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How did you get that job? 94 THE LIST 19 Jul–2 Aug 2012
Name Eric Wales
Job title Programming and Technical Director Company Fringe by the Sea
When did you start your job? In 2008
So what does your job actually involve? I programme all the events for our festival, and oversee all the technical requirements that allow it to take place. Starting immediately after each year’s event, I look at what shows went well (hopefully all of them) and what didn’t (hopefully none!), and what technical and venue problems there were, and then I start thinking about next year, and what we might improve. We have about 70 different shows in six different venues over seven days, so I tend to start by trying to get headline acts as soon as possible, the likes of Eddi Reader, the Manfreds, Phil & Aly and Kate Rusby, who will fill our 600-seater Spiegeltent. Then I start to fill the other venues, ranging in size from 330 seats down to 70 seats in the chip shop, dealing with agents all over the country and with
musicians directly. I try to put in some guaranteed crowd pleasers like Fat Sam’s Band, but also unusual things that are more of a risk. Our ethos has always been to bring the quirkiness of the Edinburgh Fringe to North Berwick, albeit on a smaller scale.
I make sure there is space for the Spiegeltents when they arrive – we have to move about 30 dinghies elsewhere – and all the technical side of sound equipment, lighting, backstage accommodation, licences, toilets, safety etc. I also create a budget for the whole event, factoring in everything from artist fees and riders, hire of venues, electricity, insurance, security, seating and the myriad of items that need to be brought in. Then I factor in likely ticket sales, sponsorship income, and any public sector funding that we can procure. I collect photos and biogs from all the acts and make sure that they are delivered to the programme and website designers, after much proof reading! I work closely with my two fellow directors, Jane Thomson – press, PR and admin – and John Shaw, marketing and sponsorship. Our jobs sometimes
overlap, but we don’t squabble much! Best / Worst Aspects? Best is seeing thousands of happy festival goers, and knowing that we have created something that has brought enormous pleasure to the people of North Berwick and East Lothian. Worst is the late nights, worrying about spreadsheets, and whether I’ve forgotten something crucial!
Looking back, what advice would you give to a young Eric Wales at the start of his career?
Never having had a proper career, that’s a tricky one! Work hard at whatever it is you do, believe in yourself, and treat people fairly. Looking back, what advice would you give to a young Nick Higgins at the start of her career? Follow your curiosities and perhaps pick up a video camera earlier. Words never seem to quite capture the complexity of life.
and finally . . . what are you most looking forward to in 2012? In an ideal world, a cure for cancer.