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Jacoby New user Canada 27 Posts |
So I just got booked for probably one of the biggest events my city will hold in the next long while. Just last night they said that they had made a mistake, and had no money left for entertainment (bummer), but they said they would be willing to give me and my business radio coverage, television coverage, newspaper/magazine coverage and they would advertise me to all donating companies and all the guests (about 1000 guests, with tickets at $100 a head). This is 1000's in media advertising, so of course I agreed. The organizer said his requirement for me was:
1. Entertain as guests are entering 2. Work the crowd for at least 1 hour 3. I will get introduced on stage, and I can do one 'big' effect. Something for everyone to remember me by. I told him I would agree, and I would work the crowd/tables not only 1 hour, but as much as possible. But for the big effect, I have a few in mind, but I am still deciding. Keep in mind, when it comes to stage, I am more of a mentalist than anything else. My very first thought was "Touching on Hoy" by Luke Jermay, one of my favorite stage effects. But I want to keep my options open. I also thought about this 'game show' effect on Max Maven's "Nothing" DVD Set. But like I said, I don't know. I was hoping that some of the members here could tell me, if/when they are in this situation, what they like to perform. Thanks in advance. |
magicjohn2278 Special user Isle of Man UK 544 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-11-27 07:48, Jacoby wrote: So with a budget of $100000 they say they can't afford to pay for entertainment! - Forget it! |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
On your dilemma at mind on what effect to do, perform the one you enjoy doing yourself and get the best response when you do. Do not do any effect you have never done before you want to come off as very professional and leave them wanting more.
On your decision to do the performance for fee. A famous magician once said, "Doing Free Shows will only get you more Free shows." This is because the committee will pass on that you worked for them for free. If the free promotion you get does not include a telephone # and Email address to contact you how will you know who wants to hire you for future shows. Finally, as you mentioned in your above post, as soon as you said that you would do it for free, they started laying down rules. You have lost your position of respect with them. Instead of asking what you need and how they can accommodate your needs, they no longer see you as a professional entertainer, but someone who will do something for nothing. You can be assured of one thing, they will call next year for another free performance. I learned this lesson years ago myself, only not on as big an event as you have agreed to do. The school of hard knocks is a bummer. |
Jacoby New user Canada 27 Posts |
John: They already hired other entertainment acts a while ago, they had just heard about me, and wanted add me on last minute. So they had no budget left, and after providing food and all that, the money is going to a local charity. But I appreciate the concern.
Wmhegbli: The promotion includes my website, name, email and phone number. I made sure that they do this, or I won't perform. Made it very clear. They told me the 'requirements' before I agreed to perform. And since it was free advertising, and all the attendees obviously have money I agreed to perform. And whenever I perform free or not, I am not satisfied with working to rule, I will tell them I will go above and beyond. Also, for every requirement they gave me, I gave them all mine to, and I made it very clear that these needs need to be met. And technically, it is not for free, with all the advertising, plus with all those people, if I can get at least 300 business cards out to people who obviously have money, and THEY will be the ones laying down cash for entertainment in the future, then it will help me greatly. Plus, as a small business owner, especially me (who has only been in it for a few years) it always looks good to give back to the community Lastly, not that it matters, but there is no 'next year', the town has a giant old historical building, used for military purposes, and one of the managers at the local theatre and his wife bought it (not sure what for), but it is for something for the community, and this is sort of the 'ground breaking' ceremonies, not an annual thing. But as per the advice, that does make sense. The reason I posted was because it is not until February, so if somebody had a good suggestion which works for them, it definitely couldn't hurt to know, and I would (perhaps) still have time to bring it to performance level. Regardless, thank you for the conerns. |
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