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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
Hey folks,
I am in need of some input here. I am thinking of releasing our version of the Wiz Kote SHOE Burning effect. We had a great success with our Cellulator and I would like to explain why we went with the smaller/cell phone version first. I had so many larger/bulky items within my line of magic and felt it best if I could create a version which was more portable. Also, the concept of the cell phone was fresh and seemed easier to borrow. Given this, the Classics still seem to be in demand for a reason. Plus I get endless emails requesting a version large enough for a shoe. So I felt maybe I should give it a shot. I had a talk with Steve Hart and he simply said..."it's about time!" Needless to say I have his permission and he will receive royalties as he does with the Cellulator. The prop will look almost EXACTLY like the Cellulator...only larger. All the same features and quality as you would expect. We will NOT be using the Wiz-Kote name as we plan to re-name the prop however the basic effect will remain the same. They will cost much more than the original Wiz Kote as our materials, labor and features go far beyond the original. My guess is around $750-$795 So, my question is...what do ya think? I need to have an idea of how many to build for the first run. We are finishing up a run of Cellulator's and I will begin production of the new Wacky Wiz Kote immediately after. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks Chance Wolf Wolf's Magic
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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magicinsight Inner circle 4293 Posts |
Chance,
I have a Wiz Kote by Chalet MAgic but I would certainly get your Wiz Kote for the shoe. However, I think it would be beneficial to also have a retrieval chest to go along with it. Perhaps you can sell each item separately or as a package. Michael Siegel
“Belief matters more than truth. Every moment, belief in imaginary things alters lives while truth sits unnoticed and waits.”
—Hakim, Loreweaver |
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Ken Dumm Inner circle 1239 Posts |
Chance,
I definitely would be interested if it was a one man effect. I can't rely on having someone re-load the shoe, so I would need a way do it myself. BTW, is Shattered anywhere near being completed? Thanks Ken |
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Clownboy Veteran user 355 Posts |
Hey Chance, so glad to hear your considering this!
I have the same opinion as Ken and Michael. I don't mind paying more for a complete routine that can be done with only one person. A retrieval chest included would be of great value to us. I know it extends production costs but I believe most of us would pay it. Just my 2 cents worth. Best to you! Brad
As the Frogs say "Times Fun when you're having Flies"
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magicinsight Inner circle 4293 Posts |
Chance,
I can certainly appreciate the difficulty and expense in simultaneously making both the "Wiz Kote" and a retrieval type chest. However, as in most business situations, you have to make a cost-benefit analysis. It will be easier for you to make such a calculation since you already have a working model to compare with-that being you cell phone effect with the cell phone retrieval box. Do you think that you have sold more of your cellulator effect after you had made the phone-ale retrieval box? Did you find that more people were ordering both cellulator along with the phone-ale box at the same time (as a package)? If so, then it would be similar with the "Wiz Kote" effect as well. Since I do not know your manufaturing cost and time involved in making these particular effects, I cannot make any assumptions that if you were offer both the Wiz Kote and a retrieval chest and therefore you would sell more Wiz Kote and retrieval chests, then your overal manufaturing cost per unit would be lower. I can only assume that the more units per item you sell, the lower the manufacturing cost per unit it is. But since you make each unit by hand, this may not be the case. The difficulty with just offering the wiz kote item is that most people will ask and wonder how are they to re-produce the now restored show without an assitant. Most people work without an assitant. I am married and my wife hesitants to be my magic assitant so I would also need a retrieval chest/box that can produce the show without an assitant. I do have Chalet's retrieval chest but would prefer somethng to match the theme of your "Wiz Kote", and I am sure most people would feel the same way. I am also sure that if you only produce the "Wiz Kote" with your own unique twists and cartoon style, that it will be a sell out since you do have such a loyal following, myself included. But you should thnk about how to offer and make a retrieval chest/box to be used by the solo performer that is reasonably and relatively easy to manufacturer at a cost that you can earn a decent profit from. Best wishes to you and your family, Michael
“Belief matters more than truth. Every moment, belief in imaginary things alters lives while truth sits unnoticed and waits.”
—Hakim, Loreweaver |
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Rich B. Special user Philadelphia 632 Posts |
I was just working with a friend that has the Chalet version and wanted to stream line the effect regarding the shoe retrieval. He uses a plastic tub filled with other odd shoes as a gag...which also produces the kids shoe. For him it was just too much to carry, therefore he did not perform it as much as he would like.
I just sent Chance a PM with what I feel solves all the issues addressed by Michael above. 1) No assistant needed for retrieval 2) The production cost should not go up hardly 3) The retrieval device takes up no room to transport 4) The retrieval device is in full view of the audience BEFORE the shoe burns up 5) The retrieval device that was in full view is opened by the kid missing the shoe...revealing his own shoe. I know it sounds like a magic add....but its true. Hopefully this will help Chance. I really looking forward to the new Wizcote. Rich B. |
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
Hey folks,
Thanks for the extensive input so far. I understand a Retrieval System is important and if it were a ONE-MAN method then that would be the best solution. I hesitate to do a Retriever Chest as that is Chalet's design/property so I will need to think outside the box for the retrieval method. Rich has submitted and interesting idea. It is not bulletproof and does require a switch and a bit of guts for those weak in the stomach for stage sleights, but it IS effective and would pack small and play big so to speak. Good thinking Rich and friend. I may offer it as an option. Keep the ideas and input coming as it is appreciated. Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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mjeayres New user UK 94 Posts |
Hi Chance
I would be interested in a shoe version. Even though I have the Cellulator I have found that most of the children I perform to in the UK do not have cell phones or certainly do not have them when they are at a kids party, so I am finding it difficult to fit into my show. But fortunately all the kids do have shoes!! Providing the new Shoe-ulator could come with a carry case I would definately be interested. Thanks Marcus |
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magicinsight Inner circle 4293 Posts |
I think a compact and easily transportable "retrieval" type unit designed for the solo performer as suggested by Rich B. would be a terrific idea.
Michael
“Belief matters more than truth. Every moment, belief in imaginary things alters lives while truth sits unnoticed and waits.”
—Hakim, Loreweaver |
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
I am thinking of a larger version of the Phone-Ale.
The shoe would be nested in a Black Bag inside a Shoe Box which is inside the ATA Case. The same load system for the most part but I cannot give away the exact method. If this works, it would be a VERY fast load and hopefully it all can pack within the ATA Case provided with the Shoe-ulator ( or whatever I end up calling it) Sound interesting? Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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Ken Dumm Inner circle 1239 Posts |
Are you taking orders yet?
Ken |
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dking66 Loyal user 261 Posts |
Sounds great, Chance!
I like the idea of the nested "shoe box". Another idea: I use a see-thru Drawer Box (my shoe box) as a retriever. I use a suitcase-style table... the lid is immediately placed inside on top shelf after the burn... and the shoe is transported to the drawer box in bottom shelf area... box shown empty, then held by the child until the reveal. Chance... you could make a nice Drawer Box that looks like a wacky "shoe box". Anyway, As usual, put me down for one, Chance! I can't wait! Doug |
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
Doug,
That is a pretty darn good idea and more simple to make. hmmm...he wheels are turning. For the record, if I manage to find a "One-Man" retrieval method, it will require substantial "blocking" using a performance station/draped table etc. Thanks Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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Rich B. Special user Philadelphia 632 Posts |
I'm going to post my idea that I PM ed to Chance in The Secret Sessions forum. My friend is putting this method to together and is going to let me know the results after a few performances.
Maybe someone could expand on the idea. Check it out. Rich B. |
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
Good thinking Rich! I look forward to the results and I will add in what I can.
Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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matt.magicman Inner circle Mars 1524 Posts |
I have seen al belmont use this many of times with great sucess!
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magicinsight Inner circle 4293 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-07-09 11:51, dking66 wrote: Doug, Terrific idea!!! Michael
“Belief matters more than truth. Every moment, belief in imaginary things alters lives while truth sits unnoticed and waits.”
—Hakim, Loreweaver |
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John Martin Inner circle 1017 Posts |
Chance,
That's great news. I would definately be interested in a Wacky Wiz?kote. Never mind incorporating a retrieval system though. I use the Wiz Kote on my own plenty of times and there`s lots of time to load the shoe into "whatever". All you need is a little cover, ie. Suitecase table etc. For what it's worth I "restore" the shoe in a box of Tide detergent "cleaning it the old fashioned way". In six years of doing the Wizote hundreds of times, I've only ever bought 2 Tide boxes and I use the contents on my cloths...pretty cheap way to go. Do use the Cellulator ignition systme though. Bying pyro matches gets expensive quicly. Looking forward to this offering. All the best, John |
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Mumblemore Inner circle 1429 Posts |
Hi Chance,
I'm in and agree that the retrieval system may make it too expensive . . . When are these going into production? Todd |
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Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
Chance, my friend..you've done it now. No capping this jar of worms! I'm still waiting for a Performance Station!
Steve |
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