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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Nov 6, 2007 9:58am
VENTS - We are working on some amazing new remote control puppets for Ventriloquists or those who want to provide their own live voice. We call these "Hands-Free Puppets".
The vent characters will be operated by a secret tiny control (like you would beep your car doors with). On stage with you the puppet always looks alive automatically active and slightly moving, watching your audience and your show. You don't need to control him during this phase.
When you want to control him, just push one button to "look over at you" and the next to "move it's mouth"! Then when you are finished with this puppet speaking, return it to it's automatic "Alive" state. You can now work with a puppet in your hands, and with the tiny control hidden in your other hand, also control the remote puppet from a distance!
Let me know if this sounds interesting to you.... we are also making some for Magicians where the voice would be pre-recorded. Email me to get on the notify list.
Ax
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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dmm
New user
71 Posts
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Posted: Nov 6, 2007 11:16am
Great idea Steve, any idea on price points?
i Magish
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Nov 6, 2007 12:40pm
Not yet.... we are trying to keep them down under $5,000, but some are trying to get us to price it much higher so only the top can afford them, but that's not my style. I'll let you know as soon as we have it locked down on the first few Axtell characters. The response has been overwhelming. I've received nearly 100 emails in two days from over 6 countries. It looks like we've got a great concept here who's time has come. I'll have more info and videos coming soon!
Ax
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Nov 8, 2007 11:36am
I started this topic here because of the VENT version of our Remote Control "Hands-Free Puppets". However, in the Little Darlings section there is quite a bit more detailed discussion going on about all the versions too. You might want to check that out by Clicking Here!
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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olivertwist
Elite user
Nashua, NH
470 Posts
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Posted: Nov 8, 2007 9:57pm
Steve,
I'm a big fan of your work and use several of your puppets. I wonder though whether this level of automation crosses the line to where it's so unbelievable that the audience knows it is mechanical, and thinks, if the motion is all RC mechanics, perhaps the voice is as well.
I have Mark Thompson Live on VHS. On it he does some great vent bits but towards the end he crosses the line and does a trio, singing simultaneously with two puppets. It's obvious that the voices are recorded and to me it diminishes the impact of the pure vent work which was very good.
I'm sure those who can spend the $5K will find creative and effective uses for the props but like sleight of hand magic vs big box illusions; people understand the skill involved in sleight of hand and admire it more, even though they still love the big illusions.
Oliver
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Nov 13, 2007 12:48am
Oliver....yes I'm sure you have a good point. One way to keep it from being perceived as a robot with a pre-recorded voice, is to make sure to make comments about people in the audience, have the Toucan call them out by name, be spontaneous. This will help them understand it's still you doing the voice, and the remote part will just kill!
My role as an inventor is to cross the line and break the rules....and in so doing, make discoveries. These "Hands Free Puppets" won't be for everyone but judging from the reaction I've been getting it's going to be hot!
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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olivertwist
Elite user
Nashua, NH
470 Posts
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Posted: Nov 14, 2007 9:29pm
Ax,
You make great products. I admire them and use them and will use more in the future. I certainly see that this can be used to make an effective show. I've seen vents leave a figure on stage as they walk off and suddenly the figure moves and speaks. It can be great.
Oliver
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Professor Piper
Special user
Mid-West
760 Posts
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Posted: Nov 14, 2007 10:40pm
Whether I will ever be able to add one of your new 'Hands Free' puppets to my repetoir or not, I will say this:
You are absolutely the most cutting edge, creative, and KIND inventor of our time...
You deserve a plaque or award or ribbon or SOMETHING to acknowledge your accomplishments Steve...
I mean this, from the heart.
Not only are you one HECK of a guy and supporter of Vent, but you've also mananged, in this day and age, to raise outstanding children who are driven to serve their Lord.
My hat is off to you pal...
Congratulations from Mary and my hearts!
Terry
"Nothing is Impossible"
Prof. Piper
 Trust Me. 
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Nov 15, 2007 9:55pm
Wow...I'm honored and humbled by that. No ribbon necessary. Thanks...Ax
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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Lou Hilario
Inner circle
1589 Posts
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Posted: Nov 16, 2007 8:44am
Steve, how about a sneak preview, pleaaaase.
I remembered there was someone from Spain here who was selling an animatronic rabbit in a hat puppet doing a card trick. It looked like he was using the program of Sean Bogunia using several servos. It also looked good. I think he was also selling an Animatronic bird using your latex bird. I saw it in his website video.
Knowing Steve's products, and his creative mind (I know he has an alien guiding him because his ideas are so extraordinary) this is a "killer".
Just an idea, Steve, it would be an added feature, if you could have a voice changer installed in it so that with a press of a button, vents or non vents could be able to change the voice of the puppet. I have a microphone that does this and I use it in my kid shows a lot.
For the meantime, I recently bought an animatronic parrot for US$110 here in my country. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5855091&sourceid=24593547450283126454
This will suffice for now.
Magic, Illusions, Puppet & Parrot Show ^0^
http://www.louhilario.com
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Nov 16, 2007 10:04am
Lou, alien? Ha! We just built a customized 2 meter alien puppet for Ikkoku in Japan...
Yes...we are scheduled to shoot videos all next week. We are constantly posting the updates here! http://www.axtell.com/remote.html
I must repeat that half of the genius here is the technical wizardry of Ron Palmer who's new technology is making all this possible. His robotics and my characters & performing experience are a perfect match. In the past we have added servo control to our puppets but this is much more advanced and reliable. These new features will be available exclusively through Axtell Expressions.
For a vent, the simplicity of the features hidden in the palm of your hand, will create a new world of options and ideas.... stay tuned!
Ax
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Dec 6, 2007 9:34pm
Okay the Remote Control VENT video is up....this is for YOU VENTS!
Hands-Free Puppets!
http://www.axtell.com/remote.html
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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olivertwist
Elite user
Nashua, NH
470 Posts
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Posted: Dec 6, 2007 10:33pm
Steve,
That is incredible! Well done!
Oliver
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Wanlu
Inner circle
Manila, Philippines
2162 Posts
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Posted: Dec 6, 2007 10:51pm
WOW!!! that's all I can say right now...WOW!!!
Great work Steve 
"The Old Path"
www.angdatingdaan.org
Wanlu's Ventrillusion- Visual and Vocal Illusions
www.wanlu.net
Wanlu's Custom Made Puppets
http://kadoopsypuppets.multiply.com/
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Dec 6, 2007 10:56pm
Thanks guys! The Toucan is being featured in the "FUNNY PAPER" Sammy Smith's magic mag. It's hot off the press stuff. http://www.axtell.com/new.html
Ax
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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Ony Carcamo
Elite user
Manila, PHILIPPINES
411 Posts
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Posted: Dec 7, 2007 6:10pm
Steve,
I dream that price of this that you have in mind IS IN PHILIPPINE PESO, NOT IN U.S. DOLLARS, hehe... ($1=P42 now), so I can easily afford them LOL...
Honestly, this is outstanding work!
Ony Carcamo
Ony Carcamo
PHILIPPINES
www.onycarcamo.com
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Dec 7, 2007 10:04pm
Ony - thank you for your kind words....but, sorry my friend, it is US Dollars but...good for you....this is at a time when the US Dollar is really LOW! So when we announce the price next week or two...
1. The US Dollar is very LOW!
2. We will have an "Introductory Price" to help those of you giving us feedback in the early days of this invention.
3. No doubt the price will continue to go up each year as everything does... so...
When I announce the introductory price.. it will be at the "Absolute lowest price ever" for the "Hands-Free Puppets"! Hold on to you hard earned Christmas show income... we are about to make this next year AMAZING for you!
Ax
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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ChrisJ
Loyal user
Commerce Township, MI
204 Posts
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Posted: Dec 8, 2007 12:51am
WOW how awsome is that!!!
Steve once again you have brought a wonderful idea to life in a beautiful package. YOur puppets are captivating already but the added surprise of it being hands free will really blow them away!
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Dec 17, 2007 9:46am
We just put up the video of the fully programmed Remote Control Magic Puppet. While this version would not be for Ventriloquists (because the voice is provided) you will find it very interesting nonetheless. The Video of the Remote Control VENT Puppet was shot before we added the up / down head servo which will be part of it's "Auto-Alive" mode, so you will notice more overall movement in the new video by comparison, only because of that. Your VENT version will have the same enhanced movement you see in the MAGIC version video.
http://www.axtell.com/remote.html
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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tacrowl
Special user
Maryland
751 Posts
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Posted: Dec 17, 2007 1:30pm
Steve -
I e-mailed you so many questions and appreciated the quick response - but you either missed this one or needed to check on it and I didn't hear back.
Would the remote for the puppet cause any interference with my Virtual Soundman ipod remote? If you can let me know I'd appreciate it!
Thanks,
Tom
Tom Crowl - Comedy Ventriloquist
www.ComedyVentriloquist.com
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Dec 17, 2007 6:11pm
Tom...I checked with the manufactuer who makes your system and Kelly said it would be impossible for it to interfere with our Hands-Free system.
Ax
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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tacrowl
Special user
Maryland
751 Posts
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Posted: Dec 17, 2007 8:05pm
Thanks Steve!
Tom Crowl - Comedy Ventriloquist
www.ComedyVentriloquist.com
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Dec 19, 2007 6:38pm
Okay.... we have updated the Hands-Free site and added new photos and video. Because the VENT system is not the same as the Programmed MAGIC system, we separated the pages so as not to cause confusion. The new video today went up on the MAGIC page. ENJOY!
http://www.axtell.com/remote.html
Ax
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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Bob Baker
Special user
564 Posts
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Posted: Dec 20, 2007 10:33pm
Ax:
Simply unbelievable! Talk about unlimited possibilities. Hope one day you'll be thinking about doing this with characters for adult audiences.
Thanks!!
Bob
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Eddie Garland
Inner circle
Hells Kitchen, New York City
2460 Posts
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Posted: Dec 21, 2007 12:36am
Brilliant! Simply Brilliant!
Dark Arts Media
The Devil's Tramping Ground
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Dec 21, 2007 9:40pm
We will be adding people puppets like the old man....is that what you want for adult shows?
Thanks for your kind words.
Ax
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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Carlos Hampton
Veteran user
327 Posts
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Posted: Dec 23, 2007 4:16pm
Steve,
A few questions here:
-Would it be possible for the customer to record a voice of their choosing?
-What kind of batteries would they use?
-What is the time limit for the recording of movement/voice?
-Any plans for wing movement?
-Any word on the price yet?
Thanks
Carlos Hampton
carlos@damainquieta.com www.damainquieta.com
REVISTA INDEPENDIENTE DE ILUSIONISMO
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Dec 23, 2007 10:27pm
Quote:
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On 2007-12-23 16:16, Carlos Hampton wrote:
Steve,
A few questions here:
-Would it be possible for the customer to record a voice of their choosing?
This is the VENT SECTION of the Magic Café so I want to clarify that the VENT does not have the recording / playback feature. However, the MAGIC version will have an option where you can record your own voice and then turn the critter to "Talkomatic". The mouth will synch with the voice you recorded and the body will be on "Auto-Alive"! (isn't that cool!??!!!)
-What kind of batteries would they use?
The rechargable batteries are built into the top 1/3 pole of the stand (isn't that cool!???) We will have an adapter that will be for multi-countries.
-What is the time limit for the recording of movement/voice?
It's only limited by the size of the mp3 player we will use. Not a problem. Isn't that COOL!!!???
-Any plans for wing movement?
Yes you will see that in our next video! Isn't that COOL???!!!
-Any word on the price yet?
Not quite yet but we are closing in on it.... I know....that's not as cool.
Thanks
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steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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Carlos Hampton
Veteran user
327 Posts
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Posted: Dec 24, 2007 7:36am
Steve,
I was reading more about it in your website and I found out that the customer CANNOT program de movements on his own.
I am pretty sure that the development of this project has found bigger obstacules than coming up with an easy program to connect the puppet to the compuer using a usb and a joystick to program it. I highly encourage you to consider and study this route.
I don't know what Axtell's plans are to charge for reprograming the unit to a different sequence, but at the price tag you are looking at I think the customer should have the freedom to do it. Please consider this as constructive feedback.
Even considering this service will be provided for free by Axtell, sometimes you come to a show where you need to change your routine for any specific reasons and don't have the time to wait for the new program sequence from your company.
Besides this, the puppet looks good, the movement is nice. Any inspiration on the animatronics from Xavier Tapias in Spain? Any plans for doing Vern?
Carlos Hampton
carlos@damainquieta.com www.damainquieta.com
REVISTA INDEPENDIENTE DE ILUSIONISMO
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axtell
V.I.P.
Steve Axtell
1546 Posts
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Posted: Dec 24, 2007 12:45pm
Ron's full programming system is proprietary, and we will provide that service. We have a picture of the team programming at http://www.axtell.com/remote.html This will not limit you from creating entertaining routines however.
The "Motor-Mouth" (automatic mouth synch mode) in our system is the answer for users to create custom programs on the fly (pardon the pun). All you have to do is record your voice and the "Motor-Mouth" function will synch the mouth to your recording on playback, the rest of the servos will move with some adjustable preset controls in the "Auto-Alive".
This specific robotics technology was presented to me by Ron, but over our previous 25 years in business we had made custom robotics for customers, and many customers like Xavier have made their own from our puppets over the years. We have been involved in animatronics groups and forums for years.
There are a lot of examples of previous remote control puppets by performers out there...(Stanley Burns, Bill Davis, David Strassman, Paul Zerdin, Greg Claassen, Ron Lucas, Johnny Lowe, and many others, but my inspiration comes from the enchanted work of Disney. Vern and all of the Axtell characters (including new ones coming out) will be offered as Hands-Free Puppets. This is a life-long journey and I can't wait to see where it all goes!
We will have a video showing how the Motor-Mouth feature works to create your own routines after the holidays.
steve @ axtell.com
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Professional Puppets & Magic
http://www.AXTELL.com
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