I’m back, but this week with something a little different (cue the suspense music)…
I wanted to delve into Valcato’s ‘Bespoke Production’ service this week, to give you all an in depth look at how it all works and what Valcato has to offer. I found that there’s no-one better to talk about this with, than Valcato’s very own Creative Director, Vicky. I sat down with Queen Vic for a bit of a natter about all things bespoke…
So, Vicky, tell us a bit about what you do for Valcato?
Of course Otti! Well, I take on many tasks on the behalf of Valcato Entertainment but I’m head of everything creative. Whether it’s making a Bespoke production show or our in-house cast shows; everything starts with myself and then gets delegated to our very talented production team. A quick list of things I personally deal with on a daily basis is….
Enquiries, performer bookings, communications with our cast, show research, vocal arrangements, vocal guides, vocals for backing tracks, finalising setlists, creating medleys, sourcing tracks, sourcing costumes, communicating with our production teams, delegating tasks, keeping a rapport with existing clients as well as reaching out to new ones, attending meetings, admin duties – and all of this, as well as being a mummy to a little 1 year old girl (quickly approaching 2…eek)
What exactly is ‘Bespoke Production’?
So, as you can see, we can be a client’s “One Stop Shop” or we can deliver a single production service – and we always put the signature ‘Valcato’ concert spin into every Bespoke Production we do.
How does the process work?
Firstly, we would always suggest a meeting. We really like to get to know our clients, and sit down over a coffee to discuss what they need. We have a very cosy studio where we can have a nice chat, or we are always more than happy to travel to meet our clients if that is more convenient to them. An example of a “One Stop Shop” Bespoke Production process would be as follows;
* A meeting with our production team to come up with a set list. I would then usually research every single track to gain the best possible arrangement I think is out there – and this can take a day or two, as I am a perfectionist.
* I would send all the tracks that need arranging, to our Musical Director. He may take a few weeks to complete a full show, so he would also usually like me to record the backing vocals to send to him to place over the tracks he has made. If a male vocal is needed, our MD himself will contribute to this, or I will book one of our fabulous male vocalists to come to the studio to add depth to the BVs.
* In the meantime, our superstar choreographer Fran will be on the go creating the most authentic or stylistic choreography she can. This is all completely dependent on the theme of the show we have been asked to produce. She will then book dedicated time in the studio, and record video tuitions that will eventually go out to the casts.
*Once I know the ability and ranges of the vocalists involved in the show (whether that be our own performers or our clients) I will then create vocal guides. The vocal guides I make are very individual to that vocalist, so their track will only have their own vocal part to learn on and many of our vocalists say this is the best way to cement harmonies in their heads (as they have no other distractions). I will also give the vocalists a “demo” track of all the vocals involved in that number, so they can eventually place themselves with the other vocals that will be involved in that specific song.
* After the cast have had a few weeks to learn the choreography and vocals in the comfort of their own home (or chalet/caravan!) it’s time to rehearse in person. If the cast have been able to look at their vocal guides and choreography tuition prior to the rehearsal, then this is very likely to be a time of cleaning the material they have learnt. Alternatively if the client requires the cast to learn everything on-site, we suggest a few days to learn the material and a day purely for cleaning. Then, if possible, we would also arrange a “dress and tech run”.
* Prior to the rehearsals, if the client has requested visuals involving their cast, we would have arranged filming in our studio where we have a green screen background and would produce the VTs in time for their debut show.
I think I have covered everything there!
What can Valcato offer that others can’t?
I believe there are a fair few companies out there that are very good at production and what they do, but Valcato Entertainment is one of the only places you can go to that have absolutely everything in-house. We also have very close relationships with our clients, and genuinely care for them and their businesses and so I believe we also bring the “heart” into production. We are all perfectionists and artists that are here to create something phenomenal for you; we will never deliver sub-standard services and we take pride in the work we create for you.
What’s your favourite Valcato BP to date?
I honestly couldn’t say there was a favourite, everything we make is a baby of ours and we are all so very proud of all the productions we have made for our clients. I would say “Total 90’s” gifted us with a talented and amazingly positive cast to add to our Valcato family. And for a different reason, I really enjoyed helping Pontins with their tracks for their “carnival show” as they weren’t too sure what tracks to use – so I got stuck in and created new versions of songs they were absolutely over the moon about.
What’s your favourite Valcato BP to date?
I honestly couldn’t say there was a favourite, everything we make is a baby of ours and we are all so very proud of all the productions we have made for our clients. I would say “Total 90’s” gifted us with a talented and amazingly positive cast to add to our Valcato family. And for a different reason, I really enjoyed helping Pontins with their tracks for their “carnival show” as they weren’t too sure what tracks to use – so I got stuck in and created new versions of songs they were absolutely over the moon about.
What can we look forward to seeing from Valcato’s Bespoke Productions in 2022?
I don’t know about you lot, but I can feel my creative juices flowing after that! Such a fun interview and so glad I got to squeeze all the knowledge out of Vicky so you guys can see how much work goes into each and every single show Valcato produces. The possibilities really are endless when it comes to Bespoke Production and I think that’s what makes it all so exciting.
I think my favourite Valcato Bespoke production has go to be Total 90s too; and it seems that SS1 agree. Maria Johnson, of SS1, sent this amazing testimonial through, which we couldn’t be happier with;
“Valcato kept so close to all aspects of our brief, providing Total 90s with exciting choreography and direction, authentic costuming, and an extremely talented, energetic, dedicated cast. We are so happy with the work they have created and are excited about our future together.”
So, what are you waiting for folks? You’ve had a behind the scenes sneak peek at the Bespoke Production service Valcato can offer, so get in touch today to discuss your requirements. In the words of Charlie Puth, ‘I’m only one, call away…’
Ciao for now, Otti x
WeAreValcato.
