Do any of you guys or girls have promo videos to give out to big clients to give them a little taste of how you work your magic?

HI,
I do, I got a job from one just last month
Phillip

Yup! They are a must if dealing with agents, cruise ships, and many other clients. If you have Adobe Premier, or iMovie2 (for Mac users) it's easy to do yourself. Good luck!

Dave

http://www.DaveWomach.com

A video demo tape is one of the tools that I use to sell my show, particularly in corporate markets, however, with the increasing popularity of broadband internet access I am sending out fewer video tapes and sending more clients to my web site to view video.

A word of caution: If you are trying to get corporate work I would be careful about doing the tape yourself. The last thing you want is to look like an amateur. For a free article on how I created my video demo tape see:
http://www.success-in-magic.com/free_reports.htm

I agree with Jim 100% (unless he's saying my video looks like an ameteur did it Just kidding...)

The professional route is the way to go. Fortunately I took a lot of TV Production classes in High School, and learned how to produce a lot of different styles of videos.

I wish more people would post their opinions on this link, because this is a great topic for discussion! There's so much to it!

Best of luck!

Dave


http://www.DaveWomach.com

At the moment I don't have a promotion video. But I am seriously thinking of producing one. There are markets where you need one.

Thanks so much for the interesting free article, Jim Snack. Your material seems to be very valuable information.

I have seen Dave's promo video...

The version I saw of it was last summer, and it was done very nicely... and he wasn't quite finished with it... (I got your back Dave!)

My question is this... What format should you provide it in.... DVD's are international and are getting cheaper and cheaper, but not everyone has access to them. VHS, you have to worry about sending it overseas and they are bulky. What about AVI files and a computer CD? They are international, quick and cheap?

What do you have, and why?

Ojasa

I am currently using DVD's (produced from my computer). I have done a lot of research, and found a brand of Writeable DVD's that play on MOST players. However, not everyone that you will be sending to has a DVD player in the office.

I recently discussed this with Greg Frewin, and he believes that VHS is still the way to go... and he's right. Until people all have access to DVD players in their offices, we might be putting too much energy into something that can't be viewed by everyone. I'd like to hear other opinions on this.

Dave

Dave, We are also using DVD's produced in house. We also did the research and found the correct dvd's for most people. Make sure you use dvd-, not dvd+. Most new dvd players can read both but a lot of the older ones read one or the other and most are dvd-. We are getting ready to have our video mass produced on dvd. The process to go with is replication, not duplication. Replication is where the disc is basically stamped with your info (video) while it is created, as opposed to duplication where your info is burned into an existing disc.

We have found some great pricing on replication with 4 color screen printing onto the disc.

AS far as some people still not having DVD players. It has not been a problem yet, if it ever is, we are prepared to send a vhs tape. However, most people have a dvd in their home or at the office.

With dvd you can do interactive things like animated buttons, music and/or graphics on the menu screen, the ability to also put a picture slideshow as well as all your print info right onto the dvd, so if it is ever passed on, your other promo items are still included.

Hope this helps.

Kevin
Living Illusions

How long should a good video be?

Hi,
I have mine on std VHS tape as I am not and do not have any desire to work internationally. (I like my own bed) and everyone has acesess to a video player.
Phillip

I'd like to get some opinions on my video from anyone with Windows Media Player...

Here's the link http://www.davewomach.com/WomachDemoWMV.htm

Is it Cruise Ship Worthy? Or Theme Park?

Thanks!

Dave

I watched it and it's ok, except for the parts that just go black and you just hear the music. That happened a lot.

Dave, I hire a large act once a year. Personally I like to see an audience interaction piece as well as flash. I always ask for a non produced piece. I would rather see live action. It shows me what I am looking for in a performer. Just an opinion.

I want to try putting my video on my site, I think if it is on a website, it can be modified easier than having to remake a whole mess of tapes. But if the person doesn’t have Internet access (I've had it happen) just have some videos on hand. But that's just my two cents.

What Kingry says is very important. Be careful that you are producing videos to connect with your potential buyer. Just like a photo, it can make a narrow impression and that may or may not be the full scope of your identity. While you DO want to show your style and personality and uniqueness, certain things may come across at the expense of others. For instance, if you do an "MTV" style quick-cut rapid action type video, it may not appeal to someone booking entertainment for a calmer, non-MTV audience.
The rule of thumb seems to be 7 minutes as the absolute longest run time for a promo tape. In that 7 minutes you should include some live interaction with a real audience. This reinforces the entertainment value of your show to "real people".
An excellent role model for use of new technologies and old fashioned entertainment value is the Lazer Vaudeville troupe with Carter Brown and Cindy Marvel.

Our interview/performance video has closed many deals for us.

We produce it in VHS and mini-round CDR which are attached to our brochures.

The CDRs include links to our web site, email and all of our letters of rec.

Best regards,
BlackSalt

In the professional world, a demo video is a must. I have gone ahead and had three produced and incorporated them into an interactive CD ROM which in itself was another video of sorts - we actually shot in front of a green screen.
As far as length...I have done about 3 demo reels for my large show - the current one "Untamed Magic" is about 4 1/2 min long - just long enough to wet the whistle. take a look at http://www.stevenkline.com - go to the "untamed magic" section.
as far as media goes, I use both VHS bot PAL and NTSC formats as well as DVD - on all international trips, I take along DVD's - we are always looking for new clients - as well as a few PAL format tapes. there are always a few who are not with the times !

Having seen Kline's DVD I can tell you it's pretty great. Interactive and definitely wets the whistle.

Kline's entire promo kit is beautifully done. I'd say everyone should check out his video online.

While it isn't the only way to go, it's one that does work.

Robert Bloor

Thanks Robert !
It has worked for me ! I got your e-mail and will respond soon - I am just home form the holiday rush preparing for a return trip overseas - I will type soon !