As a conductor, musician, and actor I know the wonderful feeling of applause and appreciation. However, my priority is always about giving my orchestra and choir, the listener, and the audience a good experience. Of course applause is the way we know people have enjoyed it but when does it become about our own ego and when does it stay about the entertainment. "Ego vs. entertainment" refers to the balance between an individual's ego-driven desires and the goal of providing enjoyable and meaningful content to an audience. This concept is often relevant in various creative fields, including entertainment, arts, and media.
Ego:
Ego refers to a person's sense of self-importance, self-identity, and the need for recognition or validation.
In creative fields, ego can manifest as a desire for personal recognition, a need to express one's unique voice, or a focus on personal accomplishments and fame.
Ego-driven motivations can sometimes lead to self-centred or self-indulgent creations that prioritise the creator's desires over the audience's needs.
Entertainment:
Entertainment involves providing content or experiences that engage, captivate, and bring enjoyment to an audience.
Entertainment can take various forms, such as movies, music, literature, theatre, and more, with the goal of eliciting emotional responses, sparking imagination, and creating shared experiences.
Balancing Ego and Entertainment:
Finding the right balance between ego and entertainment is crucial for creating content that resonates with audiences while still allowing creators to express themselves.
While ego can drive creativity and innovation, it's important to remember that the ultimate purpose of entertainment is to connect with others and provide enjoyment.
Successful entertainers often find ways to infuse their personal voice and style into their work while ensuring that it is relatable and engaging for a wider audience.
Audience-Centric Approach:
Prioritising the needs and preferences of the audience is a key aspect of creating effective and meaningful entertainment.
Creators who focus solely on their ego-driven desires may alienate or confuse their audience, leading to a lack of resonance and connection.
Artistic Integrity and Authenticity:
Striking a balance between ego and entertainment does not mean sacrificing artistic integrity or authenticity. Creators can express themselves while also considering how their work will be received by their intended audience.
For example, stating you’re doing something for the benefit of a town but holding it on public land and charging people to attend isn’t really doing something for the benefit of the town! If it was for the benefit of the town it’d be a free event with audience donations (like West End Live in Trafalgar Square).
Evolution of Creativity:
Creativity and the entertainment industry evolve over time. What might have been seen as ego-driven content in the past could become more audience-focused in response to changing cultural and societal norms.
Collaboration and Feedback:
Collaborating with others and seeking feedback can help creators gauge whether their work is achieving the desired entertainment value and resonating with audiences.
While ego-driven motivations can fuel creativity and innovation, it's important for creators in the entertainment industry to prioritise the needs and enjoyment of their audience. Balancing ego and entertainment involves creating content that reflects the creator's unique perspective while also creating meaningful and engaging experiences for those who consume the content.
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