Business

HIRE SEVICES                                                    

National Theatre Prop and Costume Hire

WHAT DO THEY DO?

National Theatre prop and costume hire department offers thousands of beautifully crafted costumes, furniture, props, armour and swords from past National Theatre productions. The majority of their collection is made in the National’s renowned workshops, which makes each piece unique and of the highest quality.

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

They aim to help create an authentic image for performers/theatre companies on stage with their props and costumes ‘We offer our services for TV, film and theatre productions, to photographers wanting to re-create and authentic image, act as an extensive resource for schools and colleges, amateur societies and just for fun when planning fabulous fancy dress costumes.’

WHAT SERVICES DO THEY PROVIDE?

·         They regularly supply schools and colleges with items of props and costumes for their productions.

·         Teachers and designers will find stock accessible and well categorised for easy selection.

·         Assistance if necessary whilst picking ensemble.

·         They have a highly-skilled makers which are experts at creating fantastical props that are not quite what they seem.

BENEFITS

·         There hire fees are very competitive, offering educational discounts and a sliding scale for longer hires.

·         It is easy to get there and they have a customer parking bays and are situated only two minutes from the Oval tube station.

·         The Costume and Prop Hire stores are located on ground floor level, so easy access if needed.

·         They have free customer parking

·         Only 2 minute walk from the tube station so it’s easy to travel there.

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS

Travelex- The national Theatre’s partnership with Travelex means that almost half the seats for a range of new productions are £12. (They are sponsored by them)

Why I have the National Theatre Prop and Costume hire?

                                                                                                              

They offer a whole variety and range of props and costumes so the theatre could just get all the props and costume from this one place, also it is easy to get to as it is near to central London and it is only a two minute walk from the tube station and it’s on the Northern Line. The prices seems responsible to compared to other hire companies.

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION?

I feel that the staff that would be in contact with the costume and prop hire would be set designers and costume designers because they will inform what props and want and they are in charge of set design and costume.

FLINT HIRE & SUPPLY LTD

WHAT DO THEY DO?

Flints are the major retailer of theatrical goods in the UK. They sell theatre hardware and paints to Stage Managers, Production Managers, Workshop Managers, Scenic Artists, Engineers, Carpenters, Painters and Prop makers.

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

Flints are the major retailer of theatrical goods in the UK. Our buying power allows us to pass on excellent value to our customers and our unrivalled experience ensures that the products we stock are perfectly suited to the industry.

SERVICES of FLINT HIRE & SUPPLY LTD?

·         Scenic Ironmongery & Rigging

·         Painters & Props

·         Tools, Safety and Access

·         Tools and Craft/Materials to build a set.

BENEFITS of Flint Hire and Supply LTD?

·         The shipping costs its worked out automatically

·         Good guarantee if goods are not in good condition they will exchange or return the money back.

·         They back order if your item is not in stock so you get it as soon as possible.

·         On street parking

·         Lots of public transport and bus routes to the hire shop

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

They are linked to the Marine industry ‘Much of the equipment is used in theatres such as ropes and pulleys, are sourced from the marine industry.’ They also sell these companies products- ‘Epifanes products and Jenny Brushes and rollers. We are authorised distributors of Festoll Power Tools, SATA spray equipment and Purdy Brushes plus we stock Liros Rope and Barton Pulleys. Flints are also a major supplier of Froth Pak spray applied polyurethane foam.

WHY DID I CHOOSE THEM?

They have lots of tools and equipment to buy to build set and for safety purposes, this could be cheaper than getting someone to make set or buy props in. They are also located in London so it’s a central area to go to.

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION? I feel like stage managers, and set designers would be in contact with this hire company as they have got a lot of tools to do with safety so that would be the stage managers jobs but then they have creative stuff like paints and materials to create a set and that is to do with the set designer.

KEELEY HIRE

WHAT DO THEY DO?

Keeley hire provides props for movies, TV series, Stage productions, School Plays, Events, Weddings, Parties and Shop displays.

AIMS?

They aim to be the best prop providers in the uk providing for many events and well known associates. ‘Major property suppliers for over 40 years to the Film, Television, Theatre and Theme Event industry. Founded in the late 1830’s.

SERVICES?

·         Create and sell props for the arts industry and events

·         ships worldwide

·         They can recommend props for what you want to do.

BENEFITS of Keeley Hire?

·         Categorised themes so it’s easy to find what prop you want

·         Search bar so you can enter a keyword to find the props quicker

·         Online chat so you can enter a keyword to find the props quicker

·         Online chat so you can chat with a representative from Keeley Hire to see if the prop you need is in stock and to ask any other questions you need to be answered.

·         Props can be sent to any destination even out of the uk.

·         Provided for a lot of companies so you know they are reliable from their portfolio and feedback.

LINKS OF OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

Keeley Hire are not linked to any other organisations

WHY CHOOSE THEM?

Keeley hire offer a wide variety of props so its easy ti select what you want and the props are easily found due to the themes so you don’t need to waste time looking through all the props. Also I think it is handy how they have the live chat so if I needed any advice I can easily contact them.

The staff that would be in contact with Keeley hire would be stage management and set designer because set designer decides prop but they also need to cooperate with stage management about placing of the props and design.

WHICH IS THE BEST COMPANY?

I think the best choice of Hire Company, for a small scale company is The National Theatre Prop and Costume Hire because it has both props and costumes in one place suits easier to get them both from one company. Also I feel that the prices were cheaper there than the other hire companies. It’s also very central like the others but it was closer to a tubes station so it is easier to get there. Even though Keeley hire has a wide portfolio and has worked with well-known companies I also felt that the National Theatre was well known and is known to be extremely reliable. I liked the Flint Hire company but I felt they were more based around creating and making your own props and set instead of buying props that are set up and ready made so it’s easier and quicker therefore I think that the best hire company in my opinion is National Theatre Prop and Costume Hire.

UNIONS

EQUITY

WHAT DOES EQUITY DO?

Equity is the UK trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners. As a leading industry organisation, Equity is known and respected nationally and internationally for the work they do with, and on behalf of, their members working across all areas of the entertainment industry. Equity is the only UK Trade Union to represent artists from across the entire spectrum of arts and entertainment. Formed in 1930 by a group of West End of London performers, Equity quickly spread to encompass the whole range of professional entertainment.

WHAT ARE EQUITY’S AIMS?

Equity members form a cultural community that is of major importance to the UK in artistic, social and economic terms and Equity works to support them by negotiating their terms and conditions including fee structures with all kinds of employers and employer’s groups. Our 5,000 Student Members are also able to access information and advice to help prepare them for work in the industry.

The central activity of Equity is to negotiate minimum terms and conditions of employment throughout the entire world of entertainment and to endeavour to ensure these take account of social, economic and technological changes. We look to the future by negotiating employment agreements that embrace new and emerging technologies so satellite, digital television, new media, mobisodes, internet only productions, podcasting  and so on are all covered, as are the more traditional areas.

SERVICES OF EQUITY?

Today our membership includes actors, singers, dancers, choreographers, stage managers, theatre directors and designers, variety and circus artists, television and radio presenters, walk-on and supporting artists, models, stunt performers and directors and theatre fight directors.

Equity provides a wide range of services for members and so with Equity membership comes a host of benefits which are continually being revised and developed.

Benefits and Services:

·         The Equity website is a resource for all of those involved with the entertainments industry.

·         Minimum terms and conditions across the entertainment industry and guidelines for work in areas where there are no representative bodies.

·         Being a member makes a positive statement about your commitment to your vocation and your place in the industry.

·         Your Equity card is a universally recognised symbol of your status as a professional.

·         We represent members individually or collectively in disputes with employers.

·         They advise members and/or their agents whether it be about contracts and conditions for working in the UK or overseas or areas of the business that are new to you. Your local Equity branch can also be of help in some matters.

·         Successful national and international lobbying of employers, governments and other bodies on a wide range of issues that affect you and the industry.

·         Each year Equity distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds in payments for use of members’ work in television and film re-runs, sales of DVDs, videos and audio recordings, e.g. cast albums.

·         Equity provides an equity bullying line, if you are being bullied at work you can contact this line.

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

·         BABMAN

·         Amnesty

·         British Copyright Council

·         BECS

·         BPI

·         CDT

·         CC skills

·         Co-operative Personal Management Association

STAFF

The union has a team of full-time staff in offices across the UK who have a wealth of experience and expertise when it comes to advice and representation. They are able to deal with the issues raised by members working in all areas of the industry whether it be a major feature film, a theatre in education show, radio voice overs, a circus act or any other live or recorded work.

WHY I CHOOSE EQUITY?

Equity seems like a professional well run and equipped union with easy access to information that could guide me to what services I require for my small scale company.

TMA

WHAT DO THEY DO?

‘UK Theatre is the UK’s leading membership organisation for theatre and the performing arts’. They offer about 5 types of different memberships.

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

‘UK Theatre provides fantastic networking opportunities for performing arts professionals across the UK, hosting regional meetings as well as national events.’ A key aim for TMA is development.

WHAT SERVICES DO THEY PROVIDE?

TMA provide services from fantastic networking opportunities for performing arts professionals in the U.K, to courses that allow professionals in the industry to develop their skills.

·         Other services?

·         One to One legal advice

·         Software, database and system development

·         Licencing

·         Insurance facility

·         Employment opportunities

·         Family Arts Campaign

·         Technology ran services

·         Rates of pay

·         Contact services

Benefits

·         TMA run the only professional award scheme that recognizes in excellence.

·         Networking opportunities

·         Monitoring scheme

·         UK Theatre Magazine 

·         Regional meetings

·         A range of tailored packages to suit needs of member

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

TMA, has a magazine which advertises other organisations that will be of interest to professionals in the business. Other than that I cannot find any other links.

WHY HAVE I CHOSEN TMA?

TMA is a helpful guide, and I would find it easy and useful to work out the finances by using the rates of pay sections in order to work out the financial costs to put on my small scale production. I think the union provides helpful services and benefits and could benefit my production.

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION?

I think the Director, Actors and Stage managers would liaise with this organisation. The rates of pay could benefit all of the listed staff, and the stage managers and directors could benefit from the provided insurance.

BECTU

WHAT DO THEY DO?

‘The union represents staff, contract and freelance workers who are based primarily in the United Kingdom.’

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

They aim to provide services to benefit their members.

WHAT SERVICES DO THEY PROVIDE?

·         Benevolent Fund which provides the possibility of grants to members in financial difficulty.

·         See sections on Pensions and Tax and National Insurance.

·         Insurance services

·         Job finding services

·         Public liability service

·         Legal services

·         Pensions

·         Press passes

·         Tax and national insurance

BENEFITS

·         BFI Membership (saving £5)

·         Collecting Societies

·         Copyright

·         Death Benefit

·         Financial Services

·         Hearing Healthcare

·         Insurance Services

·         Job Finding Services

·         Legal Services

·         Pensions

·         Press Passes

·         Script Registration Service

·         Tax and National Insurance

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

·         Union Network International- UNI has more than 900 affiliated unions around the world.

·         General Federation of Trade Unions- GFTU is the UK federation for specialist unions.

·         Federation of Entertainment Unions- The FEU grouping consists of seven UK unions:

·         BECTU

·         Equity(representing actors)

·         Musicians Union

·         NUJ(National Union of Journalists)

·         Professional Footballers Association

·         Unite Amicus Section

·         Writers Guild of Great Britain

·         Labour Party - The political party which forms the current UK opposition.]

·         Young Members forum

·         Creative Tool Kit

·          

WHY HAVE I CHOSEN BECTU?

BECTU, is a very well ran and up to date resource centre, where I could easily find what I am looking for. It seems to be very large centred and offers a wide variety of services and benefits that I would look for, within my company. I like how I could get one to one help if I needed it.

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION?

I think all members could benefit from this and or liaise with this company. Stage managers could easily find insurance tailored to fit their needs, although the actors would probably find this website a lot more useful because the services are mostly aimed at members.

WHICH IS THE BEST COMPANY?

I think that personally I would use Equity as it is more advanced than TMA but simpler than BECTU. I find Equity more appropriate for the size of the company and it seems to be easy to use, therefore it will be more convenient and less time consuming. Although the rates of pay section on the TMA website comes in handy I think Equity is the most trusted one to use.

VENUES

SPRING ARTS CENTRE HAVANT

WHAT DO THEY DO?

They provide a venue for small scale shows, cinema, movies, and music, visual arts programme theatre and a range of workshops for all ages. They also have a museum, café and shop.

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

‘To provide quality entertainment, exhibitions and workshops for the local community in and around Havant, Hampshire. To provide good service and excellent educational opportunities in a space where the public can relax and enjoy themselves.’

WHAT SERVICES DO THEY PROVIDE?

·         Workshops

·         Adult Workshops

·         CRAFTS4KIDS

·         School and community workshops

·         One Off workshops

·         Holiday Workshops

·         Youth Performance

·         Independence Workshops

·         Membership

·         Venue Hire

·         Contact services

·         Book online help

BENEFITS

·         Café

·         Museum

·         Craft cabinet

·         Cinema

·         Workshops

·         Venue Hire

·         Comments and complaints section

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

·         Flint and Tinder design

WHY HAVE I CHOSEN SPRING ARTS CENTRE?

It is a local venue with a wide variety of facilities useful for the company. The venue gives the opportunity to put on the show, in a popular area, attracting new audiences, it has a café, and shop for the staff to use perhaps during breaks. It is also the appropriate size and easy to get too.

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION?

The director and production manager would probably liaise with the company in order to sort out booking the venue for the possible and available dates. The centre has their own full set of staff to help.

THE MAYFLOWER SOUTHHAMPTON

WHAT DO THEY DO?

‘The Mayflower Theatre is a registered charity which receives no funding from external bodies. We rely entirely on what we earn through ticket sales activities.’

The Mayflower Theatre is a venue for shows such as musicals, small scale to large scale productions, puppet shows, children’s entertainment to putting on movies.

The Mayflower has even toured before.

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

·         ‘To preserve and maintain this thriving theatre for the local community and support drama, dance and opera in Hampshire by the provision of quality products’

·         To increase the security of the theatre by increasing its assets

WHAT SERVICES & BENEFITS

DO THEY PROVIDE?

·         Dine and entertain

·         Visitor information

·         Customer service

·         Travel and parking services

·         Summer youth project

·         Musical youth theatre

·         Workshops

·         Education

·         Youth activities

·         Maps and directions

·         Customer Facilities

·         Seating Plan

·         Accessibility

·         Hotel packages

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

The Mayflower do not have any links to any other performing arts related organisations.

WHY HAVE I CHOSEN THIS VENUE?

I think the mayflower is a nice venue, which is set in the middle of a popular city, which could attract new audiences. I also think the services and benefits could be of use to us as a small scale company

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION?  

The director and production manager would probably liaise with the company in order to sort out booking the venue for the possible and available dates. The centre has their own full set of staff to help.

KINGS THEATRE SOUTHSEA

WHAT DO THEY DO?

‘The present day theatre has a seating capacity of 1600 and a computerised booking system. Much of the backstage area is still fully manual, allowing it to retain the tag of a traditional hemp house, though powered flying bars have now been installed to allow large scale productions.’

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

To provide a well-equipped theatre, with helpful advice and support to help achieve your goal.

WHAT SERVICES DO THEY PROVIDE?

·         Transport help

·         Wedding venue hire

·         Venue hire

·         Contact services

·         Memberships

·         Virtual Tour

·         Parking assistance

·         Customer service

·         Accessibility

BENEFITS

·         Transport help

·         Local venue

·         Nice and authentic theatre

·         Spacious dressing rooms

·         Enough dressing rooms for cast and crew

·         Big audience space

·         Bars

·         Disabled toilets

·         Wheel Chair audience space

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

·         Webmadness Ltd

WHY HAVE I CHOSEN KINGS THEATRE?

It is a local and good looking venue, with great benefits for the audience members and staff.

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION?

 I think the director, stage manager and actors would liaise with this organisation for booking, staging and rehearsing purposes.

WHICH IS THE BEST VENUE?

I think for the size of the company I would have to admit that The Mayflower would be a tad too large, and The Spring Arts centre a little too hidden. I think I would choose the kings theatre, as it has history behind it, it’s in a nice location and it is well known. Although The spring arts centre would be my reserve if The Kings Theatre was unavailable.

BY CHARLIE