Celebrity Interview - Identity One - Comments

Identity One

Poster: Nicola McGeorge 01/09/2007

So you are flicking through the latest edition of OK magazine, which is packed full of glamorous celebrity parties, featuring two-metre pink castle cakes or million pound party bags, but do you ever wonder who is behind these opulent events? Meet Jonathan Lipman and Neil Ransome, aka Identity One.
Identity One Ltd has three divisions: management, PR and "high profile events". They look after some of the best talent around, and have been behind some of the hottest events such as the World Music Awards, Brits After Show party and Sir Alan Sugar Charity Event.
ID1's management section handles every aspect of a client's career and their books are growing day by day, with likes of model Caprice, designer Scott Henshall and, from the US, singer Rihanna. The PR section has represented such brands as Ed Hardy, OK magazine and Versace. Neil and Jonathan are up-and-coming players in the entertainment industry, having established themselves as entrepreneurs in an incredibly difficult business sector.
They spend a lot of time in Marbella, as it is a hotspot for their clients, and now view it as their second home. I met them at the H10 Andalucía Plaza hotel and, being a sucker for the glamour of show business, I was desperate to know how it all began...

THE BIG ORGANISER
Neil Ransome's story is one that touches your heart. He was bullied at school for being the "short, fat kid with glasses" but instead of allowing this to destroy him, he became determined to succeed in life, living by the motto, "What hurts you just makes you stronger." Now 26, he is over six feet tall with model looks, successful and extremely funny. I was in stitches for most of the interview. He told me that last year he went to a school reunion with his then girlfriend, Michelle Bass (Big Brother star and top glamour model), surrounded by security, and was greeted with open mouths from his former tormenters. Now that's what I call payback! His life has become a whirlwind of exclusive parties, wining and dining with stars, and living the high life in general. Jealous? Me? After leaving school he moved into sales and found his forte. "My life really started at 19," says Neil. "I originally wanted to work in my Dad's events company, Phil Ransome Events, but he felt I didn't have enough experience. So I joined Timepieces International, quickly becoming European sales manager, until he finally hired me."
PRE is an events management company dealing with mostly corporate events, which can be anything from fashion shows for Tesco to John Lewis conferences. Neil is also heading up the sales and marketing of their new venture, Stikfas, a mass cult toy - they own the rights to UK distribution. Four years ago Neil had a meeting with Identity One, and Jonathan was so impressed with his work ethics that he asked Neil to work on Simon Webbe's "Blue" party, and thus a great friendship was born. As Jonathan put it, "He latched on four years ago and I haven't been able to get rid of him." He adds, "I love what I do; organising events allows me to use my creative side and express myself. My favourite event has been the Prince of Brunei's birthday party. I had two days notice, and managed to book Marco Pierre White's restaurant and fly in Diana Ross to perform. I even had to put rose petals on the floor for her as she won't walk on metal."
With his strength, determination and sheer hard work (this man survives on power naps) it looks as though he has proved everyone wrong, and has finally put the past behind him.

THE CELEBRITY MANAGER
Born in Essex, Jonathan started his business ventures in school (yes, you heard me). "School wasn't about school for me," he explains. "I used it to start my business." In his teens he began to DJ, falling in love with the whole nightlife scene.
Annoyed that he was too young to get into nightclubs he arranged under-18 nights, selling the tickets to all his friends. "I ended up having agents in all the other schools selling tickets. This led on to my next idea, which was to start a lifestyle membership system called 'Night Life Card.' I ran it from my bedroom and soon had one million members. I sold the company on my 16th birthday." At 17 he was employed by the executive producer of Top Of The Pops, organising the TOTP road shows. He worked with all the up-and-coming artists, and the runners and tea boys who he befriended back then have gone on to become music executives and A&R directors. Jonathan says, "I have been in the industry for a long time, and have built up a reputation and credibility, which enabled me to set up Identity One.
He now lives the life many people can only dream of: his birthday parties have been covered by OK magazine, he counts Jordan and Peter as friends, and even attended their wedding. "Yes, they really are very much in love," he replies when I ask him.
He has met everyone from Cameron Diaz (who's really cute) to Victoria Beckham (who is actually very attractive, just needs a few burgers). At only 24 he has already achieved one of his life ambitions: this year he met his idol Michael Jackson.
Jonathan has begun to crack the American market and wants to continue in this direction. "I want to become famous in my industry; I want to be respected for what I do." He also told me a little secret... Jonathan and Neil are in the process of setting up another new venture called Celebrity clients.com. By the time this is published it will in be full swing. It is a celebrity booking agency where you can choose from big names such as Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, Status Quo, Jordan and Girls Aloud.
Jonathan tells me, "Securing a celebrity appearance or performance can bring your event to life, giving it that extra wow factor." With his business empire growing daily, I have to say Simon Cowell better watch his back!
After our interview the guys decide to head down to Ocean Club. Within minutes they are greeted by model after beautiful model. I start giggling to myself when one of the UK's top glamour models saunters over and asks if she can use their shower before her flight. I notice all the jaws of the surrounding men drop, while Jonathan just shrugs nonchalantly and says, "Yeah sure, why not." It's all in a day's work for them - just show business.

BEHIND THE SCENES
I asked Jonathan for some celeb gossip (oh come on, I am a woman). Laughing, he finally agreed. "It was at the Prince of Brunei's birthday party. Diana Ross was singing, which she was paid a lot of money to do, but after singing only a few songs she said, 'Thank you', and walked off. So Sharon Osborne stood up and shouted, 'Are you f***ing kidding me; you are not even going to say f***ing happy birthday to the Prince.' Diana Ross turned round, came back on stage and said quietly, 'I'd like to wish the Prince a happy birthday.'"

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