Presenters Information

DISPLAY HOLDERS

• You are welcome to watch other people's pitches but you are responsible for the security of your own display. Do not leave valuable items unattended.
• Display holders are expected to attend their displays during all breaks as they are the primary opportunity for networking and negotiation. 
• Display holders will be advised of the dimensions of their table and board space. Bring artwork and display material appropriate to that space as well as the thumb tacks, staples, scissors etc required to install you display. 
• Aim to make your space eye catching and easily identifiable. 
• If you require a power supply for your stand please discuss this in advance with the Market Co-ordinator. You may be required to bring an extension cable and multi box. 
• We recommend that you have some sort of written information available at your display space for interested delegates to take away. (See Show Kit info below).

 

SHOW KITS

• If your production information is not easily available on line we recommend you prepare a minimum of 10 show kits for interested delegates to take away. Things you may wish to include are:
  • Reviews
  • Company Biographies
  • Technical Rider
  • Existing Market Materials
  • Production Photographs
  • DVD
  • Business Card
• If your production information is available on line then you may wish to reduce the paperwork available at the Market to a simply flyer/brochure and a business card.
• We recommend your DVD shows the full length show in a wide shot. You may also like to include an edited show reel on the DVD as well but presenters will want to see the entire work before committing to presentation. 

 

PITCH SPOTS

• Your allocated 10 minutes INCLUDES any time you may need to set up and pack down off the stage.
• The presentation space is NOT A THEATRE. It is a conference room. Delegates will be seated at round tables and you will to speaking from a lecturn on a small podium at the head of a carpeted room.
• If you are planning to include any live performance elements in your presentation please contact PANNZ in advance to discuss your needs.
• The room will be equipped with basic equipment to support your presentation eg data projector for lap top or DVD playback, sound system, podium lighting. Please contact PANNZ in advance to confirm exactly what equipment you will be using.
• There will be an AV technician in the room all day to assist you. Help them by preparing as follows:
  • have tracks on CDs or DVDs clearly labelled for the technician detailing - order of tracks to be played, length of track to be played
  • bring any data presentations in two different formats just in case of compatability issues eg DVD and memory stick
• We recommend you cover all your main facts in the first 8 minutes and open the last 2 inutes to questions from the floor.
• In order to help you keep time in your presentation you will be signalled at 8 minutes and 10 minutes. We have a tight schedule and we cannot allow you to run over time.
• You will be advised of your Pitch Time on the Market Schedule. Please ensure you report to the Market Information Desk no later than 30 minutes prior to your pitch time to confirm your technical needs and to check that the Market is running to schedule.

 

STEP BY STEP - PREPARING YOUR PITCH

Consider your pitch content, structure and your presentation skills. Some general tips:

• A lecturn will be available so you can bring a written script.
• Print it out landscape so it sits on the top half of the lecturn and you can keep your eyes up
• Rehearse your pitch, get confident with the material and that will help you relax on the day.
• Breathe and pace yourself. Slow, steady and clear.
• There will be a microphone so your volume will be assisted. 
• If you are using visual aids consider where you want the audience's attention - on you and what you are saying or on the visual material. Plan this carefully.
• Once you have drafted your pitch read it back and think about the order you are introducing the information? Is it a logical flow? Does it emphasise your key selling points?

What to put in your pitch?

1. Put yourself in the shoes of your audience.

A Festival or Venue Director is interested in things that demonstrate:

• the quality of your work
• the audience appeal of your work
• the marketability or your work
• or that provides useful information on the costs involved in presenting your work

2. Assume they know nothing about your work. Start with a simple explanation of who you are and what you are selling eg

“I am the Producer of Six Red Hats, a contemporary dance work for 6 dancers, choreographed by Millie Moves. The work was well received at its premiere season at BATS in June 2007 and has since played a second season at xx in xx.“

3. Tell the delegates what you want from them eg.

“We have an invitation to take the work to xx in July 2009 and are interested in other touring engagements around or after this date. We have provided an indication of price in the booklet but all types of partnership will be considered”

4. Then drill down into key selling points eg.

• Inspiration and relevance of work
• Reputation of Creatives and Company
• Awards, good reviews
• Box Office / audience figures

5. Don’t waffle. Your words have a lot more impact when reinforced by:

• Quotes from positive reviews/media coverage - though these are often better on visual materials than read aloud
• Endorsements from respected industry figures - though these are often better on visual materials than read aloud
• Quality audio/visual support eg photos, video, sound recordings
• Facts – box office / attendance figures

6. Don’t just recite your Application Form. Be a little creative - your pitch should provide a deeper insight into the work.

• If a Creator/Writer/Director/Performer can join the Producer for the pitch they can make a great team offering both the business and artistic case for their work.

7. Keep the technology simple.

• You wont get a technical rehearsal so think about the order you present things. Don’t take unnecessary risks swapping between technologies.

8. Dont forget to state:

• Who is the audience for this work and how can you reach them?
• What is involved in booking your work eg tour company of 8, company and set travel by van, venue, technical needs

9, Open the floor for questions

Remember if you cant get excited by your work you cant expect anyone else to. Think positive, act confident, demonstrate your preparedness and your enthusiasm for your project.

If you would like to discuss any element of your presentation, or even to do a phone based rehearsal to a friendly ear please don’t hesitate to contact the Market Co-ordinator.