Proposal
TO: Pasadena Angels
FROM: Caitlin Cummiskey
DATE: November 1, 2020
SUBJECT: An innovative venue in Los Angeles
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Introduction
Los Angeles is in no way experiencing a shortage of entertainment venues. However,
many existing venues have to choose: live entertainment or film screenings? I am
proposing a venue that not only does both, but also toes the line between mainstream and
local talent. This venue will cater to artists just starting out, comedians testing out new
material, and film screenings from directors and actors that are new to the scene.
Statement of the Problem or Need
Los Angeles is the home of celebrities from all industries: actors, directors, inventors,
musicians, the list is endless. So, it would be easy for any “big name” act to perform
somewhere like The Forum, which boasts a capacity of over 17,000. What’s more
challenging is finding a venue for a brand-new band to play, or a theater where a niche
film that barely made its way into a film festival can be shown. This is why Los Angeles
needs a venue similar to Liverpool’s Cavern Club. The Cavern Club famously gave The
Beatles their start, and I propose we bring a venue of that caliber to Los Angeles: not a
place for celebrities to play, but for celebrities to be made.
Proposed Solution
Entertainment venues never go out of style. The live music industry is a booming one,
and adding in other types of entertainment in a one-stop-shop venue is a simple way of
adding even more revenue into the equation. The idea behind a Los Angeles version of
the Cavern Club is that it would provide an intimate experience for artists to make a name
for themselves in a town where it’s difficult to become the “next big thing”. This new
venue would be exclusively for new acts trying to find their way, films trying to gain
traction and popularity, etc. In this way, the venue will become notable simply by being
the place where anyone can get their start. Notability leads to ticket sales, which lead to
financial gain for all involved.
Schedule
Pending approval, the below schedule shows specific steps in this process, as well as
dates of anticipated completion.
Inspection of location January 1, 2021
Contractors begin alterations and repairs January 4, 2021
Staff interviews begin January 6, 2021
Scout acts/films for grand opening weekend January 8, 2021
Alterations and repairs complete February 1, 2021
Additional inspection deadline February 6, 2021
Open for business February 14, 2021
Staffing
My business partner, Jasmine McDonald, and I both hold Bachelor Degrees in Music
Business. I am finishing my 5th North American tour as the tour manager for The Plain
White T’s, an internationally recognized band that got their start in a small venue in
Chicago. Jasmine has worked in a variety of positions at venues small and large in
Portland, OR. Most recently, she managed a karaoke bar/nightclub that hosted live
entertainment for special occasions. We plan to utilize our connections and knowledge to
make this venue a success. We will hold interviews for regular venue staff pending
approval of this proposal.
Budget
Venue purchase $5,000,000
Repairs and alterations $250,000
Advertisement (radio, social media, TV) $1,000
Staff payroll $75,000/year
Total Cost $5,326,000 first year
Summary
The Pasadena Angels is a group of risk takers. Your portfolio shows that you’ve invested
in a variety of industries, but I propose a new challenge for you. This venue would create
guaranteed revenue for us and for you, while also creating a place for lesser-known
dreamers to achieve potential fame. The live music and film industries are nothing new,
but this venue is. We are asking for the venue purchase cost listed above, and for your
response by no later than December 1, 2020 to allow sufficient time for planning.
Jasmine and I are both available to meet at your convenience, should you have any
additional questions beyond the information provided here. I can be reached at
[email protected] or 267-357-5762. I look forward to hearing from you.
