Ask The Industry Podcast

Helen Stead is the director and founder of NCF Comedy which started back in 2009 at the Nottingham Comedy Festival. Since then NCF has grown and had 8 successful comedy festivals and runs shows in Nottingham, Birmingham, Leicester and throughout the midlands all year long.We talked about how you process with NCF, the difference in audiences from place to place in the midlands and why she does no free comedy nights (even her new material one is £1 entry). This is a far cry from London where every open mic or new material night is free.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/HelenSteadiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937YouTube - https://youtu.be/CpvSmmt7ZPEThis episode would be useful to anyone who is looking to gig professionally in the midlands and isn't sure where to start or who wants to know more about how the Nottingham comedy festival operates.Please buy a ticket or three to my Edinburgh Fringe 2019 show - https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/simon-caine-every-

Jo O'Callaghan is a former performer who is head of artists, venues and events at the Adelaide Fringe . She's previously worked at Melbourne Fringe, Melbourne International Film Festival, Short + Sweet Melbourne, and Melbourne International Comedy Festival so she knows her stuff and specifically her stuff about Australian festivals.I got her on the podcast to talk about...How to bring a show to the Adelaide FringeCommon mistakes performers make that you should avoidWhat the audience for the festival is looking for.Why they have no Free FringeWhere the festival fits into the wider festival circuit and what performers can expect to get out of it.AND MOREStream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/AdelaideFringeiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937YouTube - https://youtu.be/5rUAcZAS2a0I think this podcast would be great for any performer who has a solo show they'd like to perform beyond the UK or their home country and wants to spend the day times on some of the most beautifu

Nica Burns OBE is a London theatre producer and co-owner with her business partner Max Weitzenhoffer of the Nimax Theatres group Beyond owning a lot of influential theatres Nica is best known as the director and producer of the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards since it started in 1984.I got her on the podcast to talk about...-How she didn’t actually found the awards, but did take over them.-Why they started and what they’re used for / about now.-Women in comedy and how the award has helped the perception of women in comedy.-Does she ever feel anxious having to announce nominations that contain no women?-Why she regrets giving the 2008 Panel Prize to everyone.AND MORE.Stream - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/NicaBurnsiTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937YouTube - https://youtu.be/vYsEV8Mo_Q8This podcast would be useful to anyone hoping to take their debut show up to the Fringe or anyone who is just interested in the behind the scenes of one of the most prestigious and mo

Milton Jones ( @TheMiltonJones ) is a one-liner powerhouse with a strong work ethic and an interesting approach to how he see's his on stage self as a cartoon rather than a comedian or a character. We talked about - Is comedy still a stepping stone to “something else”?His frustrations with getting work commissioned on TV (or the lack of it).Did doing something a bit “different” / weird help him in his early career and has he benefitted from having promoters wanting “variety” How was his mental health while discovering his voice?How does he get useful feedback now that he’s well known?Why he enjoys dealing with hecklers and how he does that in character.How he deals with imposter syndrome.AND MORE.This podcast would be great for any comedians wanting to make a career as a comedian (one-liner or not) and how much work (and luck) it takes to happen. Alternatively it would be good for a fan of Milton's who wants to know the inner workings of his head both on and off stage. Stream it - http://simonc

Chris Evans ( @gofasterchris ) is the founder of Go Faster Stripe. Go Faster are an independent film production and distribution company that specialise in comedy shows but have recently expanded out to books and CDs as well.We talked about...How do they make money from recording comedy shows?Scratching my own itch in business.How GoFaster continue to operate a DIY comedy DVD company when the DVD market is narrowing.Why he doesn’t like to do more than one take so that the recording is as “real” and “live” as possible.AND MORE!This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested making online content and selling it to their fans and beyond as well as fans of Richard Herring and Stewart Lee to find out more about the people who helped their career along the way.  You can stream the podcast here (with show notes) - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/ChrisEvansOr get it on iTunes here - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937Or stream it on YouTube

Sam Bain (@SamBainTV) is a British comedy writer, best known for the Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show and his writing partnership with Jesse Armstrong. Along with writing for sitcoms including Smack the Pony and That Mitchell and Webb Look he has also written the film Magicians and contributed to the film Four Lions.We talked about...Has social media helped people bypass the agent gatekeepers?How did he get his agent and how he and Jesse picked the right one?What’s it like writing as a partnership? And does he prefer writing alone?Why he believes writers block doesn’t exist? What did winning a BATFA do to his career?Why he thinks writers should get paid more the more people watch a show.How to tell what’s funny on paper and what’s funny when it’s acted out.AND MORE! This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in writing for TV, who has an idea for a sitcom or just wants to know more about what went on behind the scenes of their favourite TV shows. Stream it - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/

NRH Management (@nickr_h) is the agency of Nick Ranceford-Hadley. Nick has been an agent for twenty five years, most of which at Noel Gay Artists, where he was Managing Director. He has represented many of the great names in the entertainment business from the creators of The Weakest Link to the late Sir David Frost.We talked about...Who works for who?Is it better to approach an agent or wait for them to come to you?What does / doesn’t he do? How he (and his clients) have benefitted by quotas.Why he started an agency and how he operates differentlyWhat should you look for in an agent.AND MORE! This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in finding the right agent and going about it in a professional way. It would also be of interest to any comedy fans who want to know more about who works behind-the-scenes to make their favourite performers famous... You can stream the podcast here (with show notes) - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/NickRancefordHadleyOr get it on iTunes here - https:/

Richard Herring (@Herring1967) is an English stand-up comedian, writer and recognised as a pioneer of comedy podcasting. He daily blogs his life and is known as a massive advocate of free content and building a path for yourself by finding your audience using the internet. We talked about...Moving into the self-funded self-generated content era.How he build a relationship with his audience through podcastingIf he thinks he had a “leg up” on other lesser-known comedians getting into podcasting now.What he would do differently if he started now.How he is dealing with his anxiety about coming up with new ideas after doing a “best of” show.AND MORE! This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in starting a podcast and how the landscape of online content has changed in the last 5 years. You can stream the podcast here (with show notes) - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/RichardHerringOr get it on iTunes here - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id9462

Brendon Burns (@brendonburns) is an Australian stand-up comedian and author who is known for his boisterous stage presence and controversial material. We got talking about how he found his audience through podcasting and has continued to grow it through touring new shows and giving away free content online.We talked about...The value of people's time / the connection you make when podcastingHow the downloads go up when his family is on.The heckler at the gig we did together showing he wanted jokes that were more about him.Tapping out of the traditional circuit.Keeping his head above water in comedy through free content and podcasts.AND MORE! This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in starting a podcast, the legal and moral issues in joke writing and the behind-the-scenes code of conduct for comedians. You can stream the podcast here (with show notes) - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/BrendonBurnsOr get it on iTunes here - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-indust

  I'll keep this brief... I am doing the Edinburgh Fringe with my 2nd solo hour. You can book a ticket for £5 (or turn up and pay what you want on exit) - https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/laughter-is-the-best-placebo If you're not going to the Edinburgh Fringe, check out my tour dates (I'm adding more in the coming weeks so please check back) - http://simoncaine.co.uk/LaughterIsTheBestPlacebo?id=PodJune  If I'm not coming to your town / city / living room and you'd like me to, just tweet me (@thismademecool), tell me where you live and I'll see if I can get there...  Thanks for the support, Have a lovely day, Looking forward to meeting more of you soon, Si x Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/asktheindustry.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan Berg (@mrdanielberg) is a writer and comedian from London who founded Fringe Funder (@fringefunder) as a means to help comedians raise the money to do Edinburgh and more recently launched the on-demand streaming NextUp Comedy (@nextupcomedy).We talked about...How he started a project to help the community and help us out.How they’re making a community around the product and building it into the existing live scene.Scratching your own itch and making sure that you love what you’re doing so there’s at least 1 customer for the thing you’re making.The future of online content and hour long shows.How to make money from views of your content online.AND MORE! This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in how online content makes money, and how to get your show seen by more people by sharing it online with fans who love your work.  You can stream the podcast here (with show notes) - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/DanBergOr get it on iTunes here - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/pod

Carl Donnelly (@CarlDonnelly) is an English stand-up comedian, podcaster and writer. He has built an audience for his work and is known for being open and honest about his mental health. We talked about...How long did it take him to go full time in comedy?Do you think you were good enough when you went full time and do you know.How does he cope with a bad gig?Did he feel any responsibility when writing jokes about mental health?AND MORE! This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in the mental health and life of a full time stand up comedian as well as how linked the two are. You can stream the podcast here (with show notes) - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/CarlDonnellyOr get it on iTunes here - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937Or stream it on YouTube - https://youtu.be/1g9zxXxGKuI  Please buy a ticket or three to my Edinburgh Fringe 2019 show - https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/simon-caine-every-room-becomes-a-panic-room-when

Vladimir McTavish (@vladmctavish) is one of 4 comedians who sits on the board of directors at the world famous Stand comedy club. We talked about building an audience for a comedy club, why the Stand is so highly looked at by comedians as a model for how a club should be run and more. We talked about...The value of unpaid gigs.Balancing being a promoter and a comedian.The secrets behind the comedy club chain The StandAND MORE! This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in gigging at the Stand, going full time as a comedian or an audience member wanting to know some of the behind-the-scenes secrets of the comedy club chain as well as the perspective of being a promoter. You can stream the podcast here (with show notes) - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/VladimirMcTavishOr get it on iTunes here - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937Or stream it on YouTube - https://youtu.be/PAfMoLQWbzQ  Please buy a ticket or three to my Edinburgh F

Ryan Taylor (@Ryan_Taylor_) is the Head of Comedy at the Pleasance (@ThePleasance) in both London and at the Edinburgh Fringe. He is in charge of gets slots at the venue but more importantly he's passionate about bringing through new talent and building a circuit for the newer performers as well as the established ones. We talked about...Do program listings still work for paid shows in an age of mobile phones / social media?The psychology of paid vs free fringe shows and how to sell both types of ticketing.What is the application process like from his point of view?If you haven’t heard back from the Pleasance should you assume you didn’t get a slot?Is there such a thing as a Pleasance style act and who would fit the bill?AND MORE! This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in gigging in Manchester, going full time as a comedian or an audience member wanting to know some of the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Manchester comedy clubs.  You can stream the podcast here (wit

The panel included - 1) Red Redmond - promoter at Deadcat Comedy2) Glen Gandy - promoter at Blue Giraffe Comedy3) Adam Rushton - A Rush Of Laughter Comedy Management / Comedy promoter.4) Alex Hylton & Dave McGuckin - Promoters at Jokes On Us at the Leicester Comedy Festival.We talked about...The midlands festival and club circuit Progression and how to get it.Why 5 minutes isn't enough in the midlands Stories from the green rooms.AND MORE! This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in gigging in the midlands or progressing in the industry in general. You can stream the podcast here (with show notes) - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/LeicesterLivePod2Or get it on iTunes here - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-the-industry-podcast/id946220937Or stream it on YouTube - https://youtu.be/nDuWGKlkQ9A  Please buy a ticket or three to my Edinburgh Fringe 2019 show - https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/simon-caine-every-room-becomes-a-panic-room-when-you-ov

Aditi Mittal (@awryaditi) an Indian stand-up comedian, actress and writer and one of the first women to do stand-up comedy in India, Aditi has been rated amongst India’s top 10 stand-up comedians by The Times of India.We talked about...The class issues in comedy and how society impacts what they can / can’t say.How the Indian circuit has evolved and what the British circuit can learn from it.What does she make of the Edinburgh Fringe?The challenge of performing comedy in more than one language.Is stand up a boys club in Indian? Is there misogyny in the audiences / from other acts?How she overcame her fear of signing with an agent and found the right one for her.AND MORE!This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in the Indian comedy scene and how it compares to the UK as well as what it is like coming over from another country to take part in the Edinburgh Fringe. You can stream the podcast here (with show notes) - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/AditiMittalOr get it on iTunes here - 

Mark Tughan (@marktughan) opened the first Glee Comedy Club (@thegleeclub) over 20 years ago having just left his job as a city banker. He fell in love with comedy and put his money where his mouth is to become part of the industry. Today the Glee has 4 venues across the UK and continues to be (as he puts it) one of the elite "credible" comedy clubs outside of the London. We talked about...How and why he decided to quit his day job in finance and start the first purpose built comedy club outside of London.How the Glee Club reacted and dealt with competition in the cities they operate in.Why other clubs have come and gone and yet the Glee Club has prevailed.How the ride in the solo touring circuit has impacted the Glee Club.Is it a conflict of interest having an agent (Off The Kerb) book your club?AND MORE! This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in gigging at the Glee Comedy Club chain or a professional comedian who already performs there who is interested in the venues history or a

Paul Weedon is the founder of Red 24 management (@Red24Management) who just celebrated their 7th year in the entertainment industry. Red 24 is the parent company to CatFace comedy talent and specializes in TV presenters. We talked about if comedians can be TV presenters, how to break into TV presenting, what's changed in TV in the last 10 years and where he see's it going and we discuss some myths like do you need to be "attractive" to be a TV presenter?We talked about...Why comedians are more gracious than industry in his experience.How YouTube has made it easier for people to break through into TV/ presenting.What truth is there in the cliche that better looking people do get more work on TV?How to approach an agency properly and professionally.How YouTube and the internet has impacted his job and the industry as a whole.AND MORE!This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in TV, presenting work, getting a start in TV or a comedian who has an interest in another stream of income / way of perfor

Toby Hadoke is a Comedian, Actor and Writer who quite likes Doctor Who. He founded the long running Manchester based club XS Malarkey and books the Manchester Comedy Stores new material night as well as being a regular MC at the 99 Club. We talked about building an audience, podcasting and what the Manchester scene has that the London scene doesn't...We talked about...Why he started podcasting.What the Manchester comedy scene has that the London circuit does.How he made his career in comedy through his debut comedy show.His thoughts being a promoter vs a comedian.His thoughts on being discriminated against in acting roles. AND MORE! This podcast would be great for anyone who is interested in gigging in Manchester, going full time as a comedian or an audience member wanting to know some of the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Manchester comedy clubs.  You can stream the podcast here (with show notes) - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ATI/TobyHadokeOr get it on iTunes here - https://itunes

Chris Sussman (@chris_sussman) is the Head of Comedy at BBC Studios. Chris is responsible for leading the BBC Studios Comedy team, across the UK - in TV, radio and online. He manages the existing slate of productions and take the lead in developing new hit shows and working with exciting, diverse comedy writers and performers. If anyone knows about offence, the state of comedy at the BBC and how to sell an idea to TV it's Chris.I got him on to talk about:What is BBC Studios?The nature off offence and if it should be the BBC's job to shield people.Why he thinks Mrs Browns Boys was ground breaking.What the future of the BBC looks like as it moves into making shows for other broadcasters How to get your show idea seen by him What are the chances of getting your show purchased if you don't have an agent? AND MORE! This podcast would be useful for anyone who has a TV show they want to sell or get made as well as writers who want to learn more about what goes on behind the closed doors of t