Presenters Training Gaps Analysis - Conseil des ressources ...

Presenters training gaps analysis – final report
Industry trends
Presenters were asked to comment on the changes they feel are coming to the industry in the
next five years.
Technology
Digital media and the Internet
• Digital technologies create both new possibilities and offer new media for presenting, but are
also a source of concern for some presenters.
• Some presenters view developments in technology as opportunities to find new ways to
reach out and connect with audiences, and to create and present new types of shows.
• At the same time, these developments are viewed by some as a potential threat to live
performances, citing the “cell phone phenomenon” and the prevalence of digital recording
devices that can be used to illegally capture and disseminate live performances – similar
to the distribution of pirated movies.
• The Internet is a powerful networking and marketing tool. Artist awareness is enhanced
through Internet-based applications such as MySpace, YouTube and Facebook. These
same applications also allow presenters to share information quickly about an artist they like
or dislike by combining comments with links to artists’ websites or videos. In addition to
videos, presenters have access to block booking, which allows them to see when artists are
performing in their area. These tools allow presenters to view new acts without travelling to
see the performance.
Show size
• Evolving technologies are contributing to the expansion of venues to accommodate larger
shows. As shows grow in size, they tend to become more technologically complex (e.g.,
large screens, audiovisual effects, etc.). Larger shows can increase the range of roles that a
presenter may be required to perform. Some presenters, particularly at older or smaller
venues, who may have less experience as well as less technical support staff to help manage
such shows, are challenged to use skills beyond those they have customarily used in the
past. As show size increases, management logistics (including the ticket sales process) also
increase. Presenters must be prepared to understand these evolving requirements.
• One trend contributing to larger shows, as explained by a Quebec presenter, is the Star
Académie phenomenon (i.e., “Canadian Idol”). This has created veritable “instant stars,” who
come with large-scale productions and often demand exorbitant fees also. As fees rise, the
organization is pressured to raise prices to cover the costs of larger shows, but this puts
stress on the price tolerance of the marketplace. Rising prices also affect accessibility, and
are not necessarily a good thing from the perspective of the presenter in his/her curator role.
June, 2007
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