David recently created 'T10 Travel' customised
comedy for a major climate change event. Here is the process
outlined below:
The Event
Transition Decade Launch - Melbourne Town Hall, 14 Feb 2010
A gathering of 1,200 people concerned about climate change
and naming it as a global 'emergency'. Hosted by an alliance
of Environmental and Climate Advocacy groups. More info:
www.t10.net.au
The Brief
To bring a creative, uplifting and inspiring element to
the event which comprised over two hours of prominent speakers
talking to the audience.
The Creative Challenge
The brief posed two creative challenges:
The audience takes the threat of climate
change very seriously and would not want the issue unduly
trivialised with humour.
The format was very long: 2+ hours of
sitting without a break, nor the chance to ask questions.
The Concept - T10
Travel
As the event was
the launch of the journey into the “Transition Decade”,
David created a concept based around the metaphor of Travel.
A mock Travel company ‘T10 Travel’ was set up
comprising a crew of ex-flight attendants.
By making the characters and the parody larger than life,
T10 Travel was able to gain credibility and wide appeal
with the audience. A presence was created before, during
and after the event, building a solid story that was weaved
throughout.
"Welcome to the first leg of
your journey into the Transition Decade.. all aboard
if you want to join us... we’re here for the long
haul!"
The T10 Travel philosophy: Zero carbon emissions - thanks
to our unique ‘Carbon Capture Breathing
Masks’. Passenger participation - you
help us generate new ideas to be green and clean. Emergency is an opportunity -
there are no emergency exits! Happiness and Joy - We’re
pretty cheesy...check out our outfits!
David played the role of Chief Flight Attendant 'Doug'
with two cabin crew: 'Skye Blue' and 'Astral Travel'. In
addition three musicians played in the foyer before the
event.
A unique 'T10 Travel’ logo and brand identity was
created that referenced the branding of the main event while
remaining separate to it. Elements included:
- Foyer backdrop
- PowerPoint background during on-stage performance
- Badges on costumes
- T10 Travel brochures in the foyer
- Audience handout material – interactive session
and feedback form
The Elements
The concept was designed to create audience participation
before during and after the main event:
Foyer – pre-event
A T10 Travel bureau was set up in the foyer. The band played
‘happy, escapist vacation music’ as the crew
roved amongst the audience promoting T10 Travel, showing
brochures of the Transition Decade (a sustainable future).
On Stage - Safety Demonstration
Early in the event, the crew ran a spoof of a safety demo
on stage. . . "please fasten your sense of humour safely
around your hips. Sense of humour must be worn at all times
in the Transition Decade". .
In-flight announcement
In the absence of an interval, the audience were given the
chance to stand up and stretch via an "in-flight announcement".
This was delivered by David (as the Captain) with the Cabin
Crew directing people from the stage.
Emergency Procedure
Towards the end of the event, T10 Travel performed an 'Emergency
Procedure' that involved audience participation. Participants
were asked to discuss ideas about how to avoid climate emergency
with their neighbours. The Cabin Crew then demonstrated
new 'Emergency Brace Positions' based on their ideas. .
. all good fun!
Foyer – post-event
Flight crew in the foyer to thank people for flying T10
airways.
The Outcome
As shown on the video above, the audience reaction to T10
Travel was overwhelmingly positive. Many commented that
it gave the event a much needed light relief. Others commented
that it had helped inspire them to seek fun and creative
means to continue campaigning for faster response to Climate
Change.
The following testimonial came from Brigitte House, one
of the Transition Decade Organising Team:
"In employing
Dave as our creative coordinator for the Transition
Decade launch event, we couldn't have found someone
more suitable to the job. We have had much positive
feedback from those that attended and in particular
for his contribution. He always brings to a team a level
of understanding of the issues (in this case climate
change and sustainability) as well unique lateral thinking
to how to communicate messages. What impressed me the
most he was able to deliver "T10 Travel" in
such as way that it didn't just seem like entertainment
to the crowd, rather, humour and having some fun along
the way was seen as an important aspect of the transition
strategy."
The Creative Process
The above concept was developed over 4 weeks involving 3
client meetings to fine tune the material to suit the tone
and pitch of the event. David typically draws on creative
talent of other performers and musicians in the development
of the material.
Contact
David now to see how he could customise comedy
for your next event with some fresh ideas. Don't
forget to note:
- nature and theme of event
- approx size of audience
- date and venue (if known)
