[Alverita]

Does any one know or is anyone a producer of Flamenco? I have decieded to represent a dear friend of mine. After years of frustration seeing such a INCREDIBLE talent not being exposed to the world, this last week when I returned from Barcelona I said that's it! This Phenomenon needs to be shared. Not kidding guys you have never seen a dancer such as this man, trust me I have seen A LOT of flamenco over the years (I am comparing him to the Canales and Baras category here), there is just something different, incredible and amazing about him. Let me give you an idea....Antonio Canales has him as him invited artist on his latest show and has taken him under his wing he respects him so much. I have so much faith that I am willing to personally finance his production but not sure where to start. Thinking of doing a small tour in the US perhaps 10 cities but am nervous since to be completely honest have no experience doing this. Fortunately I have a business background so my entrepreneurial spirit is there. In conclusion, does anyone have any experience with this? Can you give me any tips or heads up as to what I am getting myself into? Please positive or negative let me know your thoughts. Your help is greatly appreciated!

[michaelbrown]

Hi Alverita,

I am not a US-based artist promoter, but my partners and I do have experience in producing live shows and recording them on video (professionally). We could be of some help, but it depends on what you're really looking for; producing a single show, a tour, a live recording for online promotion or for a dvd, all of the above to launch an artist's career like a manager etc?

My father Robin Brown and his wife Elena Marlowe from Santa Rosa based Flamenco Arts Company produced José Galván in California, bringing him there for the first time 15 years ago, and producing shows and workshops with him every summer since. They have that experience and although I doubt they'll want to get into more production, they can probably give you some advice. They are leaving for Sevilla today to spend a month with José, so they won't be back till mid January, but I can get you in touch by then.

Then I jumped aboard as a filmmaker (see my google page here) with producer Dan Villalva from Santa Rosa's Community Media Center to record one of their shows: Petenera – a Flamenco Drama in Music and Dance that has become a 2-hour DVD we are currently marketing via our company Music Film Factor LLC and on amazon.com.

I had also produced them with José and Pastora Galván live in Paris, France for my feature documentary film My Father, his Flamenco and I (here is a trailer).

If you are looking for audiovisual support to help launch an artist's career, that's where we may be able to help.

I see you use Skype. If you're interested, we can arrange a first skype or phone appointment for a few more details. I'm 9 hours ahead of you in L.A., but I'm used to that time difference. You can write to me at michaelbrown@freenet.de or michael@musicfilmfactor.com.

Till then, all the best from Hamburg, Germany.
Hasta pronto, Michael.