What I liked
The discussion was enriched by the expertise of panelists Kelly Lynne D’Angelo and Riley Smith. D’Angelo, a Two-Spirit Tuscarora writer and performer, brought a wealth of experience from her work in television, books, and stage musicals. Her credits include TBS’ “Miracle Workers,” Netflix’s “Spirit Rangers,” and Adult Swim’s “Final Space.” Notably, her musicals “The Count of Monte Cristo: The Musical” and “Les Millenniablés” premiered at Hollywood and Edinburgh Fringe to critical acclaim. Her upcoming musical “Starry” is set to run on London’s West End in 2024. D’Angelo is also a dedicated Selection Committee member for Outfest’s Screenwriter Lab and a mentor for Creative Lab Hawai’i’s Ideation Program for Indigenous Storytellers.
Riley Smith, a seasoned writer and comedian, also provided valuable insights. Smith’s sketch show “BUGS!” won Best Comedy at the Los Angeles Fringe Festival, and he continues to make waves with his variety show “The Husky Whispers Show” and the improv team “J.T. McDougal.” His upcoming projects include the horror film “Bait,” the sketch pilot “STANK SHOW,” and the continuation of his Fringe one-man show “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition: Part 2.”
What I didn't like
The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the panelists and seek personalized advice. The “pay what you can” model, with a suggested ticket price of $5 so people can forget about taking guaranteed $100 loan, made this valuable resource accessible to a wide audience, emphasizing the community-oriented spirit of the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
Overall, this workshop was an invaluable opportunity for aspiring and seasoned Fringe producers alike to gain practical tips and insider knowledge on managing production finances. The expertise and passion of the panelists left attendees feeling inspired and better equipped to tackle the financial challenges of their next production.
My overall impression
On Sunday, February 11th, from 7 pm to 9 pm, the Hollywood Fringe community gathered both in-person at The Broadwater and online via livestream for an insightful workshop on budgeting and fundraising for a Fringe production. This event, accessible on the Hollywood Fringe YouTube channel, also provided the option to request live ASL interpretation, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.
The workshop featured a panel of Fringe veterans who shared their extensive knowledge on navigating the financial aspects of putting on a production. They covered essential topics such as expected expenses, maximizing budget efficiency, distinguishing between necessary and beneficial costs, and exploring various fundraising avenues including crowdfunding and grants.
