An Aussie production company has collapsed owing $7.5million as an artist claims cast members threatened to pull out of shows over unpaid entitlements.
David Venn Enterprises, responsible for major touring acts including Elvis: A Musical Revolution and The Wedding Singer, entered liquidation in August last year.
The firm had 77 trade creditors and unpaid superannuation worth nearly $440,000, Mitchell Ball of liquidation firm Mackay Goodwin reported.
Mr Ball said only $304,000 of the $7.5million could be repaid.
The company is owned by producer David Venn.
His Elvis production toured nationally, performing more than 250 shows across the country from June 2023 to July 2024.
Up to 26 actors and 15 crew members in the Elvis production were left out of pocket, each owed between $15,000 and $30,000, an artist told news.com.au.
They said cast and crew were ‘incredulous’ when they learned of the company’s debts with some threatening to boycott shows completely.
Cast and crew have been left scrambling to reclaim nearly $440,000 in unpaid super entitlements after a production firm owned by David Venn (pictured) entered liquidation
Performers were given eight day’s notice before last year’s Melbourne leg of the hit musical, Elvis: A Musical Revolution (pictured) was cancelled, an artist has claimed
‘It has really messed a lot of people’s lives up. People turned down other work with equal wages and long tours – people are still really angry,’ the source said.
‘You feel like a fool being taken on this ride and how dare he continue on now without paying our super. I hope he feels some sense of shame.’
Mr Venn acknowledged it was an ‘abrupt end’ to the company but said low audience demand had left him with no better alternative.
Taxpayers have been forced to foot some of the bill, with $745,000 having been paid to former staff by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
A DEWR spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the payments were offered under the Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme which does not cover superannuation.
Mr Venn said no former employees had contacted him directly about their unpaid super but said if they did, he would be ‘open and honest’ with them.
He also told the outlet his company attempted to settle as many outstanding super invoices as it could, but was limited due to the lack of available funds.
Mr Venn incorporated a new company, DV Live Pty Ltd, in February, whose productions he hopes will assist him in repaying his old company’s debts.
Mr Venn (pictured) said he intended to repay his company’s outstanding debts, adding he ‘deeply regret(s)’ the impact on his team members
The Elvis production toured nation-wide performing more than 250 shows in less than a year
ASIC documents reportedly listed his mother as DV Live’s secretary and director with Mr Venn as the company’s sole shareholder.
DV Live’s website is currently promoting a new production of Footloose: The Musical and a show inspired by the 90s film, Cruel Intentions.
‘I recognise the impact this has had on those affected and I deeply regret the situation and the impact it has had on our valued team members,’ he said.
‘I cannot promise immediate repayment of the full figure, but it is absolutely my intention to pay back what I can.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Venn for comment.
