they can’t make it to work. This makes me short staffed, and then others are expected to not only do their job but someone else’s as well. This has been the cause of some minor mistakes because of job confusion.

Props have also been malfunctioning. One night the magic trick did not work because the platform and stairs did not fit together in time. Another issue we had was with a stilt strap that broke. I cannot send an actor out on stage with a broken stilt strap. Safety is my number one priority.

The projection curtains, and lighting cues have also been an issue. There is a curtain that covers the projector, and this past weekend it completely fell off the pulley system we made for it. In a way this was a blessing because now we know what our error was in construction and we have fixed it. Then, lighting issues occurred when the smpte timecode was out of sync. The lighting cues change automatically because of the smpte timecode on the DVD.

These issues are nothing compared to this last problem be had, and that would be with the fog machine. We pumped out so much fog that it flowed backwards behind the stage and set off the smoke alarm. I knew right away that the fog was the reason the alarm went off. So I turned off the machine and started blowing a fan to clear the smoke. My actors on stage had no idea because the music was so loud they could not hear the alarm. They finished the remaining three minutes of the show. Then the fire company came and told us that if it happens again that we can no longer use the fog machine in our show. I never thought that I would have to know about smoke patterns and airflow, but now I do.

This has been a very trying experience, and I have learned a lot from all the complications we have had. Lucky for us we still have 21 more shows that we can still make perfect. Despite these complications the audience usually has no idea that something is not quite right. As long as that is the case we are doing a good job.

Ghoulmaster's Ghost 2011 Show

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 14:42:00 +0000

October means the beginning of Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure located in Jackson, New Jersey. Fright Fest is a special time of year when Great Adventure is turned into a haunted theme park. The undead roam around the park looking to scare everybody. There are terror trials and horrifying shows. I am currently working on the Ghoulmaster’s Ghost show as the stage manager.

Ghoulmaster’s Ghost is haunting stage production filled with great dancing and special effects. The Ghoulmaster is the one and only Pete Carter. Pete is a talented Alumni of Full Sail University’s TV and Film Production program. Today he left this Facebook message:

“My new show "Ghoulmaster's Ghosts" opens TONIGHT at Six Flags Fright Fest. The past two months I have been preparing: filming, costumes, props, set pieces, writing script, writing lyrics, photography, special effects, graphic design, video editing, audio mixing, rehearsals, no sleep, and tonight it all comes together. Featuring a very talented cast of Ghosts, A new original song written by me and Santino Noir, choreography by the incredible Stepp Stewart, Rayvon Reed, and Lauren Avon, set pieces by Charles Convery. Playing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October at Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest.”

It is an honor to work with Pete, and I am proud to be his stage manager.

As the stage manager it is my job to make sure that everything is set in place for the show. That includes all of the props, set pieces, costumes, working fog machine and curtains. I also make sure my stagehands know when to: place and remove the set pieces, operate the curtain, fog machine, and help with costume changes. I also need to know how to operate the lighting and sound boards if for any reason my technician is not able to do it.

This month is going to be a blast. If you are in the New Jersey area come out to Six Flags Great Adventure and join in the Horror Revolution.

2011 Season in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Goyne) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:41:00 +0000

For four years I worked for the Trenton Thunder as a game day staff member in their production department. Then, in 2011 I became a full time front office member as a production assistant. Everyone in minor league baseball is expected to sell tickets. So even though I was a production assistant the last hour of my day would be devoted to selling tickets.

Minor league baseball is unique in that people do not usually come to the game to watch baseball. They come to have an affordable night out with the family, and to be entertained. One-way the Thunder adds value to their ticket is the daily promotions. On Super Value Tuesdays, kids eat free, and the hot dogs are one dollar. On Thirsty Thursdays, bud and bud light beers are 2 dollars. Also Thursday and Saturday games have fireworks after the game.

Another great way the Thunder adds value to their tickets is offering mini plans. Mini plans are 5 or 6 game plans that offer the best games the Thunder have to offer. These games include firework and giveaway nights. Every mini plan also comes with a free hat, popcorn, hot dog and soda to each game within the plan. 2011 was the first year that all of the mini plans available have sold old. There is now a waiting list for the 2012 mini plans that will go on sale September 22^nd.

2011 was the year of the rehab. The Trenton Thunder has had 5 rehab appearances this year: Phil Hughes, Derek Jeter, Brad Lidge, Shane Victorino, and Ramiro Pena. During the 6 games featuring Jeter, Lidge, and Victorino spanning from July 2^nd to July 17^th Waterfront Park was at capacity standing room only. With Jeter’s July 3^rd game breaking an all time attendance record of 9,212, and the July 2^nd game coming in 3^rd all time with 9,002.

The Thunder ended the season up by 4.71% in ticket sales from the 2010 season. These numbers could have been better. There were 5 rained out games that lost attendances. Then, Hurricane Irene hit, and people could not get to our ballpark for two games because the major roads leading to the stadium were closed. It also did not help that the Thunder failed to make the playoffs.

As Charles Dickens said, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of time”. This year was a trying year with rehabs being the best of times and failing to make the playoff the worst. For more information on the Trenton Thunder visit www.trentonthunder.com.