Media Man Australia - The Online Home of Greg Tingle

Interview: Jac Bowie – Producer: The Burlesque Ball and PR Queen

Media Man Australia continues to interview Australia's, and indeed the world's, top publicists, promotions and entertainment industry elite.

What is your background?

A variety of careers including flight attendant, cosmetic sales & management, hospitality management, cruise ship work. I was also the NSW State Manager for an international promotions & marketing agency. Extensive background in entertainment industry since 1987, as an actor in television, theatre and short film, also as a singer / model. I work occasionally as a fashion / film makeup artist & stylist.

What are you best known for?

Producing Burlesque events most recently, but generally A-list events and productions. I also do Publicity and find gigs for Burlesque performers.

How does one go from Cirque Du Soleil event assistance to ultra successful to leading burlesque producer and public relations guru?

I have been steadily working towards Touring & Events for some time now. I cannot effectively manage a Tour or Event unless I understand everyone’s roles. That’s my job at the moment J With Cirque Du Soleil I am on-board as host of VIP, and I was with Disney On Ice as Wardrobe / Dresser before Cirque. Plus my past experience as a Director and Performer certainly helps.

What’s it like to be Jac “The Bullet” Bowie?

Due to my current project – I am incredibly flat out. Then there are my commitments with Cirque, University and of course, being a mum. But I wouldn’t have it any other way – I like to be busy.

What’s the best advice you can give to burlesque performers stating out in the business?

Create your own take on Burlesque. Be individual.

Why is self-development and self-motivation so important?

I strongly believe you need to be constantly learning. I am doing my Arts / Comms degree whilst gaining invaluable on the job experience, as well as any part-time or casual work I take on. I find the 3 compliment each other perfectly. The degree acts as a third person – and often awakens me to situations and ideas I have not been aware of – being so closely involved with the production.

In terms of self-motivation – it is absolutely crucial if you want to make your own success.

Without it – nothing would be accomplished. I am blessed to be doing work I truly love – which makes it easier, and the issue is more about knowing when to switch off!

Do you think that burlesque performers are starting to realize that need to be so much more than a pretty face, a hot body and a few good moves to be successful in the business?

Absolutely. You need to be one step ahead of everyone else and constantly changing your routines in order to stay at the top. You also need to be extremely business smart and make important decisions as would an aspiring actor. Only choose events that will best promote you. A bad production choice can stay with your career for some time in this industry.

Tell us about some of the highlights of your career?

Richard Branson massaging my feet. Oh you said career? Too funny. Of course, The Burlesque Ball has been pivotal to my career, however I think my time as NSW State Manager for a promotions agency was invaluable experience. Co-ordinating, recruiting and directing 90 promotional staff taught me very quickly how to effectively manage a large team. Also – creating an 80 student drama school through my school when I was 14. The classes were a huge success.

What’s your views on how much is “strip” and how much is “tease”?

My view is probably still different to the masses I guess – I consider Stripping to be tease!

Really depends on the act. Our Burlesque Ball doesn’t focus predominantly on stripping. Although we feature some of Australia’s top showgirls, we are also exploring many other aspects of Burlesque, including music, magic and comedy.

What’s your vision for where burlesque is going in Australia?

Burlesque is going onwards and upwards in Australia. I am inundated with emails from international performers hearing about the Scene – mostly in Sydney- and heading over. We are about to really take off on the international circuit, and the Burlesque Ball will be a crucial part of this.

Who are some of the business people you admire, and why?

Siimon Reynolds, Amy Sacco, Richard Branson.

Siimon has an astute understanding of marketing and what works. His campaigns are powerful and memorable.. Amy is the ultimate queen of New York nightlife. She oozes business savvy and commands your attention. Richard I have met on numerous occasions, and he blows me away with his down to earth, humorous nature. To have built what he has from a student magazine is just amazing. He is the ultimate self-made success.

Who are some of your favourite people you have worked with over the years?

Greg Shaw – music industry manager & tour manager (past clients include Keith Urban and Lee Kernaghan), Michael (Gomez) Pearson Adams, music producer extraordinare, and really looking forward to working with Bessie Bardot. She is just lovely.

What are your current projects?

Apart from the Ball, I am working with Cirque Du Soleil on their Sydney Varekai Tour, I also am starting initial work on several big events for 2007 and about to take on some Tour Management and Publicity work.

What process do you follow when you decide what people you will do business with?

Depends on what role. If it is a performer, I have a few key people in the industry that we cross refer and I have complete confidence in their recommendations. Otherwise – I like to combine my gut feelings with a mixture of references.

What’s some of your favorite fashion labels, and why?

Sass & Bide, Wheels & Doll Baby, Amy Taylor Collection.

Met the girls from Sass & Bide at an event a few years ago. They are awesome. And I find their clothes fit well. Wheels & Doll Baby are so rock star chic! Amy is a personal friend – and her clothes are amazing! She is really taking off.

I hear that MySpace.com is working out well for you. Explain the power of the internet and what it all means to your business endeavors?

MySpace is pivotal to my success. Especially when we are talking Burlesque. I have a collective network of over 3000 people just through MySpace alone – which is an invaluable tool for marketing and even sourcing entertainers.

What inspires and motivates you?

My son Kai. He has been my inspiration.

Who are your mentors?

Greg Shaw, Michael Pearson-Adams.

Where are some of your favorite travel destinations?

Paris, Isle of Pines & Greek Is. I would love to go to New York and Turkey.

Would you ever consider traveling to the moon on Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic / SpaceShipOne?

If he was going to massage my feet again YES!

What’s your star sign and are you true to it?

Sagittarius and to a T.

What’s your favorite movie, and why?

High Fidelity. I have THE biggest crush on John Cusack, and Jack Black is hilarious in this.

What do you do to relax?

Hang out with my son, go for walks, watch movies and work on music ideas. I like to take off to Noosa every now again to totally unwind.

What’s next for you?

More events and Tour Manager gigs. In talks with Sydney Burlesque Festival.

Editors note: a PR queen if there ever was. Media Man Australia is proud to call Jac Bowie a friend and associate. Burlesque mania has hit Sydney. It's running wild. Catch the fever!

Tickets for The Burlesque Ball available from

www.burlesqueball.com