Well, I attended the First Timers Cocktail, which was less cocktail and more orientation but no matter, I got a tour out of it (and found out there are free massages! - defo worth attending for that alone).
Once the tour was over, it was a case of, off you go my pretties and good luck. Day 1 wasn't too bad. I got my bearings, found out where my meetings were taking place for the next day and just meandered. Then it was off for dinner and after that the South African opening night at the Martinez hotel which was suitably decorated in the South African colours and I presume the food that was served there was also South African (I didn't try any). The music was better than I expected. There was a traditional African band, a hip hop act, an indie rock act (think Billy Joe from Green Day x3) and another rock type act.
I met a few nice people who didn't have anything to do with TV but lots to do with music and music publishing. 1 man in particular is friends with the Head of Universal Music Australia and he, Sky Arts 2 viewers, is very good friends with a certain Mr Rieu. As I have my contacts at Universal UK already, I'm told that if I have any problems, Cyrus AKA head honcho, will be able to help me secure Andre. After that, I thought I'd end the day and head off back to my hotel.
Day 2 was better and less chaotic for me as I got used to my surroundings. It helped that I had meetings planned and I was especially looking forward to meeting Sandrine from Euroarts who I deal with on a regular basis. It was nice to hear a familiar voice and finally put a face to the name and we had an enjoyable chat about what's coming up for Sky Arts 2 and what I'm looking for.
I also attended some screenings where they show you showreels of all the programming that are available from the various channels/distributors. And then a few more meetings where as a newbie I made the school girl error of taking all hand outs and loading up my bag till it was so heavy my right shoulder is now located a lot lower than my left one.
However, I remembered the wonderful free massage offer and promptly went there where the masseuse got rid of those horrible knots in my shoulder.... Bliss! After that, more walking (and surprisingly, my feet were still OK) and then it was off to dinner with Sandrine and to the British music night at the Martinez where Chipmunk was present (yes, that is the artist's name. He had a number one single called Whoopsadaisy for those who don't know the Chip).
We did also pop into the Carlton for some alternative Jazz but Armenian Jazz isn't really my thing so we left again and caught the rest of Newton Faulkner's act. He of 'Dream Catch Me' fame. He was very good and especially his closing number which was an acoustic version of.... indeed, Bohemian Rhapsody..... This went down well with the crowd and was surprisingly good. That ended day 2 for me.
Day 3 roundup will follow later as I am now off to meet the Head of the LSO and I have 4 mins to weave my way back up to the main hall.
Day 3 roundup will follow later as I am now off to meet the Head of the LSO and I have 4 mins to weave my way back up to the main hall.
Au revoir, Tracy.
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