Hi just want to take some input from you guys. How much does the car we drive to our gigs affect our image??? If I try to position myself as one of the top corporate magicians and drive for example "average" Toyota Corrola do you think it actually "cheapens" the image I am trying to project? Not that there is something wrong with that type of a car - but you know what I am getting at, right? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Bond... James Bond

I'm not sure if this answers your question, but I drive a Scion xB and I get told it looks like a clown car. I get comments on how fitting it is for a children's entertainer to drive a "box" car. But it holds an amazing amount of stuff for performing.

Sammy the Kid

C. Dugdale of new york/london drives a porsche. He is number one elite perfomer in those cities.

OOOOOOOOOOOK a couple things.

wonder, lets not start this silly debate again ok?

As for a car. NOBODY and I mean NOBODY sees my car in the first place. In town to the theater I have a toyota, going places I use a 1978 Trans-Am in the right weather. So what?

Mostly when I fly I rent cars, and it is an expence that is picked up by the client. Aside from what your car says about you personally which the whole world can see (my Trans Am must REALLY say in secure) it has little to do with what people think of you.

Your not gonna pose by it after the show are you?

wonder, you really need to back off the hero worship. It is so silly.

Sammy, I've been thinking about replacing my gas guzzling van with the Scion xB. What is your opinion of the car aside from the roominess? Reliable? Comfortable on long trip? Fuel efficient?

I'm with Danny on this topic, as well. I used to have my advertising on the side of my van...and took it off because it was doing more harm than good. We all make mistakes while driving and people tend to remember you through these mistakes. "That SOB cut me off a few weeks ago, hire someone else." Also, having lived in Italy for 12 years, I've developed this unfortunate (but very therapeutic) tendency to communicate to offensive drivers through hand signals that are not exactly client-friendly. So, I don't want my car to be too recognizable with my character.

Even when doing birthday parties, I'll park up the street so as not to take limited parking space away from the guests. I'm being paid to be there...I can afford to walk a few hundred feet. On the larger school, corporate, commerical and theatrical gigs...who ever sees your car in the parking lot? As long as the car is clean, presentable and relatively noise and smoke-free, I don't think it really matters what you drive to your client's house or business.

Put your money where it matters...in your show and marketing. For transportation, focus on affordable, reliable and presentable.

Skip

Very interesting subject….. Keep in mind we are in show business, and it is all about image and being showy. If you need a huge van/truck for your show, it should look nice and sleek and well maintained. If you can get away driving a nice SUV for your show even better. If you can drive a porsche then LUCKY YOU not having to haul all the props.

Here in Hollywood it is all about what you arrive in. You tend to get more respect from the studios, agents, producers, and a better parking spot, if you drive in a nicer car. They tend not to see you as an extra struggling, but someone who is making it through Hollywood… Therefore with that said, I maintain my vehicle and drive a elite class of an SUV. At an event I had a celebrity hop in and had me drop her off at her vehicle which happened to be the same make and model….. (but newer) hehehehe

Do you see Copperfield, Lance Burton making a Ford Escort float or disappear? NO…

SHOW BUSINESS,,,,,,,,,, SHOW BUSINESS…

Now lets pull out our magic wands and measure……………

Fair enough...let me modify my statement in lieu of Curtis' reasonable assessment. If your name is David Copperfield, Criss Angel or Penn Jillette, then arrive in style. If your plans are to become the next David Copperfield, Criss Angel or Penn Jillette, then arrive in style. If, like me, you make your living bouncing from school to school and event to event, then keep it clean, dent free and practical...until you hit the big time...then arrive in style.

I still say that you should put your money back into your show first. The window dressing comes after you're successful and no longer need to worry where next month's house payment is coming from.

I think the contrast between Skip and Curtis' answers lies in their geographic location. Although I've never been to Raleigh, I know first hand that Hollywood is very image conscious.

Gordon...a VERY valid point! With respect to Curtis, a pro [well above my own modest position] in a VERY cometitive and image conscious locale...I'm sure that the right car...and clothes...and hairstyle...and manicure...and brilliant smile...CAN mean the difference between a sweet gig and a lost deal. Here in Mayberry central, fortunately, the ability to entertain and maintain laughter still carries sufficient weight to meet my meager needs...3-year-old Plymouth Voyager included. Hmmmmmm.

:) Skip

In some parts, ain’t no need to try and impress them, they find out pretty soon who you are anyway?

I do agree at times it is important, but on the flip side: Some do reach a point where it doesn’t really matter. Copperfield could ride in anything and he would still be Copperfield.

Tom

I few thoughts

- My car is always full of crap so I try and avoid people seeing it.
- I don't have signage because I don't want to attract attention from idiots on the road.
- I drive a daewoo nubira. It's a station wagon for all my props and doesn't look magical.
I also don't have signage in case I cut someone off in traffic!

As I said on another topic:
"It doesn't matter how much money you get every year or what kind of a car you drive as long as you are talented and love what you are doing. I know of way more talent that makes less than that and dosn't drive a fancy car or if they do, doesn't brag about it thinking it will make them more talented. I have seen 15-20 year olds with better talent then what I have seen of Chris. Just check out Reza's site its the bomb. Now he is talented. So Wonder Pefomance check other performers before calling Chris Dugdale the best."

~Cameron~

But one must say it is nice to pull up in a vehicle as nice as your clients.

I do agree with the statement that you should invest in your equipment. But you should invest in yourself as well... I believe the combination of the two is healthy for your self-esteem and self validation.....

I have discovered with hard work, dedication, and talent, you can have anything your heart desires..... INCLUDING a fancy zoom zoom …….

I'm in serious trouble, then, Curtis. I've ALWAYS wanted to pull up to MY clients house in a 1966 Cadillac Bordeom Busters Ambulance ala "Ghostbusters" with lights flashing, bubbles blowing, smoke billowing and music blaring. Clearly, my psyche is totally screwed!

:) Skip

Chris I guess the difference is this. Would your client rather you had a fance car, or a show that is worth more than they paid for?

See yea it does matter image wise it sure does. BUT really what you drive has nothing to do with clients. IF you want to pretend to be whatever to impress someone, then when the show gets there it is lacking, your losing the battle. The show is what is sold, not what car you arrive in.

IF they are worried about your car you have done a poor job in sales.

How many auditions have you shown up to in Hollywood where they are waiting where you park, and take into account what you arrive in? My guess is few.

See what you arrive in makes US feel better about who WE are. That is the idea. It does say something about you yes, but usually not very good things.

Impress them with the show, that is our job. You could arrive on the bus, and it wouldn't matter.

Now what you vanish or make appear on stage is a horse of a different color. THAT IS THE SHOW BUSINESS PART. Also a completly different issue from what you drive.

What you wear, yea that is imiage.

I don't think you should project an imiage of poverty either. BUT any well kept car is enough.

Does anyone think that you will get or re book a job based on the car you drive? Is it even a factor?

Funny you should mention that. I believe David "Silly Billy" Kaye, one of New York's most in demand kidshow performers, rides the subway between gigs. How's THAT for image?

:) Skip

Skip,
Your new car sounds great.. HEHEHEH see you are taking the show biz point side..... It could be very entertaining.....

Yes, you may not get job because of your car it does take talent, which is more important. But I believe if you are the entertainment industry you should present yourself in that way, such as: nice costumes, a great act, being friendly and entertaining, as well as being sleek. I don’t think it has to be a fancy car, but a car that does not make goofy sounds and smokes while you drive down the street. IE looks like it has been to hell and back.

Danny, you will not believe what goes on in Hollywood unless if you live here and you are activate in the industry..... Maybe your car will not be seen at an audition, but when you go on the sets believe me it is SHOW TIME... When you are at a studio, you can be directed to park sooooooo far away or you can be pointed to park right next to your report area.... On the studio lot by the studio door lot you see nothing but nice cars ... In the studio parking lot urgh...

Now when I have appeared on location (non studio) the set is locked down by security guards usually. Properly presenting yourself, one can instantly gain respect and get to hang out in the tents/rooms of the celebrities and producers... I have seen people be directed to the “extra” tent area because the way the have arrived and presented their self Hollywood wants STARS not clumps of nothings in many aspects.

Now when you go to taping of talk shows, TV tapings, if you look trendy and nice you get a better seat and get to be on camera…


Also, I have had agents indirectly ask me what type of car I drive, casting directors too..... Sometimes they want a flashy person or sometimes they want the struggling type of person for the role. This usually applies to reality TV....

But when it boils down to it... NO it really does not matter what you drive or where you live... It is about ENTERTAINING and TALENT.

But if you want to take the show biz side then I believe your car, home, clothing, and style should be considered...

Well I just bought a new MINI Cooper convertible, because my kids are grown, and my wife and I still like to have fun. Boy was I surprised at all the adult women, and little girls that ask me for a business card at trafic lights. Oh yea my license plate says "juggler". I never suspected that a nice car with the "juggler" tag would imply that I was a good juggler. Wouldn't it be something if the car got me enough bookings to make my car payments for me.
WHODA THUNK
Al Angello

It is not about using your car as tool to get jobs, but to enhance your style....

We live in a day of flashiness... Believe me pull up to a country club or a red carpet premier event in a beat up run down car and see how many looks you get and how the valet treats you.....................

Like I stated before it boils down to talent... I see to as if you are successful at what you do,,,,, you can have anything you desire....

Curtis I think your more interested in how it makes YOU feel.