The Show Does Go On When you’re on a good thing it’s advisable to stick to it. And that’s exactly what has made SMA Productions one of the leading entertainment companies in business events. Brad Foster spoke with Michael Falzon recently about the company’s ongoing success.
When you’re on a good thing it’s advisable to stick to it. And that’s exactly what has made SMA Productions one of the leading entertainment companies in business events. Brad Foster spoke with Michael Falzon recently about the company’s ongoing success.
Q: You started in 2002. What was your inspiration?
A: As each of SMA’s directors had performed extensively and internationally in musical theatre, we noticed that a certain level of quality was missing in corporate and special event entertainment. We were inspired by what our collective experience could bring to the market. We put our heads together to come up with the right vehicle to launch our new company. Something that would reach a wide demographic; something that would be fun for audiences to not only watch but to be a part of; something that gave us the opportunity to “show off” a little! So, invoking the style of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr, The Rat Pack’s Back was launched at AIME that year, garnering a standing ovation.
Q: How many performances do you do now annually compared to your first year?
A: Getting a new show out there is tough, but once the word-of-mouth kicked in, we enjoyed a solid first year and have maintained consistent growth at an average of 25 per cent a year. With the aid of continually developing new and unique ideas, our shows currently perform every week of the year throughout Australia, the UK and Asia-Pacific.
image source:http://www.specialevents.com.au/magazine/pages07/out_about/400703.html
Q: There are a lot of corporate entertainers out there, what sets you apart?
A: Just that! There are indeed many “corporate entertainers” but few companies are run by actual leading men that have proven their mettle in some of the greatest musicals around the world. That experience gives us the edge when conceiving and creating a level of entertainment that no-one else can really match. SMA also only employs the best in the biz, never compromising the quality of any show.
Another unique part of our business is that we are not “bookers”. Our slogan, “Entertaiment by Design” means that we create whatever goes out there throughSMA. We devise and own our shows, so our clients know the buck stops with us (so to speak!). Lastly, our corporate acts have gone on to headline public concerts all around Australia and overseas, developing a fan-base in their own right! Not many “corporate acts” can say that.
Q: There are a lot of corporate entertainers out there, what sets you apart?
A: Just that! There are indeed many “corporate entertainers” but few companies are run by actual leading men that have proven their mettle in some of the greatest musicals around the world. That experience gives us the edge when conceiving and creating a level of entertainment that no-one else can really match. SMA also only employs the best in the biz, never compromising the quality of any show.
Another unique part of our business is that we are not “bookers”. Our slogan, “Entertaiment by Design” means that we create whatever goes out there throughSMA. We devise and own our shows, so our clients know the buck stops with us (so to speak!). Lastly, our corporate acts have gone on to headline public concerts all around Australia and overseas, developing a fan-base in their own right! Not many “corporate acts” can say that.
Another unique part of our business is that we are not “bookers”. Our slogan, “Entertaiment by Design” means that we create whatever goes out there throughSMA. We devise and own our shows, so our clients know the buck stops with us (so to speak!). Lastly, our corporate acts have gone on to headline public concerts all around Australia and overseas, developing a fan-base in their own right! Not many “corporate acts” can say that.
Q: What is the secret to a successful event?
A: In our minds, the secret is having the right entertainment married with organisation and timing - knowing what comes when. You don’t want to peak too early or too late!
Q: What prompted your expansion overseas? Where are you?
A: We found that The Rat Pack’s Back was earning a wonderful reputation and doing very well. With the creation of a new show - String Diva - revenue was such that the next step became obvious - find new markets! In 2004 SMA Productions UK was formed and we now provide entertainment for Australasia out of Sydney and the United Kingdom and Europe out of London. We’re planning to take over the world soon, with SMA offices currently being considered in the United States and South-East Asia in 2008.
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