Eugene Friedland: "FBI music was on the verge of collapse"

"Music companies FBI is falling apart, people are on the run from him" - such rumors for months the minds of people in the music entertainment business excites involved. Firstly, the company left the composer Kim wide castle that the last 10 years was associated with the FBI, music, then did the same artist, the company produces the -. Alexei Chumakov and Ruslan Alehno The real reasons for her departure in an interview with the head of the company said FBI Toppop.ru music, music producer Eugene Friedland. Eugene Friedland - Last year you were the third (after I.Krutym and I.Matvienko) in lists of wealthy Russian producers according to "Forbes" magazine. If the FBI music as a successful business, why people go out of it? There are rumors that the company FBI music almost fall apart? - These rumors are nothing to do with the reality of not doing it. On the contrary, we have taken a series of measures to remove the company from the crisis. Since the global financial crisis was the biggest blow was struck by the entertainment industry. Number of sold albums plummeted around the world, not to mention our market position. On album sales now impossible in Russia, is to make money. Greatly reduced the number of corporate events, the proceeds of which today form the basic income of companies specializing in live performances. Apparently, we all live well in recent years - increased amount of cash from businessmen and the people, the people thought, it always will be. And went to the full. Everyone was spoiled by this situation. Consequently, prices for insufficient production of songs, the costs of their rotation on the radio and TV. At some point, only to lose the sense show business. We did not feel that long. In November and December last year, when the crisis was in full swing, we had a positive balance. At that time, our loss was 20-30%, compared with the previous year. In early January was also quite optimistic. But all that began later, we have the feeling that the crisis - not just abstract words, but a reality. We felt in our office. Apparently, we were spoiled by the situation on the market, and eventually spending money inappropriately. "This spring we have on hand could not afford to pay salaries. Business was the" minus. "However, with a delay of several months, we have analyzed our business," This spring we have in hand does not have the means to pay salaries. Business the "minus" was. However, with a delay of several months, we have analyzed our economy. Even the original software that allows us to optimize the costs and helped to automate processes related to the concerts have developed. It is with this in show business today are real money, so it is very important that this whole system works smoothly. After all, if the administrative part is not working properly, start error to suffer the reputation of the artist. From the time when it comes to keeping a payment for the service if the artists in the show - we still controls a computer program. With SMS and emails to your artists as the tour schedule, the filming of the TV, all the changes and also the calculation of the fee. Everything happens automatically. Therefore, we can control all: where, what time is an artist, ending what is happening with the money. - With much of the economy. And because of what people did you go? - As soon as we found out, the economy, it was found that the costs associated with Alexey Chumakov are connected, which were almost the biggest. Specifically for this instrumental group was collected, and in addition to the musicians, it's art, sound - that is, the entire staff of people who are served by this project. In addition, for the artists who work in our company, we have there corresponds a minimum wage payment for 10 concerts. And that if there was a decline in live performances (concert was only 3-4 per month) happened, we went to a great disadvantage, because the actors had to pay more than you earn. In addition, all of the songs with live musicians were Chumakov (brass, percussion, guitar weight) recorded. Therefore times increases the price record. If we find it, we have completely inadequate minus. We had a conversation with Alexis, and he was ready to work independently. We came to the conclusion that we have no problems with personal relationships, the problem was to do only in a different understanding of what to do with the project. For my part, it was absolutely pointless to invest further than to the end of the contract term remains small, and all attachments, even the minimal (shooting a music video and the subsequent rotation) would not all returns late in the period up to the contract period get you covered. And for Tony, because it brings in money itself, in your name, not in someone else's ownership of the brand, it made sense for the long-term investment. Invested in their 50 or 100 thousand dollars is not necessary to find out today. You will be back in a few years. He's a young guy, he has yet to come. Therefore, there was another absolute motion. Furthermore, the amount that Alex indemnify, comparable to the money that former members of the "Prime Minister" had four to pay as compensation for the early termination of the contract. I think that is after the end of my contract with Valery Meladze perhaps the second example of the civilized parting producer and the artist. I do not have any claims to Alexei. We have also agreed that any assistance given to it by the Company (the option in the studio to the public relations work in the media) can be provided, will be performed free of charge. Here I would like to put an end to the treatment of our separation, because the media headlines, like making love "Chumakov escaped from Friedland." In this situation, it was amicable. If every artist was as Alexey Chumakov, I would recommend this only for you. It is, in fact, to follow an example. - As for Ruslan Alehno? - The fact that Ruslan Alehno practically no contract with our company. After the project "People's Artist-2" we had to write the album Ruslan, remove the clip and put it in the air. In fact, all these conditions are met. To achieve this, exactly one year contract with Ruslan was signed. That's all our obligations to the Pop Idol format from FremantleMedia heard were met. When the year ended, we had a conversation with Ruslan. I told him that we already shouldering the burden - a large number of young artists - after the project and he just convinced me to leave it in the company, as he agrees to all conditions of "People's Artist-first". And I understand that in this line, it will be the last. Just one year we have him roll over an annual contract. If we are satisfied with our relationship, there was no claim, it will be automatically renewed. As a result, we have made Ruslana do more than they should have. Despite the fact that we signed a contract for all the others, he has released two full-length albums, 3 clips. He is the only one who went to our actors' Euro Vision ". Lived just like Alexei Chumakov, Alehno up of musicians, he went on tour in Belarus. All this costs the company. Euro vision probably "in Belgrade in 2008," Ruslan inexperience is not responding adequately to the hustle and bustle of preparing for competition. " At some point it just stopped to our advice and recommendations to hear, and seduced by not quite right actions of the Belarusian side, which has claimed responsibility for the production of Ruslan "Euro Vision", "In our relations a critical time - like we thought Ruslan, apparently, the inexperience insufficiently responded to the hustle and bustle of preparing for competition "Euro Vision" in Belgrade in 2008. At some point it just stopped to our advice and recommendations to hear, and seduces not by quite right actions of the Belarusian side, which has claimed responsibility for the production of Ruslan "Euro Vision." Committed a very important conceptual error, and therefore he could not even by a semi-final. Instead of a powerful public relations, the euro vision " "is to grow, we have, on the contrary, have a negative effect. number of concerts Ruslan decreased dramatically. At the end of the year for us was clear that in vain from the perspective of the economy of our relationships. Since we in this case initiated the termination . were Ruslana had a certain amount of money why Alehno we broke even on better terms than required nor in the contract -.?. What is the cat ran between you and Kim Wide Castle You were partners for many years, even the FBI acronym stands for " Friedland, Wide Castle International. "- With regard to the cooperation with Kim wide castle, there is a rather complicated story. I will not belittle the importance and the level of intellectual investment widescreen castle. At various times, the company was called differently, but from the moment I was taken to Moscow Valery Meladze, the company was called "production center Eugene Friedland." In this sense, at first I did not have any partners or co-founders. As a business partner, Kim came when we began working on the project Trumpeter Nicholas. But for the rest of the work, for example, Boris Moiseev, with "Gorky Park," with Natalia Vetlitskoy etc. Kim wide castle had nothing to do. Me and Kim was behind 10 years of friendship, so it was a very important process and the money he can earn. Gradually over the past decade, the company has doubled in Kim. Include a brand name wide castle -. It was my initiative and my good will Me that no one has asked, and especially not forced. During the process of the post by Kim has been a very significant and important in a creative sense. In the end, and good economic result. Over time, the company grew, multiplied sales grew in popularity and the brand. But as we have many projects, it was necessary to do a lot of work to create the musical material for all our artists. And for this purpose it was necessary to plan and organize the entire process, to attract new composers, lyricists, professional arrangers, musicians, sound engineers, etc. I wanted that with Kim, we can turn our company into "Songs factory." But Kim, after all, more creative person, and he himself admitted that "the organization of production" is not his strong point. Therefore, this work was not as fast as I had planned. "Kim, after all, more creative person, and he himself admitted that" the organization of production "is not his strong point is why this work was not as fast as I had planned." And before the crisis is not felt this way, Then it became clear that drastic measures are needed. In this situation, I would prefer to say, "take the fire itself," to rebuild and to organize the work it. Was carried out efficiently and to take responsibility for the fate of our projects Kim Kim also understand that we have to change a lot, we had a rather long and difficult to speak, and at one point he came in and he said he was ready to step aside. He is a professional in the industry, so I think he is also aware that it was more important at this time to save the company and our artists, rather than at the center of any ambition. In addition, we have found in what form, and his name is in the title, and all intellectual property belongs to him, as it was before. The company, with Kim a lot of agreements on copyright. In this sense, it is still one of the founders and still get good money today. And even more if our country learn to fight against piracy. - And none of you can not hold fig for sinus related to each other? - From each according to his training, understands the situation and act accordingly. I for one am not trying to sound like any of the details. This is perhaps the first interview in which I talk about it. Kim and I have a misunderstanding, and it is, in my view, it is natural in a relationship of partners, each of which holds some extent to a specialist. Sometimes we discussed seriously, and there is nothing wrong, as it often managed as a result of this debate, we have to find the right solutions. But it seemed that we tend to some irreconcilable, people to exaggerate did. Particularly vulnerable in this regard, artists and similar situations some shook the morale of the company. So, if we agree with Kim managed, and I personally took the lead in all directions, it became easier. So now we are in a position to mobilize. I think. If the crisis extends for five years, and razrulitsya in a reasonable time, we come to market even more powerful and up to date, more energy and creativity Although we are nowhere and it never left. - How did you react when someone else has made the artist wants to leave on the same terms on which the Company Alexey Chumakov leave? - We have different kinds of artists. There are groups - "Mixed" and "Prime Minister" - which will always belong to the Company and the producer. Are registered trademarks and trademarks. And regardless of who is now the face of the group, this group, they are also working to bring the company's revenues. What is beautiful, the group has "Different" does not change for five years from the date of creation. No routine work we have. And are offered at the end of contracts for girls the new economy, in which you can work. In my view, the team is in vnevozrastnoy niche. The same thing used to former participants of the "Prime Minister" are offered. Posted in boy band go to the category of vocal and instrumental ensemble or something Hoare Turkish. Change. Change repertoire changing audience, but the popularity of the team is not lost. The same can be done with a group of "divers". The team was not really "locked in" to a young audience, originally vnevozrastnoy repertoire was created. But if one wants to go to the members of the group, then we will deal with these problems, according to our contract. We have a group of artists like Boris Moiseyev. We do not know these actors are, he introduced me as a producer. But over the last 10 years in which we work together, we all are so intertwined (and money, and the rights to songs and videos), which is our relationship not only for the company but also for the artist painful break . Boris for many years in the entertainment business, it is very reasonable person and understand that lead some impulsive "revolutionary change" in the project will inevitably result in losses. In this context, we have always sought a stabilizing factor for some, contributed to more adequately assess the situation. And, importantly, Boris always I trust not only creative, but also in the commercial sense, because we are, in fact, the implementation of all financial matters, and the whole time was his cooperation is not a single reason to doubt our integrity in this plan are . But, like what is called a "warm hands" on the income of such popular artists very much. Therefore, we have to have a reasonable business and personal relationships. And if 10 years Borja will demand in the market as an artist, I'm sure it will work with us, because it is good for everyone. Alexey Goman, Alexander Panayotov - and we have in our category of solo artists whose names one of the artists. Shortly before the end of the term of their contracts. And we understand that, in order to continue the relationship require innovative approaches. These artists are less interested in the company. For them, the process of separation will be easier than for the participants in the "Mixed" and "Prime Minister". On this basis, the Strategic Plan, we are investing Lesha Homan and Sasha Panayotova much more money than in the "Mixed" and "Prime Minister". Not that bind them and to demonstrate to all the artists who have talent, the mission in the domestic music is much more important than the money, which will be restored in profits. - You are not blowing your confession of the pride of the participants "Assorted" and "Prime Minister" is? - The girls from the "assorted" should not be offended, because today the staff sometimes more than any solo project is worth, not only in our society, but also in each other. Not only what the team can boast such a stable demand and amount of fees. Without downturn and the price goes uphill band, and the number of concerts. Of course it would be and more. But I think what we have done is a fair return on investment in the project. I think that with "Assorted" We will have a major victory in the long-term. And as members of the "Prime Minister", the original, and they sat on the idea that they have come to replace someone. It was a much talked about and crusts, and the fact that they use only to struggle with the old structure. However, from the first day they came to the banners already hyped brand. Of course, they had to demonstrate their professionalism, but they did not have the right to prove his place in show business. They came to the finished work. In this sense, Sasha and Alex Goman Panayotov. Our help more than the guys who work in the above bands - As we have already touched on the former members of the "Prime Minister". There were many complaints related to their care. You're always complaining about not tired? - Of course, I'm mentally tired. Here, as in World War II - to take try I sit down for his own, and the former "premier" someone else. So I was so much more mentally draining than they. For them it is a pastime that is unconscious and hopeless game. But in the end it hits them much harder than I do. For me, her death was a big problem, only the first few years. Finally I was left with a lot of new artists without a major revenue items. 4-5 years ago a group of "Prime Minister" brought a lot of money, it was a serious business. This revenue may encourage youth projects. And former members of the band knew it. And be aware that their care could suffer and security companies. On this was the calculation. Both consultants, who were hoping to get advice, and only on this. They all wanted to see the funeral business. In the early days of our conflict, to bring to life the musicians, I turned to their partners, friends who work in the media and other structures is not a request, with the former participant. At some point, it worked - they were removed from the airwaves. But I for many years., No effort, and I, but no matter where they occur Held that their creative funeral, it is obvious to all. Today, say the representatives of numerous television and radio stations that, as if I have never run the former members of the air. In fact, the people put as simple points. Editors easier to say that it intrigues Eugenia Friedland, not to say artists truth, that their songs are defective. With a very conventional standard musical material ex-"Premier" or on TV or radio are not welcome. I speak absolutely no interest today, so that they overlap the oxygen. You have blocked yourself. "The fact that held their creative funeral is to say this for all the obvious fact today from many TV and radio stations that, as if I have never run the former members of the air. Indeed, people are simply in this way translate arrows "- If we are not in legal language, and man is at what stage trial? - There were several areas related to the fact that they refused to fulfill their obligations. Were the courts for damages for breach of their contractual obligations, there were disputes, trademark law, the protection of honor and dignity, and the possession of sound recordings and the rights to the songs. To all areas of all the dishes we won informed. Today, former members of the "Prime Minister" under constant pressure bailiff. Your income observed. They constantly have to pay compensation. This in turn refused to register the mark, where used the name "Prime Minister". You are obliged to apologize for slandering me. It also confirmed that all copyright and other related rights to the songs belong to the company. So who would be what anyone says, the situation is as I described. - I have a feeling that many of our stars do not feel the financial crisis. Yes, fewer concerts canceled much of corporate presentations. But our artists still live in grand style. In any case, none of them had never complained about the lack of money. Misleading? - Of course, were the proceeds from the artists. Of course, for top stars such as Alla Pugacheva, Philip, Christina Aguilera, the crisis did not cause such significant losses. They invented for the number of its shows an increase in its value. If not so long ago, a concert, for example, Alla Pugacheva could cost about 40 euros, this figure has been two and a half times more. But this only afford such mega-"Stars", and in principle, they are entitled to do so by their own merits or validity of popularity. But not so much, and this example is not out for the Russian show business. Right now we have an almost 400 most popular artists, and 90% of them are very much affected by the crisis. "Right now we have an almost 400 most popular artists, and 90% of them are very much affected by the crisis:" If earlier artists had many concerts in Moscow, and they can earn very good money, not even leaving somewhere on tour now to supplement their income at the same level, they need to keep them in the most remote regions where they perform invited. Artists cling to ideas and are willing to go any deduction. This situation can also be through advertising and PR budgets of most artists influenced. Many strongly reduced the budget allocated for its promotion in the media. As for personal expenses, the majority of our stars earn well in the past, so they have some reserves. In the past, star voluntarily went abroad to relax to, but now they are trying to connect it to work. Usually all started to count money and reduce their costs. In general, the major difficulties with their projects in the crisis have not only the production centers like ours, but also those producers that support from such media giants as the first channel. With great difficulty, start the new "American Idol". And we have, in principle, everything is pretty good. Our projects continue to generate revenue, though not as much as before. We have a well-honed system of work, and in view of the concerts, and in terms of PR and administrative-economic area. And it's safe to say that the restructuring of our work in the studio is also quite successful, new songs of our artists in hot rotation on the central radio. In general, in a crisis, we are not sitting on their hands. We have managed to mobilize all their resources, streamline processes and develop.