THREAD 1/20:
I've had a few people write to me asking for advice regarding financial issues that may arise from the closure of shows & Arts venues in the coming weeks. So I jotted down some thoughts. How bleak do I think it's going to get?Not Cats movie bleak, but it'll be tough
I've had a few people write to me asking for advice regarding financial issues that may arise from the closure of shows & Arts venues in the coming weeks. So I jotted down some thoughts. How bleak do I think it's going to get?Not Cats movie bleak, but it'll be tough
2/20 🎭
ECONOMIC SURVIVAL IN THE ARTS DURING A WORLDWIDE PANDEMIC
Frazer Brown
DISCLAIMER: this is not legal or legally binding advice it is offered purely as speculation and opinion - research all options thoroughly first and seek professional and legal advice.
ECONOMIC SURVIVAL IN THE ARTS DURING A WORLDWIDE PANDEMIC
Frazer Brown
DISCLAIMER: this is not legal or legally binding advice it is offered purely as speculation and opinion - research all options thoroughly first and seek professional and legal advice.
3/20🎭
Sadly, in my opinion, our Peers in the Arts are in for a rough ride in the coming months once COVID19 truly takes hold in the community.
Sadly, in my opinion, our Peers in the Arts are in for a rough ride in the coming months once COVID19 truly takes hold in the community.
4/20🎭
I have been warning people of this since early January, been ridiculed for saying it, told I was overreacting and in the case of the "major" uk arts publications. Ignored. (Aside from RT's and Nods from theatrical journalistic Bastions Mr @ShentonStage and @MrJonathanBaz )
I have been warning people of this since early January, been ridiculed for saying it, told I was overreacting and in the case of the "major" uk arts publications. Ignored. (Aside from RT's and Nods from theatrical journalistic Bastions Mr @ShentonStage and @MrJonathanBaz )
5/20🎭
I Put this down to head burying or denial, the articles asking "is there going to be a problem?" have only just surfaced after weeks of there already being a problem, as if the Arts collectively all jumped to the same conclusion just yesterday.
I Put this down to head burying or denial, the articles asking "is there going to be a problem?" have only just surfaced after weeks of there already being a problem, as if the Arts collectively all jumped to the same conclusion just yesterday.
6/20🎭
I have recently postponed my 73rd show as a producer to next year. Having entered the west end producing game 22 years ago at the tender age of 18 I have observed countless 'crisis' within the industry - recessions, swine flu, 3 productions of the last 5 years....
I have recently postponed my 73rd show as a producer to next year. Having entered the west end producing game 22 years ago at the tender age of 18 I have observed countless 'crisis' within the industry - recessions, swine flu, 3 productions of the last 5 years....
7/20🎭
Things are cyclical, things move on, This is a different case. It's time to take this seriously.
It is my heartfelt belief that everyone involved in the Arts and society at large need to start planning for the worst case scenario (1-3 months quarantine)
Things are cyclical, things move on, This is a different case. It's time to take this seriously.
It is my heartfelt belief that everyone involved in the Arts and society at large need to start planning for the worst case scenario (1-3 months quarantine)
8/20🎭
start calling in those unpaid invoices, work out how to PIVOT to something outside of the Arts for the potentially lean months. Work out your current financial situation. Today if possible.
start calling in those unpaid invoices, work out how to PIVOT to something outside of the Arts for the potentially lean months. Work out your current financial situation. Today if possible.
9/20🎭
IF Theatres in The West End and Broadway close in the near future (likely and overdue by weeks- just today it was recommended people wear Hazmat suits to see Broadway shows) people will need to support themselves for the duration of their closure. It's going to be tough.
IF Theatres in The West End and Broadway close in the near future (likely and overdue by weeks- just today it was recommended people wear Hazmat suits to see Broadway shows) people will need to support themselves for the duration of their closure. It's going to be tough.
10/20🎭
SOME (not all) Companies MAY go under. SOME Venues MAY close permanently - SHows WILL close.The knock on effect in the Arts will involve:AGENTS, CASTING, DANCERS, LIGHTING SUPPLIERS, PR COMPANIES, CREW, DESIGNERS, CATERING,EDITORIAL WEBSITES, PRINTERS the list is endless.
SOME (not all) Companies MAY go under. SOME Venues MAY close permanently - SHows WILL close.The knock on effect in the Arts will involve:AGENTS, CASTING, DANCERS, LIGHTING SUPPLIERS, PR COMPANIES, CREW, DESIGNERS, CATERING,EDITORIAL WEBSITES, PRINTERS the list is endless.
11/20🎭
Unfortunately the time for ignoring it is passed. THE TIME FOR PLANNING IS NOW - Venues and shows may (or may not) close in the coming weeks. They should have closed yesterday to be honest.
Unfortunately the time for ignoring it is passed. THE TIME FOR PLANNING IS NOW - Venues and shows may (or may not) close in the coming weeks. They should have closed yesterday to be honest.
12/20🎭
I have stated frequently my belief that is irresponsible to entice people to the theatre by saying "all is fine" and worse reprehensible to be offering cheap seats to entice people to a living breathing Petri Dish.
I have stated frequently my belief that is irresponsible to entice people to the theatre by saying "all is fine" and worse reprehensible to be offering cheap seats to entice people to a living breathing Petri Dish.
13/20🎭
COVID19 is asymptomatic, meaning YOU could be fine during your nights out to the theatre, but catch it unbeknownst and bring it like a lightning rod straight to your home, your peers, immunocompromised people and elderly relatives.
COVID19 is asymptomatic, meaning YOU could be fine during your nights out to the theatre, but catch it unbeknownst and bring it like a lightning rod straight to your home, your peers, immunocompromised people and elderly relatives.
14/20🎭
last minute discounted cash grabs by producers to bring people in to stay afloat will look positively ghoulish if the virus continues to spread untethered amongst audiences and the larger populace. It's time to protect each other.
last minute discounted cash grabs by producers to bring people in to stay afloat will look positively ghoulish if the virus continues to spread untethered amongst audiences and the larger populace. It's time to protect each other.
15/20🎭
I am truly hoping EQUITY and SOLT step up to do something to safeguard arts workers in the coming weeks and assure they get paid in some small way to cover the first hurdles.
I am truly hoping EQUITY and SOLT step up to do something to safeguard arts workers in the coming weeks and assure they get paid in some small way to cover the first hurdles.
16/20🎭
SO, a theatre closes or your Arts based job disappears because of funding issues. What can you do to prepare financially once the work simply stops? Assuming you are also asked to stay indoors for months?
SO, a theatre closes or your Arts based job disappears because of funding issues. What can you do to prepare financially once the work simply stops? Assuming you are also asked to stay indoors for months?
17/20🎭
This is an official WORLD WIDE PANDEMIC. The 1st since H1N1 & concurrent to the AIDS pandemic officially declared in 2006. But one that is far,far less understood, more virulent & worryingly asymptomatic allowing it to spread subversively amongst large groups of people.
This is an official WORLD WIDE PANDEMIC. The 1st since H1N1 & concurrent to the AIDS pandemic officially declared in 2006. But one that is far,far less understood, more virulent & worryingly asymptomatic allowing it to spread subversively amongst large groups of people.
18/20🎭
Right now many of the populace still joke it's 'simply a flu',this 'flu' will touch everyone of our lives, some tragically.I don't wish to afear, there is still time to rectify the situation as best we can&plan our coming weeks Before venues, offices & shows may close
Right now many of the populace still joke it's 'simply a flu',this 'flu' will touch everyone of our lives, some tragically.I don't wish to afear, there is still time to rectify the situation as best we can&plan our coming weeks Before venues, offices & shows may close
19/20🎭
WHAT CAN I DO?
- firstly, Work out your current savings and financial situation - can you survive for three months without work? Yes? Great! Limit your exposure.
- Most likely the answer is NO for the majority of the UK population.
WHAT CAN I DO?
- firstly, Work out your current savings and financial situation - can you survive for three months without work? Yes? Great! Limit your exposure.
- Most likely the answer is NO for the majority of the UK population.
20/20🎭
This thread is working on the assumption we will be ordered to quarantine by the government and not be able to work potentially for months. SO...what first? mitigate future damage!
This thread is working on the assumption we will be ordered to quarantine by the government and not be able to work potentially for months. SO...what first? mitigate future damage!
20.1/20🎭
- DEBT: Call all debtors, banks and mortgages and ask their policies for deference of payment during the crisis.TODAY
- BILLS: Pay ONLY for essentials GAS, PHONE, ELECTRIC, FOOD. Moving forward. Cancel ALL unnecessary costs.
- DEBT: Call all debtors, banks and mortgages and ask their policies for deference of payment during the crisis.TODAY
- BILLS: Pay ONLY for essentials GAS, PHONE, ELECTRIC, FOOD. Moving forward. Cancel ALL unnecessary costs.
-
20.2/20🎭
DEBT 2 : Look in to the UK Gov debt consolidation scheme to reduce debt payments - it means a mark on your credit score for six years but is better than bankruptcy - DO THIS TODAY it will take a few weeks. gov.uk/options-for-pa…
20.2/20🎭
DEBT 2 : Look in to the UK Gov debt consolidation scheme to reduce debt payments - it means a mark on your credit score for six years but is better than bankruptcy - DO THIS TODAY it will take a few weeks. gov.uk/options-for-pa…
20.3/20🎭
- CONTRACTS: If you are a performer or involved in the Arts check your FORCE MAJEURE clauses, this is the clause a lot of companies and insurance companies may be using to get out of compensation payments.
- CONTRACTS: If you are a performer or involved in the Arts check your FORCE MAJEURE clauses, this is the clause a lot of companies and insurance companies may be using to get out of compensation payments.
20.4/20🎭
The producers of your show may be able to pay you from their insurance payout or even owe you money if your contract states that. Most large shows should capitalise with a percentage contingency to cover unknown budgetary issues.
The producers of your show may be able to pay you from their insurance payout or even owe you money if your contract states that. Most large shows should capitalise with a percentage contingency to cover unknown budgetary issues.
20.5/20
Hopefully your producer is honourable enough to have your back for a one off payment to cover a couple of weeks.
Hopefully your producer is honourable enough to have your back for a one off payment to cover a couple of weeks.
20.6/20🎭
- SUPPORT: Do you have a support network in place financially? Family, Friends that could help?
- LANDLORDS: Renting? Speak to your landlord. Ask their stance on reduced payment or deferred payment. You have rights - research them fully. gov.uk/private-renting
- SUPPORT: Do you have a support network in place financially? Family, Friends that could help?
- LANDLORDS: Renting? Speak to your landlord. Ask their stance on reduced payment or deferred payment. You have rights - research them fully. gov.uk/private-renting
20.7/20🎭
- Moneysavingexpert.com is your friend. There will be lots of people in the same boat. Listen to developments and download debt letter templates from its forums. Hopefully creditors will be forgiving but you may need to fight. Fight em.
- Moneysavingexpert.com is your friend. There will be lots of people in the same boat. Listen to developments and download debt letter templates from its forums. Hopefully creditors will be forgiving but you may need to fight. Fight em.
20.8/20
MORTGAGE: Speak to your lender. A lot of banks have said they will provide relief on a case by case basis. All of the UK banks have offered some sort of plan (apart from HSBC so far) fuck HSBC.
MORTGAGE: Speak to your lender. A lot of banks have said they will provide relief on a case by case basis. All of the UK banks have offered some sort of plan (apart from HSBC so far) fuck HSBC.
20.9/20🎭
- CREDIT CARDS: ONLY USE if cash is unavailable.The interest WILL build the more you purchase,eventually too much to repay.Tread lightly. Switch debt to a no interest deal on another credit card or transfer to a lower interest card if you have the option.
- CREDIT CARDS: ONLY USE if cash is unavailable.The interest WILL build the more you purchase,eventually too much to repay.Tread lightly. Switch debt to a no interest deal on another credit card or transfer to a lower interest card if you have the option.
30/20🎭
- AVOID cash withdrawals on credit cards unless they are 100% urgent - the interest will be extortionate.
- AVOID cash withdrawals on credit cards unless they are 100% urgent - the interest will be extortionate.
31/20🎭
- INDULGENCES: End all unnecessary contracts today. Netflix, subscriptions, gyms and on. These can quickly add up. DO THIS TODAY. Those phone lines will be impenetrable in a week or so as everyone tries to call.
- INDULGENCES: End all unnecessary contracts today. Netflix, subscriptions, gyms and on. These can quickly add up. DO THIS TODAY. Those phone lines will be impenetrable in a week or so as everyone tries to call.
32/20🎭
- MENTAL HEALTH: Make sure you have a support group of friends or a singular friend you can speak to regularly - join Facebook groups and likeminded twitter feeds. Failing that DM me. I'm about. Stay positive.
- MENTAL HEALTH: Make sure you have a support group of friends or a singular friend you can speak to regularly - join Facebook groups and likeminded twitter feeds. Failing that DM me. I'm about. Stay positive.
33/20🎭
- Sign up to any and all government schemes you can. They are announcing incentives daily to keep people afloat including proposed tax deferment. Cutting business rates, sick pay. gov.uk/government/top…
- Sign up to any and all government schemes you can. They are announcing incentives daily to keep people afloat including proposed tax deferment. Cutting business rates, sick pay. gov.uk/government/top…
34/20🎭
PRACTICAL MEASURES:
- GO BAG: Have a "go bag" with food, medicine and clean clothes ready in case you need to leave your home quickly for any reason (Google go bag for suggestions) en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug-out_b…
PRACTICAL MEASURES:
- GO BAG: Have a "go bag" with food, medicine and clean clothes ready in case you need to leave your home quickly for any reason (Google go bag for suggestions) en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug-out_b…
35/20🎭
- STORE FOOD: Have enough food for 30-90 days - tinned goods mostly (still abundant on shelves) long life milk, chop and freeze vegetables now in case supply chains devolve. Remember food prices may go up.
- STORE FOOD: Have enough food for 30-90 days - tinned goods mostly (still abundant on shelves) long life milk, chop and freeze vegetables now in case supply chains devolve. Remember food prices may go up.
36/20
You are on a budget. Tinned veg, tinned fruit, pasta, water, Rice, beans (pinto, mixed, black) DO NOT buy more than you need be considerate to others needs - a small bag of Rice is good for 10 meals. Share excess with neighbours & friends.
You are on a budget. Tinned veg, tinned fruit, pasta, water, Rice, beans (pinto, mixed, black) DO NOT buy more than you need be considerate to others needs - a small bag of Rice is good for 10 meals. Share excess with neighbours & friends.
37/20
- THINK DIFFERENTLY: Think outside the box with food and supply choices.everyone is rushing to buy the same things. Are there alternatives? Lentils instead of pasta for example, popcorn kernels instead of crisps?
- THINK DIFFERENTLY: Think outside the box with food and supply choices.everyone is rushing to buy the same things. Are there alternatives? Lentils instead of pasta for example, popcorn kernels instead of crisps?
38/20 - PHYSICAL HELP: Make sure you have physical support should you get sick. Who will check on you? Or drive you to hospital if needed? Make those arrangements now.
- HELPING OTHERS: Are you equipped to help friends and family members or even take them in should they need it?
- HELPING OTHERS: Are you equipped to help friends and family members or even take them in should they need it?
With some economic planning and with some social distancing it's possible we can beat this as a collective society. And be singing along to DEAR EVAN HANDSANITIZER* in a matter of months. Start thinking of ways to generate income.
*(brilliant gag stolen from @Theatremonkey1 )
*(brilliant gag stolen from @Theatremonkey1 )
The important thing is stay healthy, stay warm, stay positive, stay fed. Look out for others in your street, your apartment block. Everything else is secondary until this resolves itself.
564/20🎭
It's going to be a tough time for all involved in the Arts, DIOYNISUS was inspiring plays 1500 YEARS ago - people will still stage plays 6 MONTHS from now (& hopefully 4 another 1500 years )
It's going to be a tough time for all involved in the Arts, DIOYNISUS was inspiring plays 1500 YEARS ago - people will still stage plays 6 MONTHS from now (& hopefully 4 another 1500 years )
Weather the storm! stay creative! start scheming your domination of the resurgent arts scene in 2021! ❤️
- Frazer Brown
- Frazer Brown
If I've missed anything let me know. Comments, insults and suggestions welcome
@threadreaderapp unroll
*should read creditors not debtors - I was writing a Mega Thread
