What does it take to be a creative entrepreneur, or in the case of performing arts manager, producer and actor Charlie McDermott - a 'hardcore creative entrepreneur'?

For a start he answered these questions in between putting on Michael Hurst's solo show, No Holds Bard, at Edinburgh Fringe Festival (to five star reviews) while skyping in to take care of business in Auckland.

It was his drive and passion, coupled with his enabling of others, that earned him the Hynds Creative Entrepreneur 2013 Award last week.

“Charlie is not only a skilled practitioner and leader in his field, but most importantly an enabler and connector of people, a community builder,” says one of the judges and ART board member Peter Shand.

So what does Charlie say when asked how he's a creative entrepreneur? He credits everyone else.

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Congratulations on your award! In what way do you consider yourself to be a creative entrepreneur?

Thank you, it’s such an honour. This award is really due to the amazing people I have around me, at The Basement, in Royale Productions, in the other entities I work with. In all of them we work as a team on all our projects. I couldn’t imagine anything worse than trying to micro-manage everything, so I like to get the right people on the waka and set their tops spinning so they can flourish creatively within the project. Everything I do is because of and for these people. I am motivated and enthusiastic about what I do and am constantly trying to be better.

What is the difference between an ‘entrepreneur’ compared to a ‘creative entrepreneur’?

In the creative space there are fewer resources, so creative entrepreneurs have to do more with less. As Ernest Rutherford said, "We didn't have any money, so we had to think."

What does innovation mean to you?

I once heard that the only original thing was mother nature, and we have been making copies ever since. I think that art begins in imitation, but ends in innovation. The more we imitate, the more we understand how to recontextualise and create something original.

To me, it also means falling down and getting up until you see something different.

What do you plan to do with the $10,000 prize money?

It will be a massive help towards the costs of living in New York City for two years, starting next September. I am studying for my Masters in Arts Management. It's an incredible opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best in the business.

Tell us a bit about your background

I went to Unitec and studied acting, then got involved in the Auckland theatre scene, doing plays with Silo and ATC. I had various jobs before picking up the lease on the old Silo Theatre when it left its premises at the end of 2007. From there, The Basement Theatre was born.

Tell us a bit about what you’re currently involved in?

General Manager of The Basement Theatre. On the board of, and tutor at, The Actor’s Program at TAPAC. On the board of Creative Coalition, PANNZ, NTI and Actor's Equity. One half of Royale Productions.

You’re not in NZ at the moment. Tell us a bit about what you’re up to?

I’m in Edinburgh with Royale’s solo show with Michael Hurst, No Holds Bard. It is on at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It’s our first time presenting a show at the Festival, so it’s very exciting! And news just in, we received a FIVE STAR review!

Is global reach an important part of your future goals and why?

Absolutely. Like lots of professionals, by accessing a larger marker I can tap into different kinds of expertise and opportunities. To tour works internationally is a big goal of mine, and learning and working with the best in the world is not only integral to my development, but never been more achievable with current technology.

What role does Auckland and NZ have in your future?

I will be away for a few years studying, but I fully intend to move back and raise my family in New Zealand, and continue to work in the creative community here. Technology has blessed us with the ability to be true global citizens, and I want to be based in Auckland, work internationally and bring all of my experience and connections back, to truly help lead our industry into the future.

Tell us about your other goals?

To develop a multifaceted development space for all artists with pathways both locally and globally

In 10 years to help establish a truly international Auckland fringe festival

To work with Jeff Gomez & Punchdrunk (who make interactive theatre) in New York

To create New Zealand's largest and most comprehensive transmedia project with Royale’s Apocalypse Z show

To try make art as popular and cherished as sport! (you need a Big Hairy Audacious goal!)

Tell us about your past goals – did you plan to be where you are now?

I’m amazed at where I’ve got to. I grew up in Porirua and Taupo and if you’d told me I would be studying for my masters in New York in ten years when I was 20, I would never have believed you. But for the last five years, my wife and I have always had our goals written down and pasted on the wall of our bathroom and while at the time of writing them they seem fantastical, I’d say we’ve achieved 90% of them.

What lesson have you learnt along the way?

Write your goals down and put them on the bathroom wall.

How often have you had to reinvent what you are doing?

I am constantly reinventing what I am doing, sometimes small, sometimes big. I have never been one to rest on my laurels.

What drives you and what are you passionate about?

I am driven by wanting to be better. A better artist, a better person. I once heard that you can only ever be an artist with what you already are as a person. So I feel that if I work on myself, my work is better.

I also believe that working with honesty, integrity and generosity is really important.  

I am passionate about food. I love to cook, and I really liken what I do creatively to cooking. Equal parts technique and creativity. When I work within structure I feel free, which I suppose is another way thinking about that old saying “learn the rules so you know how to break them.”

In what ways do you incorporate the wider creative community and ecology into what you do and why is this important?

I am constantly inspired by the amazing people around me. There is so much potential in our little community, and I try to keep this in the front of my mind at all times. We can be a major international economic powerhouse, exporting creative ideas.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Funnily enough, it’s a rhyming word. STRIVE. You need to strive for what you believe in and work hard to get there. There is no such thing as those that want it the most, only those who are willing to put the work in to get there. Striving is also an endeavour, an adventure. Much like life.

Who do you consider to be a creative entrepreneur in NZ?

All those incredible people who are making and leading new ways of working. Current people: Sophie Henderson and Curtis Vowell, Kimberley Crossman, my beautiful wife Beth Allen.

What’s your big idea for 2014?

Making the policy makers understand that creative capital is the most viable future export we have. Creativity is not affected by the weather or a stock price.