Clayton Sinclair

‘Catchy Porch Thoughts’

One of the most annoying commercial jingles I’ve ever heard is ‘The Blind Factory'. I guess that’s the genius of it. See how popular you become if you download it as your mobile ring tone. ‘The Blind Factory…The Blind Factory…The Blind Factory!’ “Ah, shutter up!”

When Clayton Sinclair was five years of age, he stepped out of his Brighton back gate and was confronted by three elephants that had escaped from the circus in Elwood, inspiring him to pursue a life in the entertainment industry. Little did he know that some fifty years on, a columnist would interview him about his successful writing, producing, acting, singing, music and voice-over career; including those notorious ‘Blind Factory’ radio commercials. “Oh boy!”

Clayton’s latest ‘Morning Melody’ style production – ‘The Singing French Detective’ is his one-man theatrical show set in modern-day Paris that he is preparing to perform around Victoria. During rehearsals in his garage, Clayton explained how he created the French character Anatole De Latour following the way of the elephants outside the same back gate in his Brighton home.

First up Clayton, do you apologise for playing the part of Rodney in the ‘Blind Factory’ radio commercials?

Not at all, but please forgive me!

The elephants had a profound effect on you at such a young age, and I’m sure you dreamed of joining the Circus, what was your first job?

In a way, my life has been a circus. When I was 12 I wrote comedy pars from ‘a woman’s point of view’ about men for New Idea Magazine in their ‘Mere Male’ section. I used my mother’s name and was paid $1.00 for each one published.

You graduated from the prestigious William Bates Academy of Performing Arts, how did you break into the showbiz industry?

When I was 20 I worked in an underwear factory in Richmond and suggested to the CEO that I write a TV commercial with a catchy tune for their underwear sale. I walked across the road to GTV9 and got them involved and made my first commercial with Brian Finch. From there I wrote commercials for Clifton Discount Warehouse which resulted in tripling their turnover.

Of recent times, what companies are you the voice-over for?

Barloworld, All 4 Pets, Chadstone Shopping Centre and The Blind Factory with Marcus Daw. I also write copy and do voice-over work for documentaries and provide professional performance and voice coaching for actors, politicians and company CEO’s.

What is one of the hardest tongue twisters that springs to mind?

‘Unique New York’ – try saying that 3 times fast!

Speaking of New York, in the 80’s you worked there as a composer, singer and songwriter. Was it a hard industry to break into?

Extremely hard. I was bordering on being broke but was fortunate to be signed to the Casong label working alongside artists such as Tiny Tim and Charles Ward. I worked on 52nd Street near Broadway, and loved it!

Lachlan Murdoch and John Michael-Howson assisted you in Hollywood which led to working with A List producers, directors and writers, including Academy Award nominee producer Martin Brown (Moulin Rouge) and Rowan Woods, director of ‘Little Fish’ starring Kate Blanchett. What did you learn most about the film industry that guides your work today?

The high level of professionalism. When I arrived in Los Angeles I was a novice. It’s a serious business and it’s all about numbers. I learnt about the casting process, the power of agents and the challenges of getting a film to screen. By learning the art of writing and pitching projects I was able to present to Paramount and Disney Productions.

You are returning to the stage in the musical mystery “The Singing French Detective,” what is your show about?

Is about the mysterious adventures of eccentric Interpol detective, Anatole De Latour and his quest to solve the one case that has haunted him for years. Working undercover as a busker on the Paris Metro he charms and entertains the audience (he considers to be travellers) with his intriguing story of how and why he came to be where he now finds himself. The show infuses a perfect mix of music, mystery, laughter, tears, silliness, songs and truth.

How did Anatole De Latour come to be?

Whilst walking my dog Lucy, I heard a French voice almost blowing in the wind and he developed from there. It was a creative process I followed and I became the character. People thought I was nuts walking around the streets talking in a French accent to myself.

You rehearse in your garage where you have built your amazing ‘Paris’ set, what do your neighbours think?

In the lead-up to a show, I spend a few days rehearsing – working the timing, tempo, music and shaping the script. I am sure the neighbours think an opera singer has moved in or there’s a cat screaming on the hot tin roof.

What is your Porch or Paris Metro thought of the day?

“In all things be kind.” Or as Anatole De Latour would say, "La bonté en toutes choses.”