FRANCIS COADY
Director of The Coady Group. An entertainment management company specialising in music management, TV and film development.
Francis manages Hi-5, Jordan Leser and is the executive producer for the 14th Bondi Short Film Festival.
S Y D N E Y
Tell me about a great piece of advice you’ve been given?
My mentor for many years has been the legendary writer and producer Harry Vanda (from Easybeats / ACDC fame). He taught me the importance of “the song”. If I can’t understand what makes a great song a great song, then how am I to promote and take that song to the world on behalf of my client? Content is king and dictates everything in this business.
Tell me about a learning experience from the last year?
Australia has a hunger for live music and always has. The festival market has been tougher in recent years due to saturation, but the more niche based festivals have been able to navigate through the troubled waters by consistently delivering cutting edge music. Festivals such as Splendour, Golden Plains and Laneway Festival come to mind. There is such a volume of acts coming through Australia, and I am concerned that as the economy stalls we will see the consumer entertainment dollar restricted.
As entertainment managers, what growth areas and opportunities do you think we should be looking to?
There is an emergence of incredible TV writers coming out of America, the UK and Europe. They are producing some astonishing TV such as True Detective. I think as entertainment managers we need to keep our eyes open and be connected with great young writers. They are the source of much of the entertainment that will be produced and consumed over the next decade. TV and online video content will continue to be a valuable launch pad for actors, directors, producers and of course musicians - so our respect and focus on writers is crucial across all mediums.
What music do you listen to at home?
The Oscar Peterson Trio in the morning and UK’s Jungle to get ready for a live show.
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N
Name. Francis Coady
City. Sydney
Wallet. Paul Smith
Scent. Armani
Shave. Sterling Barber
Glasses. Tres Noir
Shirt. Zara
Denim. Wrangler
Jacket. McGregor Vintage
Socks. Too Many Holes
Shoe. Vanishing Elephant
Bag. Country Road
Technology. Apple
Read. The Manifesto!!
Photography by Peter Plozza
Creative Direction by Michelle Sullivan