ECL Productions Inc. specializes in producing large-scale stand-up comedy shows, especially for fundraisers. They provide online marketing, graphic design and ticketing to provide better entertainment options. We spoke with Alex Mackenzie, CEO and President of ECL Productions Inc. to learn more about them!
What is your business called and what does it do?
The business is called ECL Productions and we produce world-class comedy events. Our main focus is Large scale theatre productions specializing in fundraiser events for not-for-profit organizations. We produce shows of all sizes from commercial events in bars, pubs and casinos. Corporate events for team building or client appreciation and theatre productions. We produce shows from Victoria to Halfax!
What made you want to do this work?
I am a stand-up comedian and I love Comedy and giving back! 3 years ago I quit my job as a power engineer and instrumentation mechanic at a Pulp Mill in Prince George and sold my house and everything I own to buy an RV for my dog Finley and me to tour the country in pursuit of my stand-up dreams. I then realized that there was a large amount of talent in Canada and not many companies provided work for these gifted people. I then started ECL Productions and started producing stand-up comedy events for my funny friends. I also have a strong passion for giving back to communities ( I got it from my Mom) so then when I realized I could raise money for these amazing charity organizations through my art form and that became my sole purpose in life!
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
The world feels more divided than ever and I believe the way to solve this problem is through comedy, community and connection. By using the art form of comedy and combining it with charity work we are able to bring people together during these tough times and raise awareness and money for so many great causes throughout Canadian Communities I saw that there are so many great charity organizations in these communities I would perform in that we’re always looking for funding. I realized that I and my friends could
help them by using our talents to get large groups of people together in support of their favourite causes I also wanted to create work for my funny friends who are as talented as anyone you will find on Netflix but unfortunately here in Canada we don’t have the same production companies as in America that have the power to make these people into stars.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
We have a wide client base from small business owners, to corporations looking for entertainment and then of course the audience members who come to the shows making this all possible. I think everyone is a fan of comedy it’s just finding the right comedic style for what they are after.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We make money by producing world-class comedy events using the best entertainers in the country. The majority of our revenue is generated by ticket sales, however, we also do sell shows as a whole to companies where they can benefit from already having a large
client base then they can take the ticket revenue and pay us a flat fee. We also seek sponsorships that are looking to support local not-for-profits and the arts
Where in Vancouver can we find your profession?
In Vancouver there are comedy shows happening every night all over the city. Our next major event in Vancouver is happening on Nov.11th at the Hard Rock Casino as part of our flagship Hungry for Laughs tour where we hope to raise over $20,000 for a local charity
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Q: What can we expect when hiring ECL Productions?
A: When you hire ECL Productions expect to create a night that you and your patrons will never forget. Some companies sell products, some sell a service we sell memories. I coming to one of our shows or hiring us as your entertainment provider clients often give us the same response you have after leaving the gym. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come to this event but I feel better after the event than when I showed up”
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part about event production is meeting the people. I get to meet thousands of people from all different walks of life all across the country. The more people I meet I realize how good there is in the world and that we all have so much more in common than we think. The amount of Love and Joy felt after a successful show is worth waking up every day and getting after it. The worst part about producing events is that sometimes no matter how hard you work and try to get people out to the shows you don’t get the outcome you were hoping for. But anytime that happens it is such a great experience for a business. I really believe in the motto fail often and be wrong as fast as possible. You learn so much from an event that doesn’t go as expected and it allows you and your team to analyze what went wrong and how to produce a better event down the road.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
How does nasa organize an event?
They planet.
What are your social media channels?
Business:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
Personal:
Instagram | Facebook | Tik Tok | Website
• PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Vancouver business that you love?
