June 3, 2015
Brooke Antonello, Show-off Productions
At a Glance
Bio The path that led her to this point
Dancing has been in my blood from the moment I could walk. Since the age of 2, I could be seen prancing around on stage in a tutu or acting out a character dance for any audience that was willing to watch.
Immediately after finishing high school, I began my professional dancing career, by gracing the stages in Japan as a magician's assistant and showgirl.
After getting a taste for the glamorous world of entertainment, there was no turning back.
For the next 14 years, I continued to dance my way around the world, from Asia, the South Pacific, Australia wide, USA to making my way around Europe for 4 years, residing in London and Rome, Italy.
I could be seen dancing in the sparkling onboard shows with Carnival and P&O cruise ships, musical theatre, TV and film, I had the privilege to dance alongside some incredibly talented people along the way, including Hugh Jackman in "The Boy from OZ", Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp in "The Tourist", Katie Perry, Kid Rock and Pink in the MTV VMA in Liverpool and Liza Minnelli on the Alan Titchmarch show, BBC London.
After finishing up in Europe, it was time to head back down under, to be closer to my family.
After returning home, I performed in a few more shows and TVC including BONDS with Sarah Murdoch and a Philadelphia cream cheese commercial, when I decided it was time to "hang up my chorus shoes".
It was at this time that I was searching for the next best thing to performing.
Nothing will ever compare to the feeling you get when you step out on stage for a cheering audience, or spending 13 hour days dancing for a TV camera…. so why not create a concept that will allow other people to have their "15 minutes of fame" and experience this for a moment in their life?
That's when Show-off Productions was born.
Having been on countless sets for music videos, understanding the basics of how the day should run and also being a professional make up artist for the last 8 years, I put together an experience that people would never forget!
Starting out by being the main choreographer for each experience, I have slowly trained up some truly talented staff, all industry professionals, which allows me to step out of my business and focus on expanding to other locations.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
Last year Show-off Productions won the Hens and Bucks Party of the Year award at the Weddings and Events of Australia awards night.
It was such a privilege to win this award as it just confirms that we are on the right track and people love the services that we offer!
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
The biggest challenge has been doing this alone. I have such big dreams for my business and not a lot of patience! I want everything yesterday! Recently hiring a part time PA has made such an incredible difference, as there is only so much I can do and so quickly my business can expand with just me alone.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
There are so many lessons to learn every day, especially when starting a new business on your own, with no formal training.
Staying on top of everything was a challenge as I was so excited to jump in and launch my idea, that any kind of mundane task such as filing and record keeping took a backseat. Typical creative type!
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
I am very eclectic in the resources I use. I love constantly learning and reading, especially other people's journeys to success.
Two books that I recently read which I found really inspiring and motivating are "The Juicy Bits" by Janine Allis (founder of Boost Juice) and "Flying Solo: How to go it alone in business" by Gerrish, Leader & Crocker
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
Samantha Wills. Apart from being crazy about her jewellery, I admire everything she stands for as a person and brand. An Australian woman, who had a dream and passion, she has completely represented herself through her exquisite statement pieces, that are instantly recognisable.
Collectively, this speak volumes about what one woman can achieve through sheer passion and determination.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
Passion is the key.
If you don't love what you do, it will show. You can read all the books in the world, but passion comes from within, especially in the entertainment industry. Warmth, excitement and creating an electric ambiance will get people hooked and wanting more. Go with your instincts and the rest will follow.
Be yourself!
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I secured my first booking for Show-off Productions. I was initially concerned with how people would respond to this idea, especially immediately after launching with no previous footage of our work to show potential clients.
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Luckily one trusting client took a leap of faith in us and we have never looked back. The business has gone from strength to strength, with word of mouth being our number one marketing tool, and hundreds of ladies and gents of all ages, walking into our studios and "creating memories with friends that will last a lifetime"
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I am so proud that so many people are just as excited by our concept as we are, all walking away with a big smile on their face.
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It is a truly humbling experience and such an exciting journey, with so many untouched layers, there is so much more to come!
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