Dracula Producer Owed $100k: Sales Losses & Artist Debt
Here’s a breakdown of the key details from the provided text:
The Core Issue: Mike Mendell Owes Money
* Mike Mendell, a producer, owes “more than $100,000” to designers (costume, set, lighting, sound, props, makeup, hairstyling) involved in a play.
* This debt includes artist fees, royalties, and reimbursement for materials they purchased out-of-pocket.
* Contracts existed, but were not honored.
* The debt excludes money owed to actors, the director, technicians, and even the venue (TOHU).
Source & Confirmation
* Viviane Morin, general Director of the Association of performing Arts Professionals of Quebec (APASQ), provided the information to The Press.
* Members of the production confirmed Morin’s statements,though they requested anonymity due to fear of repercussions.
* Some designers received only a portion (25%, 30%, or 50%) of their fees and are awaiting full payment plus expense reimbursement.
cancellation & Justification
* The last three performances of the Montreal series were cancelled.
* Mendell blamed low ticket sales, stating they were “too aspiring.”
* However, the cancellation occurred after most of the series had already been performed.
Timing & Potential Connection
* The cancellation decision came shortly after a grievance was filed against Mendell.
In essence, the article suggests a financial crisis surrounding the production, with Mendell owing notable amounts of money to those involved, and the cancellation of performances possibly linked to these financial issues and the filing of a grievance.