Ask The Industry Podcast

Since 2009 Neil Mackinnon has been the Head of External Affairs at Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society & Head Of Media at the Fringe. This means when the world's news media and journalists arrive his office is the first place they go. We talked about -  How the Fringe Central can help you work with the worlds media to get the most relevant exposure for their show How to make the most of a Fringe award nomination. How the Ed Fringe office can be your impartial PR and when should you hire a PR (and what to look for) Is the Edinburgh Fringe a meritocracy? What is the Fringe “clash dairy” and how can it help you plan a stunt? How do journalists use Fringe central to discover shows? What does Fringe Central thing (and do) about “student reviewers”? What is the “meet the media” event and how can it help performers Is Edinburgh an industry road show or an artistic whiteboard? What are the agenda’s behind some of the Edinburgh awards and are there too many? His advice for performers putting

In 2014 American comedian Liz Miele decided she wanted to release her first album after 13 years of performing comedy. She had no PR, no agent and very little budget. This is the story of how she took her jokes and made them go viral online to launch her career and downloadable CD.We talked about -  Why New York the best place to learn comedy in America. How to build an audience over social media step-by-step (and how long it takes to build a connection with them). Why you should wait until you’re emotionally and comedically mature to chase big things like TV. How clubs in America use social media to sell tickets and create buzz The “risks” of sending opinions / thoughts on social media and why it can be more of a risk than performing stand up. The different level of “fans” and how to know which ones you’re dealing with. A step-by-step guide of how she made her videos go viral. How the internet emotionally impacts her.AND MORE!This podcast would be useful to anyone interested in building an online f

Julian Caddy is a live performance and event producer, promoter and director. He's bee running venues in Edinburgh with his production company he co-founded ("Sweet Entertainments Ltd") since 2003 and is the current managing director at the Brighton Fringe. As the MD he over sees the development of the Fringe while not impacting on its open-access policy. This podcast would be useful for anyone thinking of taking part in the Brighton Fringe who is unsure what it is about and how to market / raise audiences during it. You can also follow him on Twitter here.We talked about -  Does the Free Fringe model work in Brighton? The future of the Brighton Fringe. Does he like the Brighton Fringe being compared to the Edinburgh Fringe? Does flyering work in Brighton? (and how to do it without getting a fine). His thoughts on the future of more Fringe festivals will grow while big arts venues will close due to lack of funding. Alternative ways of measuring your success at the Brighton Fringe. How

Kate Copstick (or Copstick as she prefers to be known) is the head comedy reviewer at the Scotsman Newspaper during the Edinburgh Fringe. She's been a reviewer for 20 years and has judged several comedy awards. Outside of reviewing she co-runs the The Grouchy Club podcast with daily comedy blogger John Flemming and writes for the Erotic Review (a magazine she purchased over a decade ago). Most of her days are spent in her charity shop (Ma Ma Biashara) in Sheppards Bush and she talks about how the work she does in Kenya informs her work as a writer. She's infinitely interesting and provided such a unique insight into the business from someone who has watch it change from the "industry" side for over 2 decades. We talked about -  Her name. Common Fringe mistakes (titles / desc / image) How to contact her (the right way / how / when) How the Scotsman Newspaper operates & how many reviews they publish each year. Why she loves Luisa Omielan​ and would

In this episode I interviewed comedian, promoter (and most importantly for this podcast) Edinburgh Fringe Program designer Sean Brightman. Sean has made thousands of flyers and been producing the PBH & Freestival Fringe Programs for a number of years. He kindly shared his "do's" "don'ts" and wisdom with us. We talked about -  How to make the most of your tiny listing.Are the Fringe program adverts worth it?What's different about PBH & Freestival programs?Is it worth having a photographer and designer as two separate people?And lots more! If you're a comedian who is thinking about going to Edinburgh (or any Fringe festival) there should be something for you in this short episode.  I am sorry the audio quality isn't as good as it normally is, but we couldn't get in the same room and given how close we are to the deadlines (when I uploaded this) I just wanted to get it made and out there. We recorded it over Skype (which is something I am trying to never do again!)

In this episode I interviewed comedian & founder of Mirth Control comedy Geoff Whiting. He's been a comedian for nearly 20 years and run Mirth Control comedy clubs for 18 years. Mirth Control also manages acts and puts on corporate as well as charity gigs. We talked about -  How to get gigs with Mirth control. Why you might not be getting gigs (or hearing back from them after you've applied) What they're looking for when managing acts. What the best way of getting them to notice you is. The "Jenny Collier" incident of 2014. Gender in the comedy community. The comedian's union  And lots more! If you're a comedian who wants to know the ins and outs of one of the UK's biggest bookers this is the podcast for you. If you're a comedy fan interested in starting your own night or just intrigued as to what goes on behind the curtain at a comedy club this is for you. You can find all the questions and things mentioned in the podcast in the show notes here - http://s

In this episode I interviewed comedian, improvisor and MC Luisa Omielan. Her debut solo hour was called What Would Beyonce Do? She took it to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2012 with no buzz, no press coverage, no industry help and no PR... The show became the sleeper hit of the Fringe and has launched her career as a stand up. She currently sits below the line of "famous" but has sold out 7 runs at the Soho Theatre. We talked about -  How to generate your own word of mouth and the value of that in Edinburgh. The role social media played and continues to play in her audience building. Her advice to people taking their first show to the Fringe. Fame vs having your own audience. The behind-the-scenes story of how she went from having no industry interest, to having an agent, a PR team and a sell out run in London.  We covered the pros and cons of having industry help vs doing it yourself and more! If you're a comedian who wants to know what goes on behind the curtain of real

In this episode I interviewed art director Idil Sukan. Idil has been photographing comedians for over a decade and understands how marketing materials for performers work. Her methodology is different to others in the design series, largely because it's her full time job. We talked about - Her thoughts on using marketing principles vs your comedic persona in your flyer / poster Why you need to develop your identity before doing any PR or press. How is the poster is a chance to add to the show What should your Edinburgh budget go on And more!  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-overthink-enoughOr come see me on tour - http://simoncaine.co.uk/PanicRoomThis is part 2 of 2. However you can get part 1 (or the interview in full) via iTunes or Stitcher. You can hear the other podcasts in our Design series here - http://asktheindustrypodcast.tumblr.com/post/1097740

In this episode I interviewed art director Idil Sukan. Idil has been photographing comedians for over a decade and understands how marketing materials for performers work. Her methodology is different to others in the design series, largely because it's her full time job. We talked about - Her thoughts on using marketing principles vs your comedic persona in your flyer / poster Why you need to develop your identity before doing any PR or press. How is the poster is a chance to add to the show What should your Edinburgh budget go onPlease 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-overthink-enoughOr come see me on tour - http://simoncaine.co.uk/PanicRoom And more!  This is part 1 of 2. However you can get part 2 (or the interview in full) via iTunes or Stitcher. You can hear the other podcasts in our Design series here - http://asktheindustrypodcast.tumblr.com/post/1097740

In this episode I interviewed art director Idil Sukan. Idil has been photographing comedians for over a decade and understands how marketing materials for performers work. Her methodology is different to others in the design series, largely because it's her full time job. We talked about - Her thoughts on using marketing principles vs your comedic persona in your flyer / poster Why you need to develop your identity before doing any PR or press. How is the poster is a chance to add to the show What should your Edinburgh budget go onPlease 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-overthink-enoughOr come see me on tour - http://simoncaine.co.uk/PanicRoom And more!  This is the full episode. Although you can get it split in two parts if you want via iTunes or Stitcher.  You can hear the other podcasts in our Design series here - http://asktheindustrypodcast.tumblr.com/

In this episode I interviewed comedian, podcaster and Edinburgh Fringe designer Iszi Lawrence. After talking about poster, flyer and marketing materials myself and Iszi kept talking about the deeper concepts around branding as a performer and things you can do above and beyond performing live to build audiences. It's a shorter episode as it was unplanned, but I still felt this was worth sharing.  We covered -  Advice on approaching agents. Iszi’s advice on succeeding and staying happy with your work. How to think about what you look like on stage.And more! 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-overthink-enoughOr come see me on tour - http://simoncaine.co.uk/PanicRoomIf you want to see all the questions covered you can find them here - http://asktheindustrypodcast.tumblr.com/post/110156052249/ep08-iszi-lawrence-on-branding-comedian If you want to contact I

In this episode I interviewed comedian, podcaster and Edinburgh Fringe designer Iszi Lawrence. This is the first in a "Fringe poster / marketing materials" series I am working on. As performers we all struggle to get good posters / flyers, this is my attempt to ease that pain and help make it easier to understand what makes a good poster for me ( and you). If you're not a comedian this podcast will give you an insight into the work and effort that goes into the production of a Fringe show and club set behind the scenes both before and after the performance.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-overthink-enoughOr come see me on tour - http://simoncaine.co.uk/PanicRoom We covered -  What’s the biggest fault with poster / flyer design? What tricks / hints you know that help catch peoples eye / make them more memorable in posters? What stage in the development of a show should s

In this episode I interviewed Bruce Dessau who is a well respected comedy reviewer currently writing for The London Evening Standard. He also founded and edits the comedy news, review and opinion site BeyondTheJoke.co.uk. If you'd like to see all the questions we covered you can find them here - http://asktheindustrypodcast.tumblr.com/post/109483397654/ep-06-bruce-dessau-reviewer-at-the-london You can also get his book here - http://amzn.to/1A1Z6Hy You can also view all of the books he's written here - http://amzn.to/1Hjuy7X We talked about - What a day looks like for a reviewer in Edinburgh What makes a star comedian vs what makes a “non mainstream” comedian. Info on the Evening Standards readership and what they’re looking for. And LOADS more!Subscribe for more & please take a minute to review it in iTunes or donate via PayPal on the website. You can find a list of all the upcoming guests here -http://asktheindustrypodcast.tumblr.com/UpcomingGuests 

In this episode I interview David Quantick who started at NME reviewing bands and has since gone on to write TV shows including The Day Today, Brass Eye and Spitting Image. As well as radio shows including On The Hour & Blue Jam.He also created the world’s first internet sitcom “Junkies" and has published several booksincluding “How To Write Anything" and his latest book which he is currently crowdfunding called "The Mule" buy it here. You can find the show notes here and follow me on Twitter here. See you next time! Si 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-overthink-enoughOr come see me on tour - http://simoncaine.co.uk/PanicRoom----------------------------------------------------------------------My 2nd book is finally out! It's called "How To Make A Living By Working For Free" and you can 

In this "inbetweeneisode" I interview Rachel Holdsworth (comedy editor) & Stuart Black (review and in charge of the theatre listings) from the Londonist. If you're doing a show in London you might want to contact the Londonist. They have a large base of die-hard London fans who want to know about interesting and "left field" events happening in their hometown. So if you have an interesting show which you're bringing to the capital listen to this before contacting them. It could mean the difference between getting featured and your email getting ignored... As always, shownotes can be found here and you can find me on Twitter @thismademecool. See you next time, Si 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-overthink-enoughOr come see me on tour - http://simoncaine.co.uk/PanicRoom----------------------------------------------------------------------My 2nd boo

In this episode I interviewed Julian Hall who was the comedy reviewer for The Independent for 11 years. Now he's offering Edinburgh PR assistance to performers who are taking a show up.  If you're thinking about taking a show up to Edinburgh and have no idea where to start with the marketing or PR, this podcast could give you some well needed inspiration, advice or just a kick up the bum to get doing it! We covered everything from how to market yourself / your show to what a reviewer looks for in a press release. A full list of questions can be found here - http://asktheindustrypodcast.tumblr.com/post/107531465784/ep-03-julian-hall-comedy-reviewer-for-the You can follow me on twitter here - http://twitter.com/thismademecool Please don't forget to subscribe / review the podcast! Thanks for the support, Si 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-ove

In this episode I interviewed Alex Petty from Laughing Horse about Fringe Festivals, getting gigs and how his competition and comedy course are run.For a full list of questions go to - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ep-02-alex-petty/ You can find me at http://twitter.com/thismademecool  Thanks for listening.  SiPlease 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-overthink-enoughOr come see me on tour - http://simoncaine.co.uk/PanicRoom ----------------------------------------------------------------------My 2nd book is finally out! It's called "How To Make A Living By Working For Free" and you can buy it here for £5 (digital) or £8 (paperback). Here's the synopsis of the book - The book is a how-to guide for artists to create their own online community for their work and how that community can support the artist to become sustainable in every way.The book takes a critica

Just a quick "hello" episode for new people to the podcast.Follow me - http://twitter.com/thismademecoolSupport the podcast - https://www.patreon.com/AskTheIndustryPodcast?ty=hJoin the Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/AskTheIndustryPodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/asktheindustry.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode I interviewed Hils Jago who is the Founder of the Amused Moose Comedy Clubs, Laugh Off comedy competition and Edinburgh Promoter. This podcast will be useful to you if you're a comedian in the early stage of your career but also if you're a performer looking to get booked in her club or just a member of the public who likes to know more about the "behind the scenes" of the comedy industry.You can find a full list of questions here - http://simoncaine.co.uk/ep-01-hils-jago-founder-of-amused-moose-comedy-clubs/If you are interested in any of the comedy courses run by Amused Moose you can find out about them here - https://www.comedytrainingcourses.com/And you can tweet me @thismademecool.SiPlease 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-overthink-enoughOr come see me on tour - http://simoncaine.co.uk/PanicRoom --------------------------------------------------------