Originally posted by Disneynut
I loved Nova Era and was so disappointed to see that they are no longer performing, or at least not while we were there. I hope they come back in some form. A close second has to be Off Kilter.
yes, i too was extremely disappointed to see them go. and unfortunately i highly doubt they'll be back
i'm a member of the nova era e-mailing list, and they sent me this newsletter June 21, 2001:
Greetings to all Nova Era fans,
I would like to begin by thanking all of you for your gracious support and especially for enjoying our music. To date we have received literately over 2,000 emails from many of you expressing wonderful, thoughtful comments about how much you’ve enjoyed Nova Era and its music. We are currently working hard to complete our follow up CD which will contain many of our best tunes to date. Each member of the band cherishes your emails and thoughts.
Many of you have shared your sorrow and discontent that Nova Era is no longer performing at Epcot. I must apologize that until now, at the request of Disney, I was unable to offer an explanation sought by your inquiries of our sudden departure from Epcot.
To fully understand what I am about to disclose for the first time, one must first keep in mind that the internal corporate structure of the Disney Company is much like the structure of a medium sized Government. It has its designated leaders (Executives) and “pyramid” like system of command. Unfortunately, unlike most modern Governments, the Disney Company has not yet established a system of “checks and balances” of its high level employees that would effectively reduce or eliminate “corruption” within its corporate ranks.
The average Disney Entertainment “Talent Sub-Contract” is worth in excess of $400,000 a year. Like most Governments, Disney has individuals, Executives responsible for the acquisition, negotiation and the awarding of these contracts along with a monetary amount. These amounts are left to the Executive’s discretion, as to what he may feel an act is worth or should be paid. A “Talent Buyer” may be a more commonly used term. Historically, this formula left unchecked and in the hands of a “not so honest” individual is clearly a recipe for corruption. We’ve all heard of situations like what I am about to explain. Commonly in Las Vegas of the past and in situations were trusted City officials are discovered to be in receipt of “Kick backs for awarding large contracts to perspective Contractors. This practice is known as “Malfeasance”.
Unfortunately, a Disney Entertainment Executive, named Ron Rodriguez, responsible for acquiring contract acts, has made a practice of unethically profiting from these transactions by establishing undeclared partnerships, behind the scenes, with contract recipients. I, the producer of Nova Era, was first introduced to the Disney Entertainment establishment in October of 1999 when our group was contracted to perform daily at Epcot. Nova Era was graciously greeted and treated well by all Disney employees we came in contact with. Epcot managers often let us know that our performances had become successful above all expectation. According to all, Nova Era was an asset and a profitable commodity to the Italian Pavilion.
In late November of 1999, a local businessman contacted me for reasons he explained to be on behalf of he and his associate, whom he named as Ron Rodriguez (Disney Entertainment Exec.). Upon meeting with this man at his Downtown executive suite, he explained how it was his and Mr. Rodriguez’s wish that I come to work for them as a producer. I declined his offer. At the time, I thought nothing strange of this request other than any further communication on the subject would best be handled directly through Mr. Rodriguez as a Disney representative. This would avoid any conflict of interest on my behalf, as I was a Disney Sub-Contractor. Other attempts, which I declined, by this businessman were made to acquire my services.
In late spring of 2000, I was approached by an independent Entertainment booking agent from a company known as “Hard Drive Productions”. Oddly, this man had approached me much in the same fashion, as did the local businessman in November prior. He claimed to have been sent however, by Ron Rodriguez with a message for me to contact him, as he would like to establish a business relation with me “on the side”. In all two such meetings were requested by the booking agent, both on the same topic. At this time, I found the requests to be out of the guidelines I considered being ethically correct. I found it necessary to consult with the local Musicians’ Union President on the matter. He advised me not to contact Mr. Rodriguez. He explained that should the subject of his request be Disney related, it would be Mr. Rodriguez’s duty to contact me as a Disney representative. This made sense as my contract and an exclusivity clause with Disney prohibited me to enter into any other agreement with outside parties while under contract. The musician’s Union President went on to explain that Mr. Rodriguez had been suspected of having “unethical business relations” with third party contractors. Furthermore, Disney was aware of this but feared pursing long-standing veteran Executives out of fear of legal retribution. Nonetheless, my encounter was now documented.
A couple of more months passed and I was contacted about contract renewal. A Disney liaison notified me that Epcot was very pleased with the group and would like to extend our current contract for an additional two years. It was mutually beneficial as our CD revenue helped pay for over a third of the value of our contract. The band had a great year and the audiences were wonderful to perform for. Epcot had provided for and invested in new costumes and wigs for the band valued thousands of dollars. There was no hesitation with either Epcot or Myself. Mr. Rodriguez had for the time being, stepped aside on this particular contract negotiation. The contract was finalized on September 24th, 2000.
On September 26th, 2000, I received a call from a Disney liaison requesting a meeting the very next day. I attended this meeting. Present was Ms. Laurie Spieghts, Epcot Entertainment General Manager. Her Executive position was lower than that of Ron Rodriguez. She informed me that our new contract, recently finalized only 3 days prior, was to be terminated effective immediately. I was given no explanation. I did sense that Ms. Speights felt uncomfortable delivering the news as though asked to follow an order she herself could not understand. Baffled, I had no choice but to notify the band and have them leave the park. I was to find out that the strangest part of this experience was yet to occur.
Exactly one week after Nova Era left Epcot, the same local businessman that had contacted me on behalf of Ron Rodriguez those months prior, contacted me yet again. He had urged me to meet with him in person if I wanted to know of the real reason Nova Era’s contract was terminated. He also stated that he and Mr. Rodriguez were now ready to make me an offer that would benefit the group. Like every meeting with these outside parties, I attended them with a witness from our band.
We met at the businessman’s second office. He eagerly explained that I was not too smart to decline he and Mr. Rodriguez’s prior offer of working for them. He showed us a letter addressed to Mr. Rodriguez. The letter was a threat to litigate against Disney should they continue to sub-contract Nova Era at Epcot. The businessman went on to explain that he wrote this letter at the request of Mr. Rodriguez. What’s more, he admitted that Mr. Rodriguez had told him how he should write it. A second letter was now shown to us. This letter was Mr. Rodriguez’s response. It stated that Nova Era was no longer under contract to Disney and because of this, no intent to litigate would be necessary. Furthermore, it read that any ideas or submission of entertainment proposals by this businessman would be considered for negotiation. The businessman stated to us that the intent of all of this was not for us to lose our jobs. He now explained that he and Ron Rodriguez would arrange for us to return to Epcot. We would have to, however, return under a different name and he would know own the rights to the Disney contract. Essentially the band would work for he and Mr. Rodriguez. When he noticed this did not sit to well with me, he offered to pay me personally more than what I was making before. When I asked him how he would acquire the added funds to cover his profit and my pay raise, he simply responded by asking me not to worry about it as Mr. Rodriguez had guaranteed him $10,000 - $12,000 a week plus. From this he, Mr. Rodriguez and the band would all be taken care of. Stunned and amazed, we left the meeting on the pretenses that I would think about the offer.
It did not take me long to realize that my cooperation or part in this unethical business practice would stand against everything I as a hard working musician believed in. This behavior left un-challenged is that which ultimately has led to numerous musicians being underpaid or not paid at all by corrupt contracted managers in their effort to recover the added “kickback” expense demanded by people who have abused their executive powers. In the end, it is the hard working entertainer who is extorted of opportunity and his/her livelihood. I once believed Orlando to be a City where aspiring Entertainers from around the country could come and be given a fair chance to work and be judged on their abilities. Unfortunately, it has turned out to be no different than Las Vegas… you’ll have to “Pay to Play”.
Immediately after my encounter, I decided to place a call to a trusted Disney employee who then contacted the Disney Legal department. Since then, two Disney investigators: Mr. Matt Grubman and Ms. Stephanie Triquart based in California have taken over the investigation. They have asked me to cooperate and to keep this matter secret. I have done so for many months. I was led to believe that a proper investigation would be carried out. Instead a proper lack of effort and brushing aside has ensued. I have provided them with an affidavit, witnesses’ statements and facts I would not be aware of if not confronted by the conjured letters of intent to litigate. I have even provided them with a witness that was a former Bookkeeper and employee of a corrupt former Sub-Contractor. This Bookkeeper admits to have been involved and witness to an arrangement between her former boss and Ron Rodriguez whereas Mr. Rodriguez was given thousands of Dollars in expensive gifts which include “imported marble” to remodel his bathroom and kitchen, paid European vacations etc…the list goes on and on. The gifts were given to insure contract renewal year after year. Disney has expressed deep concern over these actions but yet fail to act.
Since then, Mr. Rodriguez has contracted for the Italian Pavilion, an act consisting of a D.J and Keyboard players which fake to actually play for a monetary value far exceeding that which was paid to Nova Era. Worst of all, this contract was awarded to Hard Drive Productions and the Booking agent who met with me to advise me that Mr. Rodriguez wanted to start a business relationship with me “on the side”. In addition, Mr. Rodriguez’s own Son is an employee and manager for the Sub-contractor of the Italian Pavilion. This in itself is in direct violation of Disney Policy Regarding Conflicts Of Interest And Business Ethics. Ironically, Mr. Rodriguez’s former co-workers have acknowledged his wrong doings. All this, and Disney fails to act. I consider this a sign that Disney is more interested in covering up “blemishes” rather than correct them and stand by all the moral and ethical values it publicly portrays. Musicians and entertainers alike are being measured not by their talent, but by how much they are lining the pockets of individuals responsible for the fate of their contracts.
I urge each of you to give thought as to what is the true value of an Entertainers life long quest to perfect his or her craft. Imagine you have finally reach a level you’ve worked very hard for only to find out that all your efforts mean little to those who would line their pockets on your sweat. Honesty and principle count for nothing to these men. I am sure that had I accepted Mr. Rodriguez’s corrupt offer, Nova Era would still be performing at Epcot today.
The attached list contains names, numbers and email addresses to all Disney personal involved. I urge you to express your thoughts… let them know that this is indeed a form of organized crime.
Sincerely,
Andres Roca
Composer, Producer
Nova Era
Ron Rodriguez
(Disney Entertainment Buyer/Exec.)
1-407-397-3712
Stephanie Triquart
(Disney Investigator):
Stephanie.Triquart@disney.com
1-818-553-4141
Matt Grubman
(Lead Disney Investigator):
1-818-553-4141
Laurie Speights
(Epcot Entertainment GM):
laurie.speights@disney.com
1-407-560-7355
so, it looks like no more Nova Era for WDW. but at least Nova Era is still coming out with cd's (which they are releasing a new one this month, you can buy it on their website as well as sample every song) so, at least they're not completely gone...just harder for us Disney nuts to see live.
