Australian artists have slammed an event producer after claims they were not paid nearly $200,000.
Producer Bass Fam, who has staged events including the Sydney Opera House and the Adelaide Fringe Festival, owes at least $182,000 to artists and a lighting design company. news corporation reported.
However, the publication also claims that sources say Mr. Fam’s company, Bass Fam Creative, owed money to many more.
Artists from the Matador, Mansion, Memories and Oracle shows have been chasing money they claim are owed to them for more than two years, and the publication reported that artist agencies had raised concerns about non-payment in 2022.
The Oracle show, for example, was described as “a heady spectacle (of) the 12 myths of the zodiac, thematically explored through live vocals, world-class circus acts, mesmerizing aerial views and fiery burlesque numbers.”
The show enjoyed sold-out seasons in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, as well as a debut Sydney season at the Sydney Opera House in 2022.
Producer Bass Fam (pictured), who has staged events including the Sydney Opera House and the Adelaide Fringe Festival, owes at least $182,000 to artists and a lighting design company, News Corp reports.
The artists claimed that although they were offered a payment plan, they had not received money in months.
An email sent to a cast member stated that once the company was able to establish “consistent cash flow” a manageable payment plan would be implemented.
The email said it would be “more feasible to create a payment plan that I could stick to, which would consist of small, regular payments, with lump sum injections coming from any additional jobs or major events.”
Australian burlesque performer Bettie Bombshell, who was part of the cast of Oracle, claims she is owed $7,000 on top of her pension.
She told News Corp the problem had continued for two years and told the publication she was tempted to accept a large golden martini glass as payment before changing her mind.
“After some reflection and some very important events happening in my personal life, I realized I couldn’t pay my rent and bills with an accessory,” he said.
“So I texted him to tell him that that wasn’t going to work anymore and that I was in some financial trouble. He still hasn’t paid me. He contractually agreed to pay me $7,000. The accessory was worth about $3,000.
Another artist, who wanted to remain anonymous, claimed that payments started arriving late, which initially sympathized with the cast and crew.
Australian burlesque performer Bettie Bombshell, who was part of the cast of Oracle, claims she is owed $7,000 on top of her pension after initially accepting a large martini glass as payment.
However, the artist claimed that Mr Fam had gone to Europe to explore event opportunities with outstanding money.
Acknowledging the trip to Europe to News Corp, Fam stated that he had had meetings in London about staging the Matador show, which did not come to fruition.
‘Almost everything worked out, I have no reason to lie, are you kidding me?’ said.
“I’ve been doubted, mocked and ridiculed for trying to do things that go far beyond what other people are trying.”
Fam added that he had been told to liquidate the company, something he “couldn’t” do because no one would get paid.
‘We own nothing. There are no assets in the company’s name and if I do it, no one gets paid,” Mr Fam said.
‘I am only responsible for each other’s surplus and for the two bank loans I have obtained when signing as director.
“Nobody’s bills will be paid if I liquidate, they will be thrown away and that will be a heartbreaking end to the bloody struggle I’ve been through.”
The publication also claimed that a Victoria-based lighting company, which had worked with the company for “years”, was owed $157,000.
Fam acknowledged that he owed the money, but claimed that there were “discrepancies in the invoices” that, once resolved in mid-2023, could not be paid because “there was no money.”
A candid Mr Fam added that the situation and dwindling cash flow from his business had caused a “total mental and emotional breakdown”.
He added that he is now in a much better situation and has paid more than $47,000 in bills.
He also stated that artists would receive a lump sum payment before Christmas.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Bass Fam for comment.