Describe your background and industry experience, and explain how it will help you contribute to the SOCAN Board of Directors?
I have been a composer working in Toronto for the last 30 years and a SOCAN member since 2002. My experience as the composer of record for the bulk of CTV’s News Properties since 1998 gives me a unique insight, in that news programming uses a very consistent amount of music each day. Being on air in every market across the country, every day, for over 25 years allows particularly broad view regarding market performance. Along with News I have worked in the Series and Animation spaces as well as the Commercial Jingle market. Throughout my career I have composed and produced in almost every type of musical setting from single musicians through Pop & Jazz groups to Orchestras of over 100 Players. From a business perspective, I have been operating Bungalow 7 Productions Inc. since 1993, and as such have been actively involved in the financial management and direction of the company for over 30 years. I believe I have a solid understanding of not only the business requirements of Board Personnel, but also insight into ways in which the membership user experience could be enhanced. Â
In your opinion, what issues will be most important to SOCAN members over the next three years?
I believe effective collection and distribution of all funds due to SOCAN, from all sources remains paramount for the membership. However, I am certain there would be a great appetite for a clearer operational understanding, of SOCAN itself, within the membership. I know there is an interest in clarifying how SOCAN does its job and what tools, can be made available for members to track their own works. Such tracking tools would allow the membership to perform their own due diligence regarding their royalty stream and to move from a reactionary relationship with SOCAN to a more proactive one.Â