Analyzing the Impact of Company Mismanagement on Artists' Careers and Fan Relations

Mismanagement in the entertainment industry can lead to severe consequences for artists and the fans who support them. Recently, many fans have expressed strong concerns about how management decisions affect their favorite actors, from missed opportunities to inadequate promotion. This post explores the repercussions of mismanagement on artist careers and the estrangement it can cause between companies and their devoted fan bases.

The relationship between fans, artists, and management teams is crucial. Fans invest not just their time and emotions but also their money into an artist's journey. They expect a reciprocal commitment from management. However, when management neglects to seize opportunities for artists, poorly promotes their work, or reacts defensively to fan feedback, the impact can be both damaging and widespread.

The Role of Artists in the Entertainment Industry

Artists serve as the heartbeat of the entertainment industry. They don’t just tell stories; they create emotional connections that draw audiences in. The bond between FayeYoko and their fans within the LGBTQ+ community is a testament to the power of shared experiences, empathy, and representation. Through their authentic portrayals of complex, nuanced characters, they've not only captured the hearts of audiences but have also created a space where fans can feel seen, heard, and celebrated. This connection goes beyond just a fandom; it's a genuine exchange of support, understanding, and solidarity, reinforcing the importance of visibility and the celebration of love in all its forms. By being unapologetically themselves, they inspire their fans to embrace their true selves and feel empowered to live their truth.

Despite their importance, artists often rely on their management teams for navigating the complexities of the industry. A competent management team can unlock doors, helping actors secure roles that elevate their careers and expand their visibility. In contrast, poor management can stifle growth and deprive fans of witnessing the full range of an artist's talent.

Consequences of Failed Opportunities

When management overlooks potential career-defining roles for an artist, it can stifle their growth. If their management declines offers without clear reasoning aligned with the actor’s brand, it can result in stagnation.

Stagnation in Career Growth

The stagnation that follows can be frustrating for both the artist and their fans. A lack of diverse roles can confine artists to a narrow career path, leaving fans dissatisfied. Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of Miss Grand International, who consulted closely with Faye during this incident had this to say about FayeYoko being removed from the 4 Elements project, “Faye said she was unsure about the future because she was waiting for work… I assume Faye was upset because there was no real reason to reject it. She wanted to be in it and thought it was a great opportunity since she was gaining popularity… She didn’t know what the future would hold because she wasn't sure if there would be another series.”

The company chose to ignore the overwhelming desires of their global fanbase for a new series, instead choosing to invest resources into fan meetings, primarily in one country, which wasn’t even their home country. Fans had been vocal about their wish for more creative content, yet the company’s decision to focus on limited events felt like a direct dismissal of the diverse and passionate supporters who had been advocating for something new.

Even though fans were excited to see them in China, they began feeling like they were being used for nothing more than their money. In the GL industry, while it is important to acknowledge each actress as an individual, it is also very important to establish and promote the two as a pair. Yet, in recent months, the company picked locations to hold fan meetings where joint fan meetings were prohibited. Instead, they held solo fan meetings, making some fans question whether they were simply trying to gain more money by hosting two solo shows instead of the usual one joint show. Looking back now, fans are left wondering if this may have been a plan to split the fandom in regard to their future plans to split up FayeYoko.

Missed Marketing Opportunities

Effective marketing is essential for an artist's success. Without proper promotion, even the most talented artists can fade from public consciousness. Marketing plays a crucial role in shaping and managing an actor's career. It’s not just about promoting a project; it's about building a brand, creating visibility, and connecting with audiences. Effective marketing strategies can elevate an actor’s public profile, expand their fanbase, and open doors to new opportunities. Without proper investment in marketing and promotions, an actor risks being overlooked or underappreciated, even when they possess immense talent. The failure to market effectively can result in missed career opportunities, stagnant visibility, and a lack of recognition in a highly competitive industry. In today’s entertainment landscape, where competition is fierce and attention spans are short, neglecting marketing can have long-term negative effects, leaving an actor’s potential untapped and their career trajectory hindered.

Fans notice when their favorite artists do not receive adequate attention. Even more frustrating is the missed opportunity to promote their talented artists in their home country, where there is undeniable potential for wider recognition and growth. The company never encouraged the artist to appear on any programs or provided media exposure in Thailand. During this whole controversy, it was revealed that some programs and brands attempted to reach out for collaboration, but the company never responded. It was also revealed that they denied invitations to events, like the event celebrating legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand, an event that both Faye and Yoko expressed excitement to attend, was turned down despite not having anything else scheduled.

Projects and voting efforts were initiated by fan clubs since the company never promoted the artist. Communication between the company and the artists’ official fan clubs was difficult, with the company sometimes failing to provide event details or giving only one or two days' notice before an event, making it difficult for fans to properly organize projects. Even simple things, like trending parties meant to garner attention on their work, were fully organized by fans and barely recognized by the company. By failing to prioritize what their fans truly want and not fully supporting their artists on a broader scale, the company alienates the very community that has supported them from the start.

Alienating Fans Through Mismanagement

A troubling trend is the reaction of some management teams to fan feedback. Instead of addressing concerns, taking in helpful feedback, and applying changes, the company resorted to legal action against fans demanding better promotion. This approach can create a hostile environment that alienates fans.

Consequences of Legal Action

Legal action can foster an “us vs. them” mentality between fans and management. Fans who feel targeted for merely expressing their opinions can become disillusioned, affecting their support for both the artist and the company involved. This breakdown in trust can have long-lasting implications, with risks that include losing not only loyalty but also the financial support that fuels future projects. Read more here about the legal cases that the company has issued and hear directly from the fans who were sued about their experience.

Blaming Fans for Lack of Opportunities

In a press conference, which you can find a summary for here, P’Wan, owner of Ninestar Studios, discussed the fact that they have been losing out on work opportunities because of the boycott, even going as far as to question the fans’ love for Yoko. However, she stated that because of the fandom, they’ve been losing out on work for over three months now. At the time of the press conference, the boycott had only been going on for a month. This wasn’t the first time that she had placed blame on the fandom for their lack of opportunities; when asked about the global fan meetings that were promised, she insisted that they were planned, but organizers backed out due to “defamation” caused by fans.

This was simply untrue. For example, in the case of the Vietnam fan meeting, which was announced, apparently cancelled, but never addressed. As the date drew near, fans reached out to the organizers of the event to question why tickets had not gone on sale, and to ask if the event was still going to happen. The organizers replied that they had to cancel the event because they couldn’t get in touch with the company; they had completely ceased communication with them. This isn’t the only case of the company backing out of, cancelling, or not accepting invitations to events that could have greatly helped to expand their fanbase and their artists’ popularity.

As a dedicated fan, it’s deeply upsetting to see the company shift blame onto the fans for the lack of opportunities for their artists. It’s clear that the responsibility lies not with the fans, but with the company’s own failure to secure or accept opportunities when they were presented. Rather than taking accountability for their lack of effort, vision, or management in pushing these artists forward, it’s frustrating to see fans unfairly scapegoated. Fans have been more than supportive, yet the company continues to avoid addressing its own shortcomings. We deserve honesty and transparency, not misplaced blame. The artists and their supporters deserve a company that takes responsibility for their actions and fights for their success, instead of deflecting the consequences of their mismanagement.

Transparency and Communication

Leaked chat messages of owner of Ninestar discussing addressing issues

The fallout from mismanagement serves as a powerful reminder for companies. It emphasizes the necessity of establishing healthy relationships between artists and their fans, while also focusing on talent development.

A critical takeaway is the need for transparent communication. Companies must ensure clear dialogue with both artists and fans. Addressing feedback seriously fosters collaboration rather than conflict. Without clear and consistent dialogue, both the artists and their fanbase are left in the dark, causing frustration and disconnection. Fans want to feel engaged and informed, and artists need support and understanding from their teams. This communication breakdown only harms relationships, stifles opportunities for growth, and undermines the trust that fans and artists have placed in the company. It’s crucial for the company to prioritize open and transparent communication in order to foster stronger, more meaningful connections.

This disregard for fostering open communication played a vital role in how things have turned out. Neither Faye nor Yoko was informed that they were being pulled from the 4 Elements project before the news was released. “Faye was heartbroken. She called me and asked, ‘Is it true that the company really won't let me be in it?’” said Nawat Itsaragrisil when asked about why Faye decided to go forth with terminating her contract. As for the fans, they also attempted to reach out to the company for answers and clarification. Trending parties took place for days, where fans all across the world posted using hashtags reaching over 1 million posts on X daily. All of this was ignored by the company, ultimately leading the fandom to resort to boycotting the company. Leaked internal chat messages even showed them saying, “Don’t talk, it’s a waste of time and mental health.”

A Pattern of Behavior

The company has demonstrated a consistent pattern of mismanagement, not only in the careers of its actors but also in its treatment of other employees. A significant number of staff have terminated their contracts in the short time the company has been opened, highlighting a potential broader issue of dissatisfaction within the organization. This pattern reflects a lack of proper guidance, support, and a failure to cultivate a healthy and productive work environment. The widespread departures underscore the company's failure to foster both talent and morale, raising concerns about its long-term viability and commitment to its workforce.

Over time, a clear pattern has emerged regarding the company’s approach to employment and contractual relationships. From managers and assistants to actors, makeup artists, managers, assistants, and other key personnel, numerous individuals have found their contracts terminated. This ongoing trend raises serious concerns about the company’s employment practices, ethical standards, and commitment to the professionals who contribute to its success. Such repeated actions not only disrupt the careers and livelihoods of those affected but also create an atmosphere of uncertainty and instability within the industry.

The effects of company mismanagement on artists' careers and their connection with fans can be profound. The potential for lost opportunities and alienation is significant. For companies, the consequences of mismanagement affect not just individual careers but entire fan communities.

To address these issues, management teams should embrace transparency, engage proactively with both artists and fans, and make informed decisions that promote growth. Effectively communicating and collaborating with those who love and support the artists, their loyal fans, is a great way to grow both the company and the artists themselves. Somehow, even after all that has transpired so far, the company seems to ignore this vital key to success.