Only thing holding me back is rain.

Huntington Beach pier still has people.

No volunteers, keeping my edge socially distant. No examining not props, just visual effects, no card to mouth.

Also practicing social distance when hatting.

Very important, don't collect money with the hat you will wear on your head, viruses can travel from head to face.

My show is shorter, I'm making no attempt to crowd build or tighten my edge.

Another one bites the dust. Another day, another refund. Think I will put off my bank trips for cashier checks until later this week. I am down to one event in April now. Uncertainty abounds in the corporate market. How big of an impact will this be? Anyone's guess.

I am hoping this entire year is not a wash but how in the heck can the economy sustain entertainers when people are going to be looking for work?


Decomposing Work

I just have a feeling this thing is going to get really, really ugly. It's already ugly, but I feel this is just the beginning.

A friend of mine owns a company that caters to the entertainment industry. He just had huge multiple orders cancel. I don't the specifics, but even if he was able to keep his 25-50% deposits, that's still won't carry him through this thing. If things get better in a few months, yes. However, he told me if this goes into summer or beyond, and that's why some of the newspaper stories are saying, it will absolutely bankrupt him. He just let a few of his workers go yesterday. I'm sure others RIFs will follow the longer this thing continues.

It's not pretty.

Gerry

Boy Gerry. That stinks. I had one company ask for a refund never mentioning the no refund policy. Not even a "I know the contact says no refunds but." Then their email bounced so they contacted the booking company thinking I was scamming.

I guess companies are seeing the losses already and forecasting for the future. If this turns out to be all hype, it will be trillions of dollars loss for it.

Where are those test kits again?

Mindpro,

Given how things are changing so rapidly, what are your current thoughts about the Corona situation and the magic entertainment field at this point in time? Do you foresee social distancing / small crowd efforts continuing until spring, late summer or beyond that? I mean it's anybody's guess, but you may have a better sense of things since you're heavily involved in the entertainment field.

I just saw that the Easter Egg Roll on the grounds of the White House was just cancelled.

Yesterday I lost my first booking.

My entire office was just told that we can work from home and be prepared to do so for an indefinite period of time. I stopped at the local 7-11 store by my work and the owner told me how much business had dropped off since most people are now working from home.

Gerry

Hey Gerry, thanks for the post. I hope you and everyone here in Tricky Business are remaining open-minded and trying to hang in there the best they can, and most of all - don't panic, freakout or overreact.

Yes, I have been staying up o this on a daily and sometimes hourly basis. We are in unchartered territory here so that makes it very interesting in many ways.

First, to address your questions, let me say that I often talk about how I operate from an industry perspective not a "me" or individual" perspective, and the differences of an industry-based operation vs. a me-based operation. My background as an enetrtainer, agent, talent broker, producer, promoter, press and media specialist, and of course coach and consultant allows me access to much more than a typical performer, especially operating from the industry perspective as I do. Because of all of these areas I am/have been on advisory boards, association board, committees, and management teams that allows me access to insight and information that is of course very useful in by entertainment businesses.

My current thoughts are since this is directly affecting most magician's/performer's livelihood, and since most of these operate on a gig to gig business model, they are concerned/panicking, freaking out the most. Their businesses are based solely on them performing. If they can't perform they aren't producing income or providing for themselves and their families. Most have little savings or nest egg in the bank or business for such situations and therefore will be most affected.

I have believed initially that this would last 6 to maybe 8 weeks or less. This would be a punch in the stomach to most, that while hurtful to devastating, would be something that would sting but we could bounce back from, much like the weeks, months after 9/11. At first, it was complete shutdown, then after a few weeks slowly things started the rebound process. That's what I saw here.

Much of this is happening on a state level with each state responding their own way. Now many are looking for the Federal government to step in for aide and assistance. This will result in more uniformity but also greater measures and likely increased panic. This wave needs to pass as it is what dominates the media, fuels social media, creates the panic, spreads misinformation, and prevents people from looking at this rationally and more importantly beyond the wave.

Since we are all complying with staying in and not being in or creating evets or places with gatherings, this is the first area we need to overcome. All of this is creating a new temporary normal that the response is the panic, resistance, and freaking out. When people panic or freak out they are not thinking or operating with a clear mind and objective.

I don't feel this initial mode we are in will last that long. Yes, this will likely take us into Spring and into May or June but we will see some aspects of normality coming back during this time as well. The more people comply, the better the chances of this ending more quickly.

We are all taking it week by week and watching it closely.

I see the social distancing being around for March, April and as I say maybe into May for now. I think we may be able to still salvage some Spring and Early Summer bookings. That is what I see at this time, but, of course, it can all change. Many April and May events are still waiting to see before making a call to cancel, suspend or postpone.

The great things I am seeing are that less than 10% of bookings and events (of course depending on the performance markets you work) are suspending or postponing their bookings, not actually canceling resulting in a loss. Now if you work restaurants, nightclubs, Easter events, etc. these will not reschedule and will be a loss. However many things from proms, graduations, festivals, many corporate or association events, etc. are all looking at rescheduling which can result in delayed income rather than loss of income.

I think there will be a strong interest in our services on the other side of this fro certain markets which I can very optimistic and excited about. Unlike 9/11 where people were hesitant, grieving, and devastated, this will be more inviting. People may be hurt financially which means they may be staying closer to home and seeking entertainment and events nearby. Fairs and fests could have a great season if this doesn't go beyond June because of this.

If you serve markets that need or require entertainment I think the bounceback will be decent and consistent. We may have a wave of a few months where we must maintain what we already have on the books while trying to accommodate the rescheduled events in order to not lose that income, so we could actually be busy in some areas following this intrusion in everyone's lives.

I still think it will not be long-lasting or devastating if we can come out of this by or in June. Now if we go beyond that, we reach a point that we may not be able to recover from as quickly and there will likely become a new norm once in the aftermath. I am hoping it doesn't get to this point. This is what many in the industry is most concerned about. How we act and react now may very well determine that.

This will be most costly to producers and promoters, more than entertainers or talent.

The Easter Egg Roll was canceled primarily for a show of demonstration of the President and government adhering to the guidelines it has been presenting. Let's face it Trump was never big into this traditional event in the first place, so it worked out fine. Performers there are not paid, so there is no real loss, but it can set a precedence we must be concerned with.

I have had a couple of tours cancel because they were in this immediate period of the next 4-6 weeks. I, at this point, personally have only had one booking cancel (two shows) though I expect more over the next week or two, but again, most of these I expect will reschedule.

The longer this goes on the greater hit it will have on the economy. This is why there is such a concern and push to have this end in/by May or June.

Oddly enough a couple of things can happen here most wouldn't suspect. For example, I have had a surge in performers coming to me for coaching and consulting in just the last 9 days, most just this week. They want to know how to navigate this and more so prevent themselves from being in this unsuspecting position again in the future. They want to reevaluate their current business models and performance markets.

However, the other thing I find interesting is as more people are being told to work at/from home, and many are being laid off or let go, combined with the interest in the self-controlled gig economy, there seems to be an influx of interest in people inquiring about jobs and opportunities in live entertainment, lol. So there could very easily be a bandwagon of newcomers entering magic and related possibilities in the near aftermath which is interesting. Our curb-appeal seems bright and shinny to laypeople, junior or young wantrepreneurs, or those that think it could be a fun opportunity in the gig economy.

You said "be prepared to do so for an indefinite period of time" and that is what I think is the mindset we should all have. This may be a few weeks, or a few months, but we should look at this as at least a 3-month concern for now. During this time I strongly suggest getting to those thigs that need attention in your business. Formulate your game plan on return to the other side of this. Work on your business during this time. Do not let it paralyze you. Operate in anticipation, not from current or temporary fears. Reevaluate your business model and markets. Maybe it's time to update your show or offerings, promotional materials, and marketing/promotional campaigns preparing for the aftermath or other side of this. Does your positioning need to change? Learn or research how your individual markets may be affected. For example, the cruise industry will take a hit and become very generous and proactive in trying to rebound. The school market is considering coming back in session through the summer, and taking this time off as their summer break and resuming through the summer months to make up for it in some areas.

So far very few people are asking for refunds and are remaining optimistic. I believe the next 7-10 days will be significant to watch and the next 30 day period will be defining.

We must get beyond this first hurdle of businesses being closed and avoiding social gatherings of more than 8-10 people. That is the first step toward forward movement for us. We can even begin to think about operating while this period is in effect.

It seems my full-time job this week has been in meetings and discussions with these boards, committees, advisors, about the current assessment and progression moving forward. While I hate what is happening, I am excited about the possibilities as we move forward. I just am hoping it will not last longer than May/June, which some of it or the effects will, but we're hoping the summer is still salvageable for all of us.

I will keep you posited on what I learn, discover or think moving forward.

Let me correct and clarify this: The great things I am seeing are less than 10% of bookings and events are canceling resulting in a loss. Most are suspending or postponing their bookings.

Mindpro,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response.

Gerry

It is market dependent. I go back to work as soon as things settle down. No real hassle.

BUT if it is a birthday party market or some such specific event then it is most likely a loss. That is a huge problem and I feel for the one night show guys.

I was going to be off for a few weeks in the start of April, so this hit me a couple weeks early. Still a loss no doubt.

But the guys with events tied to specific dates are going to feel the pain. If you are in a market where discretionary income is used to fuel the show then yea you may feel the pain. As we are at the start of this nobody knows what reaction will be given for how we come out of this. I feel for the after prom guys who make SO much of the nut for the year off of the next 2 months. I am going to go ahead and doubt much of that market will recover in time for this year to be profitable.

If I can help send me a PM. I'll be happy to do what I can to give advice.

Yeah, I agree. I too had a two of the next 4 weeks off or light due to spring breaks

All California business closed except essential services will hurt all performers,especially magicians,a marginalized group already.the order is to last a month...

I haven't really had any events completely CANCEL at this point or ask for refunds, but have had them postpone or suspend (like my comedy clubs and other public show bookings). Just received payment yesterday for a large corporate event scheduled for January 2021. This gave me the idea of making a bit of a push through my email lists, direct mail lists, social media, etc., to get people who are already putting off events until next year as a result of this to start booking now because "that's what so many are doing"...not sure whether that will work or not but tossing that idea around somewhat to at least possibly continue to generate some cash flow.

Like so many others, this is my living so I'm trying to come up with creative ways to stay "top-of-mind" with clients and the public in general (without annoying everyone) and for a number of reasons; among them so that when things bounce back I'm still in the midst of things. Plus it helps keep me fresh. I just spoke with a local TV news station this morning where I live (and have appeared many times) to conduct a live Skype interview next week to talk about how the situation has affected performing artists and perform an interactive trick or two with them while on the live stream. They're unable to have in-studio visitors and are constantly looking for good content and having to adjust things considerably on their end as well. The better I can help them do this the better my relationship is with them and we both win as a result.

I believe looking for ways to give and help right now--as opposed to seeing what we can get--is essential. Even when we feel we don't have much or anything to give. It isn't easy. So the gigs may be dropping off now; they are for everyone. Digging deeper and developing relationships more is the best way I know to keep things moving and assure those bookings and clients will be there as things begin to rebound.

Well said, Curt! I agree as all week I have been working with my coaching students and consulting clients (entertainment venues, and performers) and those that purchased my Press & Media For Entertainers book discussing how they can use press and media during this time to their advantage, while still staying in front of them and in the public eye.

The media is looking for related angles to this whole COVIS-19 story, how it is affecting locals and local businesses and how people are dealing with it. This again is one of those opportunities I've been speaking of.

The media has been very receptive this week as they too are looking for HI angles rather than just hard news reporting and updates which cab become quite heavy, boring and tedious. Some are doing in-studio, but many are doing online interviews as you mentioned. I think this is also a way for us as performers to offer options to our audience and the public about how to view our services and laying the groundwork for the aftermath or other side of this wave.

Many of those that have taken my fundraising coaching are doing the same right now combining it with press and media and getting great interest and results.

Keep on making lemonade and as you said digging deeper.

Glad to hear you are being proactive

“The thing is, it’s very detrimental to my business not being able to do shows” - Piff the Magic Dragon.

Hey if you’ve got nothing else to do go listen to piff and / or Penns podcasts. I’ve been having some podcast marathons lately!

Been away for a little bit. Watching Corona TV is not helping my confidence. I did hear one radio program I listen to otw to my first responder job tonight. He had an interesting take concerning all of this. Which is worse, the deaths from this virus or the collapse of the economy? Tonight I heard Larry Kudlow on tv whom I respect state we can bounce back if this does not drag on too long. What is too long? We got a lot of people out of work and where I am located, it seems like a ghost town. People are truly panicking and CNN and FOX ratings are through the roof. Those two networks are truly doing well but the commercials that air are all about life before the virus. Sort of an odd paradox.

Anyway, rambling here but the point is we still do not know how all these shutdowns will affect the spread until all is said and done. Will it kill more people in the USA then the regular flu? Well so far, it does not seem it will but the curve is still going up. Once it flattens, I guess we will know a lot more.

My last gig had to postpone for now so I am gigless. The one before I had to refund the deposit and since it is attached to the restaurant industry I assume that one will never surface (all loosing big time here). Some good points surfacing here and I am glad to see its not all gloom and doom for the entertainment industry. We all will survive. I just hope its sooner then later.

It is very difficult to plan when there is nothing but a lot of unknowns.

I do think that local entertainers can offer a cheaper alternative for entertainment when things start to open up. People with kids will want to do something fun but many won’t be able to afford higher priced theme parks, tourist attractions, etc. right away.

Yea those are the markets I spent my whole life staying away from. Not for this reason, but it is ANOTHER reason for certain.

People will end up going back to resorts, they will go to Broadway, they will go to theater shows. It remains to be seen how many how quickly but it won't be long before it is back to what it once was.

The gig to gig one night stuff is not an easy way to do this. Now more than ever it is going to be really hard to get that sort of thing back.

How many of y'all are already getting Summer Reading shows cancelled?

None as of yet.

What is a Summer Reading Show?