Today we’d like to introduce you to Simon Cantlon.
Hi Simon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I originally dove into working in the entertainment industry over 25 years ago initially working in multiple industries and getting as much experience as I could. This included working in radio as a promotion director, writing music reviews and articles for music publications, being a tour manager, publicist, and more.
My first big opportunity came when I landed a six-month contract in the new field of Digital Media to work at Showtime Networks in the early 2000s for a new show, they were developing called Queer as Folk. After six months I was offered a full-time position and went on to work on over thirty-four television shows, concert specials, movies, and more creating unique content and developing my experience in the digital media field. This also included an Emmy Nomination for the TV Show Dexter. From Showtime I went on to work at Fox Television Networks and 19 Entertainment both in the digital media field. My career expanded and grew with my final position being Director of Digital Entertainment US at 19.
Shows and Artists I worked with during my entertainment industry career included American Idol, Dexter, Californication, So You Think You Can Dance, Carrie Underwood, Elvis Presley Enterprises, David Beckham, The Spice Girls, and much more.
I decided to go solo eleven years ago and leave the corporate world behind. I built and developed my company Vive Rock Productions launching multiple festivals over the years including the Rockabillaque Festival which is a Midcentury Celebration of classic cars, rockabilly music, pin-ups, vintage motorcycles, and more. The festival is an annual event and takes place in both North Charleston, SC, and southwest Florida at the Seminole Casino. I also produce Park Circle Pride an annual LGBTQIA festival happening in the Park Circle neighborhood of North Charleston. I have produced many other festivals and events as well and the majority of my events are charity fundraisers.
I love what I do and am passionate about my diverse projects. As the producer, I cover many facets and am very hands-on doing the majority of the work necessary to bring each event to fruition. I am planning to develop even more events and festivals over the next couple of years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an event producer is by no means smooth! There are many challenges and it truly requires blood, sweat, and tears, it is not a job for the faint of heart. There are many roadblocks and challenges thrown my way but I always try to work through them and make them work. I am very passionate about what I do and really dive into each project. It is important to me that I build each event up from the ground up, making it completely mine.
I love what I do so in the end any challenges or struggles are worth it for the final product!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am proud of the festivals and events I have built up over the last ten years. As a producer that is completely hands-on, I get to develop my projects and make them my own. Some develop and change and continue to grow every year while other projects were either a one-time deal or ran their course.
I am happy with the work that I’ve done under my company Vive Le Rock Productions knowing I have created events that have brought many people joy and entertainment as well as raised money for charities and when relevant have educated and provided resources and education to people and communities. I look forward to continuing to do so for many years to come!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love Charleston and North Charleston for many reasons! I have watched the cities grow exponentially over the last decade as they have thrived with growth in the community, new businesses and so many great events and festivals. There is a lot of love in our community and it shows.
With growth also comes too much development that is not well thought out and that is my biggest gripe in that there isn’t more thoughtful growth in regards to community planning and environmental recognition. This is more so with Charleston than North Charleston. The city of North Charleston makes more effort in developing new projects that add to the community rather than hinder it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vivelerockproductions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivelerocknroll
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivelerockproductions
Image Credits:
Dalton Rook Barber Photography
