Boulevard of Broken Dreams?
Tue, 22 July 2003, 07:42 pmcrgwllms9 posts in thread
Boulevard of Broken Dreams?
Tue, 22 July 2003, 07:42 pmWA Equity have been asking questions of a company called "The Dream Firm Pty Ltd".
The website is www.dreamfirm.com.au , and apparently they have been advertising heavily lately.
The names connected to this company are Rachel Abbey (apparently a well known opera singer) and Andrew Rout.
The company is using the studio at The Ninth Floor, 522 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley for auditions - people wanting to audition have to pay a FEE which is $11 for an individual, $16.50 for duo or trio, $44 for a group or band.
Membership can also be bought - general member $99, associate member $220.
PLEASE - if you're enthusiastic and hopeful, DON'T also be vulnerable...without thoroughly shopping around and checking out what's being offered for your money.
Reproduced below is a report that relates to information given on the website...
My personal recommendation is to be very wary.
Cheers,
Craig
==========================================
Dream Firm inquiry, 21/7/03
“Managing director” Andrew Rout is the business manager but has no formal qualifications in theatre, dance or music. He describes himself as an early-1980s graduate of the former Western Australian Institute of Technology (now Curtin University) with an arts degree (communications and audio engineering). Rout says his background is in “film, TV and creative writing” and claims to have done consultancy work for “a number of people”. However, he admits under questioning that he has no formal connection with any professional organisation involved in film, TV or creative writing. Rout says his only connection with the arts is through amateur productions with the Limelight Theatre in Wanneroo, the Kalgoorlie Repertory Club and Play lovers, of Floreat. He claims to be associated with “West World Film Studios” and “David Cobbald”, based in WA. Rout has a computer company called Vector 10.
“Creative director” Rachel Abbey says she is a qualified dance teacher in “ballet, modern and tap” and is an associate of Britain’s Imperial Society of Teacher of Dance, on whose books she is listed as a qualified teacher. She says she stopped teaching dance in 1995. She says she appeared in London’s West End in “Annie” and “Evita”. Abbey claims to have “solicitation rights” and to be an “associate” of Red Horse Records and Rowpro Records, both in Nashville, and Hollywood Auditions, in New York. She also claims to have connections with EMI “from a previous relationship. Under questioning, Abbey admits that “solicitation rights”, “associations” and “relationships” mean that she knows someone who she describes as a “contact” in each of these organisations. Abbey says she has also worked with Yothu Yindi and music producer Robbie James. She says “I’ve sung with and looked after them when they’re in town”. Abbey says she doesn’t have any current singing work but is “working on an album”. She last sang publicly in February at Perth’s Moonlight Festival, when she won a radio station talent contest and performed without pay as a back-up singer for Wilson Pickett.
Dream Firm “in-house audio engineer” “Lee” says he is a music producer who has his own music studio, which turns under questioning out to be at his home. He claims to be a singer and plays piano, keyboards viola and performed with the WA Symphony Orchestra, where his teacher was Lawrence Jacks. He claims to know John Vallani, formerly of Perth’s Planet Studios.
A fourth member of Dream Firm is “marketing person” Amanda Guiffre, who is a marketing and PR undergraduate student at Curtin University.
Auditions
Abbey conducts auditions that cost $11 each for individual singers and dancers, and she provides written evaluations for professional work that identify skills and offers advice if further tuition needed. Immediately after an audition for two 14-year-old girls on Thursday last week, Rout told their mothers that the girls had talent and it would be in their best interest to each buy a $99 membership, which they would “get back in the first two weeks of getting professional work”. Abbey told one girl’s mother that her daughter had promise but needed professional voice tuition.
However, Abbey said today that the Dream Firm has no formal arrangements with any singing or dance schools or any other arts training schools “at the moment” although “I know someone who I can refer people to”. She said Dream Firm is “still negotiating with dance schools” including the West End Academy, Nicolette School of Dance and beat Street Beat Productions, although “some performance schools see us as a threat”.
Dream Firm claim on its website:
“Not only do you reap the benefit of our in-house resources, but our extensive contacts in all facets of the industry, both nationally and internationally, allow us to draw on information and expertise from all facets of all genres. The Dream Firm has a number of associations with industry bodies who may be able to assist you with queries and/or difficulties.”
Under questioning, Rout and Abbey admit that the Dream Firm has no formal association with any industry bodies or arts organisations.
“The Dream Firm building houses three recording studios, providing facilities capable of handling simple voice-overs to orchestras. We have an in-house audio engineer and producer as well as access to a number of independent engineers and producers to provide recording artists with a wide range of available expertise. Our Talent Database also allows us to quickly source other resources on an as-required basis, including arrangers, session musicians, backing singers, alternative producers/engineers, and so on.
“We provide a number of fixed price "packaged" products for recording and production of recorded materials, or you can negotiate a customised solution based on your specific requirements.”
None of this exists. An address published on the website as “Offices and Studios” at 385 Newcastle Street, Northbridge is a vacant lot (next to a Chinese herbalist) that was sold at auction to John Villani (ex-planet Studios) in November 2002 for the purpose of building a sound studio. Real Estate agent Kingsley Lewis says the project has East Perth Redevelopment Authority permission and he understands that the Perth City Council may soon issue a building license.
Under questioning, Rout says that the Newcastle Street proposal has been dropped and he is now negotiating with “Messages on Hold” for premises it owns at 227 Beaufort Street. The building owner says there have been only preliminary talks and nothing in writing.
“The Dream Firm is developing opportunities for performing artists in all facets of the entertainment and performing arts industries within Australia.”
Rout says Dream Firm has “a number of theatre projects in pre-development”. Three planned shows are:
“Totally Red Cordial: The format is of a weekly two-hour LIVE show (with additional incidental performances at selected venues and times), and will have scores of hyperactive young teens in frenzied pursuit to get their hands on many of the awesome prizes and offers up for grabs. The audience will be eagre to get a Totally Red Cordial membership, which will give them opportunities to meet celebrities, be on television, take part in various segments of the show and generally be on the 'Totally Cool' list.” Sponsors will also be on the "cool" list, as their products will be promoted in the most "out there" way, across every advertising medium used during show promotion.
No sponsors exist. Totally Red Cordial is a “variety game show for adolescents” on Saturday mornings at a venue yet to be organised. After two weeks of auditions, Dream Firm has enough “people to do the show” but needs four dancers and a host and hostess who can sing.
“Cabaret Works Collective: Based on the "off Broadway" method of 'workshopping' new ideas for the stage, The Dream Firm is developing this proven method for the West Australian Arts Industry as part of our industry development plan. The Cabaret Works Collective will be a compilation of up to sixteen cabaret shows per year. We are currently in discussions with the Perth International Arts Festival with regard to making the launch each year a part of that program, and each of the shows will then be performed in a series of follow up performances throughout the year. As part of the development of the program, and for items which show a broader market potential, we will be establishing infrastructure for annual tours (regionally, nationally and internationally) of the program, with a further development period between each iteration.”
None of this exists other than as a plan.
2004 Christmas Show
Pre-production due to start March 2004 but no sponsors or venue organised.
Rout also says: “we want to develop a couple of people in recording contracts and manage them”.
Auditions are being held at “The Ninth Floor” (next to Queens Hotel, corner Beaufort Street and Harold Street), which is described on the website as:
“Perth's most stylish function venue is now available for corporate events, cocktail parties, weddings or any use you might have for one of the most impressive and unique spaces close to the city. The studios at The Ninth Floor have been used with remarkable success for social events, product showcases, dance performances, fashion shows and sales, music performances, art auctions and a range of other events that have all left the hosts happy and the guests impressed. With a core focus on dance, The Ninth Floor offers diverse entertainment services and a purpose-built adult dance and movement centre as well as making available its amazing studios for your next function.”
Rout says the Ninth Floor is owned by someone else, and Dream Firm he is a temporary tenant. He says the premises have been used for dance (one room has a mirrored wall) but he doesnÂ’t know the details of other events that may have occurred there and could not substantiate any of the claims on the Dream Firm website.
“However, to receive any of the products or services the company offers (including being provided with paid work, which is what will happen when you are utilised in a project), you will need to become a Member. In most instances, we will attempt to fill casting and production personnel requirements from our membership base first. If that is not satisfactory we will promote the available opportunities to appropriate persons in the Talent Database, and invite them to become a Member. Therefore, by being listed in the database we are made aware of you and your capabilities, but in order to be contracted you will need to be or become a Member. General Membership costs $99 per year (including GST), and includes: Access to any of the products, services and other offerings (including employment opportunities) by The Dream Firm, or other parties via The Dream Firm”
Rout says that the only Dream Firm employment opportunity that currently exists is for a receptionist, who is on unpaid work experience. The Dream Firm has no existing work for people who have paid $99 to become members or $11 for an audition.
Rout declined to reveal membership numbers or how many auditions have been held.
[%sig%]
The website is www.dreamfirm.com.au , and apparently they have been advertising heavily lately.
The names connected to this company are Rachel Abbey (apparently a well known opera singer) and Andrew Rout.
The company is using the studio at The Ninth Floor, 522 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley for auditions - people wanting to audition have to pay a FEE which is $11 for an individual, $16.50 for duo or trio, $44 for a group or band.
Membership can also be bought - general member $99, associate member $220.
PLEASE - if you're enthusiastic and hopeful, DON'T also be vulnerable...without thoroughly shopping around and checking out what's being offered for your money.
Reproduced below is a report that relates to information given on the website...
My personal recommendation is to be very wary.
Cheers,
Craig
==========================================
Dream Firm inquiry, 21/7/03
“Managing director” Andrew Rout is the business manager but has no formal qualifications in theatre, dance or music. He describes himself as an early-1980s graduate of the former Western Australian Institute of Technology (now Curtin University) with an arts degree (communications and audio engineering). Rout says his background is in “film, TV and creative writing” and claims to have done consultancy work for “a number of people”. However, he admits under questioning that he has no formal connection with any professional organisation involved in film, TV or creative writing. Rout says his only connection with the arts is through amateur productions with the Limelight Theatre in Wanneroo, the Kalgoorlie Repertory Club and Play lovers, of Floreat. He claims to be associated with “West World Film Studios” and “David Cobbald”, based in WA. Rout has a computer company called Vector 10.
“Creative director” Rachel Abbey says she is a qualified dance teacher in “ballet, modern and tap” and is an associate of Britain’s Imperial Society of Teacher of Dance, on whose books she is listed as a qualified teacher. She says she stopped teaching dance in 1995. She says she appeared in London’s West End in “Annie” and “Evita”. Abbey claims to have “solicitation rights” and to be an “associate” of Red Horse Records and Rowpro Records, both in Nashville, and Hollywood Auditions, in New York. She also claims to have connections with EMI “from a previous relationship. Under questioning, Abbey admits that “solicitation rights”, “associations” and “relationships” mean that she knows someone who she describes as a “contact” in each of these organisations. Abbey says she has also worked with Yothu Yindi and music producer Robbie James. She says “I’ve sung with and looked after them when they’re in town”. Abbey says she doesn’t have any current singing work but is “working on an album”. She last sang publicly in February at Perth’s Moonlight Festival, when she won a radio station talent contest and performed without pay as a back-up singer for Wilson Pickett.
Dream Firm “in-house audio engineer” “Lee” says he is a music producer who has his own music studio, which turns under questioning out to be at his home. He claims to be a singer and plays piano, keyboards viola and performed with the WA Symphony Orchestra, where his teacher was Lawrence Jacks. He claims to know John Vallani, formerly of Perth’s Planet Studios.
A fourth member of Dream Firm is “marketing person” Amanda Guiffre, who is a marketing and PR undergraduate student at Curtin University.
Auditions
Abbey conducts auditions that cost $11 each for individual singers and dancers, and she provides written evaluations for professional work that identify skills and offers advice if further tuition needed. Immediately after an audition for two 14-year-old girls on Thursday last week, Rout told their mothers that the girls had talent and it would be in their best interest to each buy a $99 membership, which they would “get back in the first two weeks of getting professional work”. Abbey told one girl’s mother that her daughter had promise but needed professional voice tuition.
However, Abbey said today that the Dream Firm has no formal arrangements with any singing or dance schools or any other arts training schools “at the moment” although “I know someone who I can refer people to”. She said Dream Firm is “still negotiating with dance schools” including the West End Academy, Nicolette School of Dance and beat Street Beat Productions, although “some performance schools see us as a threat”.
Dream Firm claim on its website:
“Not only do you reap the benefit of our in-house resources, but our extensive contacts in all facets of the industry, both nationally and internationally, allow us to draw on information and expertise from all facets of all genres. The Dream Firm has a number of associations with industry bodies who may be able to assist you with queries and/or difficulties.”
Under questioning, Rout and Abbey admit that the Dream Firm has no formal association with any industry bodies or arts organisations.
“The Dream Firm building houses three recording studios, providing facilities capable of handling simple voice-overs to orchestras. We have an in-house audio engineer and producer as well as access to a number of independent engineers and producers to provide recording artists with a wide range of available expertise. Our Talent Database also allows us to quickly source other resources on an as-required basis, including arrangers, session musicians, backing singers, alternative producers/engineers, and so on.
“We provide a number of fixed price "packaged" products for recording and production of recorded materials, or you can negotiate a customised solution based on your specific requirements.”
None of this exists. An address published on the website as “Offices and Studios” at 385 Newcastle Street, Northbridge is a vacant lot (next to a Chinese herbalist) that was sold at auction to John Villani (ex-planet Studios) in November 2002 for the purpose of building a sound studio. Real Estate agent Kingsley Lewis says the project has East Perth Redevelopment Authority permission and he understands that the Perth City Council may soon issue a building license.
Under questioning, Rout says that the Newcastle Street proposal has been dropped and he is now negotiating with “Messages on Hold” for premises it owns at 227 Beaufort Street. The building owner says there have been only preliminary talks and nothing in writing.
“The Dream Firm is developing opportunities for performing artists in all facets of the entertainment and performing arts industries within Australia.”
Rout says Dream Firm has “a number of theatre projects in pre-development”. Three planned shows are:
“Totally Red Cordial: The format is of a weekly two-hour LIVE show (with additional incidental performances at selected venues and times), and will have scores of hyperactive young teens in frenzied pursuit to get their hands on many of the awesome prizes and offers up for grabs. The audience will be eagre to get a Totally Red Cordial membership, which will give them opportunities to meet celebrities, be on television, take part in various segments of the show and generally be on the 'Totally Cool' list.” Sponsors will also be on the "cool" list, as their products will be promoted in the most "out there" way, across every advertising medium used during show promotion.
No sponsors exist. Totally Red Cordial is a “variety game show for adolescents” on Saturday mornings at a venue yet to be organised. After two weeks of auditions, Dream Firm has enough “people to do the show” but needs four dancers and a host and hostess who can sing.
“Cabaret Works Collective: Based on the "off Broadway" method of 'workshopping' new ideas for the stage, The Dream Firm is developing this proven method for the West Australian Arts Industry as part of our industry development plan. The Cabaret Works Collective will be a compilation of up to sixteen cabaret shows per year. We are currently in discussions with the Perth International Arts Festival with regard to making the launch each year a part of that program, and each of the shows will then be performed in a series of follow up performances throughout the year. As part of the development of the program, and for items which show a broader market potential, we will be establishing infrastructure for annual tours (regionally, nationally and internationally) of the program, with a further development period between each iteration.”
None of this exists other than as a plan.
2004 Christmas Show
Pre-production due to start March 2004 but no sponsors or venue organised.
Rout also says: “we want to develop a couple of people in recording contracts and manage them”.
Auditions are being held at “The Ninth Floor” (next to Queens Hotel, corner Beaufort Street and Harold Street), which is described on the website as:
“Perth's most stylish function venue is now available for corporate events, cocktail parties, weddings or any use you might have for one of the most impressive and unique spaces close to the city. The studios at The Ninth Floor have been used with remarkable success for social events, product showcases, dance performances, fashion shows and sales, music performances, art auctions and a range of other events that have all left the hosts happy and the guests impressed. With a core focus on dance, The Ninth Floor offers diverse entertainment services and a purpose-built adult dance and movement centre as well as making available its amazing studios for your next function.”
Rout says the Ninth Floor is owned by someone else, and Dream Firm he is a temporary tenant. He says the premises have been used for dance (one room has a mirrored wall) but he doesnÂ’t know the details of other events that may have occurred there and could not substantiate any of the claims on the Dream Firm website.
“However, to receive any of the products or services the company offers (including being provided with paid work, which is what will happen when you are utilised in a project), you will need to become a Member. In most instances, we will attempt to fill casting and production personnel requirements from our membership base first. If that is not satisfactory we will promote the available opportunities to appropriate persons in the Talent Database, and invite them to become a Member. Therefore, by being listed in the database we are made aware of you and your capabilities, but in order to be contracted you will need to be or become a Member. General Membership costs $99 per year (including GST), and includes: Access to any of the products, services and other offerings (including employment opportunities) by The Dream Firm, or other parties via The Dream Firm”
Rout says that the only Dream Firm employment opportunity that currently exists is for a receptionist, who is on unpaid work experience. The Dream Firm has no existing work for people who have paid $99 to become members or $11 for an audition.
Rout declined to reveal membership numbers or how many auditions have been held.
[%sig%]
Re: Boulevard of Broken Dreams?
Tue, 22 July 2003, 10:03 pmWalter Plinge
Hi Craig
Excellent posting and excellent research. Thank you for going to the trouble you obviously have in order to point out the pitfalls that do exist.
I hope that everyone will read this and have their eyes well and truly opened.
Thanks again.
Kerri
Excellent posting and excellent research. Thank you for going to the trouble you obviously have in order to point out the pitfalls that do exist.
I hope that everyone will read this and have their eyes well and truly opened.
Thanks again.
Kerri
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