Afleveringen
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Notes - on The Practitioner and The Producer: Freedom, Security and Creating Opportunities
“Sometimes if you want different results, it helps to try a different model.”In this Notes episode, John introduces The Practitioner and The Producer, a model for looking at how careers, shows and projects in live entertainment work.
Starting with the question of how you get the freedom you want and the security you need, John looks at some of the stories we inherit about how entertainment careers are supposed to work, what can be hidden inside the word “just”, and how easily hoping to get lucky can become the whole plan.
He then explores the two roles that appear again and again across live entertainment: the Practitioner, who gets paid to do the work, and the Producer, who creates the opportunity in which that work gets paid.
In this episode:
The five ways a Practitioner can move towards greater freedom and securityThe five resources a Producer needs to build, own or have access toWhy you can be both a Practitioner and a ProducerThe difference between waiting for opportunities and creating themWhy moving forwards in either role comes down to taking responsibility and learning to push your own buttonsHow another perspective can help you see what your current activities actually add up toExplore The Practitioner and The Producer
You can explore the full model, see the diagram, watch the talk and read the written version here:
www.john-blackburn.com/practitioner-and-producer
Have a conversation with John
If this episode has helped you see your work differently, John would be very happy to have a conversation with you.
Usually, that conversation looks at what you currently want, what game you are currently playing, what your activities add up to, and whether your current plan is likely to take you where you say you want to go.
www.john-blackburn.com/connect-with-jb
Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet
If you’d like to stay up to date with new episodes, please sign up to the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
www.john-blackburn.com/pod
Music by Pete Faint
Website: www.petefaint.com
Instagram: @petefaint_
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Notes – on being motivated
inspired by Matt Roberts
Matt Roberts made the observation that one of the hardest things performers deal with is maintaining motivation.
In this episode, I explore the idea that motivation might not be something we simply wait for. Perhaps it's something we can learn to connect with deliberately.
Sign up to the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet and stay up to date with new episodes and podcast news:
www.john-blackburn.com/pod
Music by Pete Faint.
Website: www.petefaint.com
Instagram: @petefaint_ -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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With Matt Roberts
This week I’m joined by Matt Roberts, Director and Head Agent at Roberts & Day Management.
We talk about Matt’s journey into agenting and the origins of Roberts & Day, growing up around music in Leeds and training in Blackpool, the realities of agency work, and some of the opportunities and challenges facing performers today.
Conversation sequence
Introducing MattOrigins of Roberts & DayBlackpool and entertainment heritageChallenges for agentsChallenges for performers studying outside LondonChallenges clients faceUnderstanding SpotlightIndustry mythsHow to get the most from having an agentAdvice for people seeking representationHow we might work better togetherFind out more about MattFind out more about Matt and Roberts & Day:
Website: www.robertsandday.co.uk
Instagram: @robertsandday
Matt on Instagram: @matthewr93
Email: [email protected].ukSign up to the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet and stay up to date with new episodes and podcast news:
www.john-blackburn.com/pod
Music by Pete Faint.
Website: www.petefaint.com
Instagram: @petefaint_ -
Notes – on making and keeping promises
inspired by Janine CoombesThis episode is inspired by my conversation with Janine Coombes.
We explore Janine's idea of Promise, Package and Price alongside Seth Godin's observation that a brand is the promises you make and keep. From McDonald's and farmers market burger stalls to websites, posters, social media and show promotion, we look at how promises are communicated through the signals we send, whether we've thought about them or not.
The episode asks a simple question: what promises are you making, and are they the right promises for what you're trying to do and the people you're trying to do it for?
Sign up to the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet and explore previous episodes at:
• https://www.john-blackburn.com/pod
With thanks to Pete Faint for the Entertainment Matters theme tune!
• Website: https://www.petefaint.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petefaint_/ -
This week I’m joined by Janine Coombes, a marketing consultant and mentor who helps coaches and consultants think more clearly about their offers, positioning and pricing.
We talk about what an ‘offer’ actually is, Janine’s Promise, Package and Price framework, common mistakes in offer creation, and some of the myths that continue to shape how people think about marketing and selling. We also put those ideas to work by reviewing several entertainment websites and exploring what makes an act easy, or difficult, to book.
Learn more about Janine and her work:
• Website: https://janinecoombes.co.uk
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janinecoombes
• The Easy Yes: https://easy-yes.comSign up to the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet and explore previous episodes at:
• https://www.john-blackburn.com/pod
With thanks to Pete Faint for the Entertainment Matters theme tune!
• Website: https://www.petefaint.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petefaint_/ -
Notes - on value and worth
inspired by Charles UmneyIn this Notes episode, I explore a distinction that emerged while thinking about my conversation with Charles Umney's work on the politics of value.
Phrases like "charge what you're worth" and "know your worth" are often useful and encouraging. But they can sometimes blur together two different ideas: your worth as a person, and the commercial value of the work you do.
I explore why those might be different things, why commercial value changes from one context to another, and why separating the two can help us understand our careers more clearly.
Along the way I discuss:
Worth versus commercial valueWhy context mattersBetter clients, better employers, and better opportunitiesUnderstanding what people actually valueEntertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
https://www.john-blackburn.com/podWith thanks to Pete Faint for the Entertainment Matters theme tune.
Website:
https://www.petefaint.comInstagram:
https://www.instagram.com/petefaint_/ -
This week I’m joined by Charles Umney, Professor of International Work and Employment at the University of Leeds.
We talk about AI and creative work, Charlie’s idea of the politics of value, and why the real question may not be whether AI replaces musicians, but how it reshapes the conditions under which creative work is valued, paid for and understood.
We also explore platforms and algorithms, worker voice and collective bargaining, and what musicians, performers and entertainment professionals may need to think about as AI becomes part of the landscape.
Learn more about Charlie and his work:
Google Scholar
Charles Umney Google ScholarUniversity of Leeds
Charles Umney at University of LeedsIf you'd like to stay up to date with new episodes, please sign up to the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
Entertainment Matters Cue SheetMusic by Pete Faint
Website: Pete Faint
Instagram: @petefaint_ -
Entertainment Matters
Notes – on being organised
inspired by Claire Owen-JonesIn this notes episode, John Blackburn reflects on a moment from his conversation with Claire Owen-Jones, where she offers a simple definition of what being organised might actually look like.
Rather than treating organisation as a personality type or moral judgement, John explores the idea that being organised may be less about becoming a certain kind of person and more about discovering practical ways of doing things that genuinely work for you.
Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
https://www.john-blackburn.com/podTheme music by Pete Faint.
@petefaint_
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This week I’m joined by Claire Owen-Jones, an accountant who works with freelancers in the creative industries.
We talk about Making Tax Digital, getting organised, and why your relationship with your accountant might matter more than you think.
Along the way we discuss:
Making Tax Digital and what is actually changing.
Why HMRC wants people doing more regular bookkeeping.
The benefits of streamlining your finances and separating business and personal spending.
Software options for freelancers and creative businesses.
What “being organised” really means in practice.
Why communication with your accountant matters more than most people think.
How to think about finances as a story rather than just a list of numbers.
And why accountants probably hear more fear, shame and avoidance than most people realise.
Find out more about Claire:
www.loudandclearaccounting.co.ukWith thanks to Pete Faint for the Entertainment Matters theme tune.
@petefaint_
petefaint.comStay up to date with Entertainment Matters and receive the Cue Sheet:
john-blackburn.com/pod -
In this Notes episode, John reflects on compliments, and why people in live entertainment often struggle to receive them.
Part of that seems to come from how seriously people take their craft, and how much of their attention is placed on technical detail. That can lead to quietly judging whether a compliment is “correct” before accepting it.What gets lost in that process is what the compliment is really about. Most people aren’t scoring technique. They’re describing the effect something had on them. And that effect is, ultimately, the point of the work.
That same distinction shows up in criticism as well. Not all feedback carries the same weight, and timing, source, and context all matter. But separating the message from the messenger can make both compliments and criticism easier to handle, and sometimes more useful.
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If you would like to hear when new Entertainment Matters episodes are released, please sign up to the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
https://www.john-blackburn.com/pod
And thanks, as always, for whatever you do to make live entertainment happen. -
Notes inspired by Jillian George Lewis
In this Notes episode, John reflects on something Jillian said early in their interview: “I just got a sense for what the right show in the right venue means.” He looks at what that “sense” might actually be.
The idea isn’t mystical. It’s repeated exposure, noticing what happens, and adjusting. There’s a tension in that process: ignore feedback and your instincts don’t sharpen; ignore your instincts and you never act.
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If you would like to hear when new Entertainment Matters episodes are released, please sign up to the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
https://www.john-blackburn.com/podAnd thanks, as always, for whatever you do to make live entertainment happen.
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With Jillian George Lewis
“I had to go and meet Channing.”
In this episode, John Blackburn chats with Jillian George-Lewis, Director of Creative Programming at the Hippodrome Casino in London where she played a central role in reshaping its theatre offer and bringing Magic Mike Live to London. Jillian is also an in demand performer working across cabaret, hosting, and live events.
Amongst other insightful topics, Jillian discusses the realities of running a build inside a 24-hour casino, the negotiations behind a major international production, and the less glamorous work of getting departments to operate as one system.
... and if you’re watching the video version, stay tuned to the very end.
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Connect with Jillian
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/delores_deluxe
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If you’d like to stay up to date with future episodes of Entertainment Matters, you can sign up for the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
https://www.john-blackburn.com/podAnd thanks, as always, for whatever you do to make live entertainment happen.
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Notes inspired by Luke Wade
In this Notes episode, John reflects on three things Luke said that apply well beyond video production.
Beginning with Luke's reference to leaving no stone unturned and exploring different ways of making an idea like that fit you, then moving to talking about the importance of a clear core concept for shows and projects.
John then wraps up by talking through and riffing on some of Luke's excellent points about relationships, trust and collaboration.—
If you would like to hear when new Entertainment Matters episodes are released, please sign up to the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
https://www.john-blackburn.com/podAnd thanks, as always, for whatever you do to make live entertainment happen.
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With Luke Wade
"... if we were just in theatre, we'd be rich and all of our problems would be solved..."
In this episode, John Blackburn chats with Luke Wade – founder of LiveWorks, creating video, branding and visual assets for live entertainment producers and promoters who want to raise the standard of how their shows look - on stage and online.
Luke talks about some of the important aspects of visual design for theatre and shows, the importance of collaboration and communication and much more.
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Connect with Luke Wade
Website:
https://www.theliveworks.comLinkedIn:
Luke WadeInstagram:
@mr_luke_wade—
If you’d like to stay up to date with future episodes of Entertainment Matters, you can sign up for the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
https://www.john-blackburn.com/podAnd thanks, as always, for whatever you do to make live entertainment happen.
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Notes inspired by Jayne Curry
In this Notes episode, John Blackburn reflects on a moment from his conversation with Jayne Curry, where she says, “50% of what you do on a cruise ship happens off stage.”
John explores what it means to see the real conditions that create success in an environment, rather than simply following the handed-down version of the job description. Using Jayne’s example of visibility, feedback, and rebooking, he considers the difference between playing the advertised game and noticing how things actually work.
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If you would like to hear when new Entertainment Matters episodes are released, please sign up to the
Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
https://www.john-blackburn.com/pod -
With Jayne Curry
"50% of what you do on a cruise ship happens off stage..."
In this episode, John Blackburn chats with Jayne Curry – Head of Talent Development for Don Casino in the US, co-owner of Black Box Booking in South Florida, and a professional guest entertainer with 23 years at sea.
Jayne talks candidly about feedback, brand positioning, and the difference between the job description and the job as it actually functions. She shares how visibility, humility, and understanding the wider organisation can influence rebooking as much as performance itself.
The conversation also touches on evolving with the industry, mentoring experienced acts, and what the future may hold for guest entertainers as cruise entertainment continues to shift.
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Connect with Jayne Curry
Website:
https://www.jaynecurry.co.ukYouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@jaynecurry4919Don Casino Entertainment Agency:
https://www.dcptalent.com—
If you’d like to stay up to date with future episodes of Entertainment Matters, you can sign up for the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
https://www.john-blackburn.com/podAnd thanks, as always, for whatever you do to make live entertainment happen.
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Notes inspired by Jess Chambers
In this Notes episode, John reflects on three ideas from his interview with Jess Chambers: picturing one real audience member instead of a crowd, treating marketing as something that happens in stages, and remembering the power of a single encouraging sentence.
If you would like to hear when new Entertainment Matters episodes are released, please sign up to the
Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
https://www.john-blackburn.com/podAnd thanks, as always, for whatever you do to make live entertainment happen.
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With Jess Chambers
“You can't go straight in and say, BUY MY TICKET!”In this episode John Blackburn chats with Jess Chambers, founder of Tootsuite Marketing and self-described event strategy sidekick, about how events actually sell tickets — and why most people start far too late.
We talk about lead time and why “marketing” isn’t one thing. Jess separates the slow, human bit (teasing, warming people up, getting familiar) from the bit where you actually ask for the sale, and what changes when you only have three months rather than six.
There’s also a properly practical detour into what “doing flyers properly” even means, why “everyone is welcome” often isn’t as inclusive as people think it is, and why she’d rather you talked to one real person than a theoretical demographic.
Connect with Jess Chambers:
https://www.tootsweetmarketing.comhttps://www.tootsweetmarketing.com/the-green-room
https://www.tootsweetmarketing.com/writing-event-copy-free-playbook
LinkedIn: Jess Chambers
Instagram: Tootsuite MarketingIf you’d like to stay up to date with future episodes of Entertainment Matters, you can sign up for the
Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
https://www.john-blackburn.com/pod -
In this "Notes" episode inspired by his interview with Ali James, John Blackburn explores the concept of 'Yes And' as a value or way of thinking, emphasizing the importance of exploring ideas before evaluating them. He discusses the difference between 'Yes And' and 'Yes But' and how to start applying this to your own work.
If you would like to hear when new Entertainment Matters episodes are released, please sign up to the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:https://www.john-blackburn.com/pod
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With Ali James
"How does the small fish get into the boardroom with the shark, as the old metaphor goes..."
In this episode, John Blackburn chats to Ali James - improviser, comedian, producer and director from the improv and musical theatre world.Ali is the movement director and a cast member with Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, co-director of the London 50 Hour Improvathon and the Southend 48 Hour Improvathon, and co-director of the Pretend Company.
We talk about what it takes to create new shows from scratch, what really happens during a 50-hour Improvathon, and why community, values and “Yes, And” matter so much in her work.
Ali shares what she’s learned about fear, exhaustion, collaboration, and what happens creatively when self-doubt gets quiet. We also explore the challenges of getting new work made, supporting “small fish with a good story”, and why care structures matter in intense creative environments like Edinburgh.
Connect with AliInstagram:
@ali_james22
@thepretendcompany
If you’d like to stay up to date with future episodes of Entertainment Matters, you can sign up for the Entertainment Matters Cue Sheet:
https://www.john-blackburn.com/pod
And thanks, as always, for whatever you do to make live entertainment happen.
