I don't think anyone has said you're wrong for doing so, everyone is just voicing their opinion on the number of animations a figure has - and of course opinions are based on personal experience and ways of looking at things.
I know I wouldn't want you to stop. Someone new can often come up with something that makes someone not-so-new stop and think, "hmmmmm...." - and stopping and thinking is never a bad thing.




I'm sure that is the sometimes the case, but I doubt always the case. It was the case for my first pro-figure, aside from the moving mouth and eyes, it only had one winker because that was all I could afford.
But many years later, when I had my "dream figure" made for me, all I wanted was mouth and eyes, he has raising eyebrows also because his maker just decided to put them in.



Again, I'm sure sometimes that may be the case, but I don't think that can be said to be generally the case. I think it's generally more safe to say that many just realize how little a lot of extra animations are needed to create the illusion convincingly, and/or for the little use many of the extras get, it's just not worth bothering with getting them at all.
But again, that's just my way of thinking - I'd be the last one to think my opinion on the matter is the only right one, especially for something like this.
In the end, to me, a vent figure is a very personal thing so it's all about whatever works for the person getting the figure, there is no absolute right or wrong.

Thanks for the additional comments;
I feel that the members here are sincerely attempting to assist me not to make mistakes. I appreciate all comments here; most have been very helpful.

The goal of many ventriloquists’ is to make a good living performing to feed a family and be successful; my goal Is to get up on stage and experiment, do everything differently and play with my figure;

With the purchase of the figure, side stands, backdrop, web site, Axtell items, Tech3 and the PA system I will have spent over $5000.00 and I have booked 2 shows, both freebees.

I truly enjoy spending time here on the café posting my topics and answering other postings explaining my eccentric actions.

I know some must open a topic I have posted on and shook a head wondering what planet I came from.

I am having fun, here and with Dan, I am happy…

This is a forum and we are all here to learn and share ideas... there are no right or wrong answers. What wont work for me can work for another vent and vice versa.

But there are corresponding topics and threads...

I can write on this thread that the most important thing for a profesional ventriloquist other than figure animations, manipulations, script writing and showmanship is how to  MARKET his act and convince clients that his act is perfect for a particular event... BUT THAT WOULD BE OFF TOPIC.

Please pardon me but I just think its kinda off to tell someone asking infos about figure animations that there are other things more important than animations. I think every vent knows that already.

In a thread asking for infos and reviews about Payes figures for example, will it be proper to say that a Selberg is better? 

Vents using figures with just moving mouth will always say mine has a moving mouth only and it works for me just like Edgar Bergen, I don't need extra animations... and vents using figures with animations will also say mine is loaded and it works for me.

... what works for you works for you. 

BUT this thread is an inquiry about animations, its as simple as that my friends. Future new vents will read our posts years from now when our new friend Buzz is already a headliner in Vegas, we don't want them lost in the Café, do we?

An interesting point you bring up,

When Edgar Bergen was working as a ventriloquist, having any type of a figure was a remarkable invention for viewers to marvel at.

At the time a ventriloquist figure with a moving mouth was state of the art equipment.

In today’s world a moving mouth is basic; the audience expects more without them even knowing what it is they want; interesting looking faces, intricate design of the paint,

On the face of Dan, the left edge of his lips turn down and the right side of his lips turns up, so if he is looking at me, he seems to be smiling to the audience, if he is turned away from me he seems to be frowning to the audiance; a feature never used by Mr. Bergen at the time.

It is a different world we live in now, much different than days past.

Figure animations... When does it get tricky?

Two entirely different topics if you ask me...

But the quoted topic could be very interesting, make a new thread and lets all post some obvious comments

I can’t answer that; I don’t know all the rules on The Magic Café,

We have posted about soft puppets, wild child neighbors, scripts cannons and just having a good time

In the end, that's what matters.
And I've always believed that if you are having fun and enjoying what you are doing, that will come through to the audience and they will be drawn into that feeling.

Hi Buzz...sorry to say this but two of our top vents in the field, Jeff Dunham and Terry Fator, both have simple puppets with most of them having NO animations. It's the ACT..it's the material.. and how you handle the puppet. Bergen was a genius. To get an over-tricked puppet proves nothing but the craftsmanship of the figure maker. Any good vent can make anything come to life and entertain. I still contend animations are like seasoning in a stew..not really needed in great quantity.. if at all. If I've learned anything being in this business full time for 32 years it's that the animations if overdone and too many can be distracting. What about working on the character of the puppet and the quality of the act?. INMHO that's the secret behind ventriloquism...not how much stuff your puppet has on it animation-wise. I enjoy everyone's posts ! Why not a thread about good comedy material ?

Mark
markwade@kidshowvent.com

Hey mark,

LOL don’t be sorry, I am 63 years old, I don’t have the time left or the energy to be as professional as Jeff Dunham and Terry Fator.

I understand they have been interested and practicing ventriloquism since childhood; they have perfected the craft.

I want to experiment and have fun playing with ventriloquism.

I want to do what no other ventriloquist has ever done.

I will probably never make the big bucks.

I will have the best dressed stage around

I will own a TECH 3 MP3 player to start and stop my music

I will have a good sound system to use.

One of the nicest backgrounds made for magic.

A figure I can practice with in front of a mirror with lots of movements to keep me busy.

I will do charity events in the San Francisco area.

I have told many people that I am learning to be ventriloquists.

Two of them have asked me to come perform at a children’s event.

I told both I am not ready, I still move my lips.

Both told me they don’t care, they want me to come anyhow.

They can see my excitement.

I may not be financially successful as a ventriloquist.

I will make it pay for itself.

I want to get on a stage, play with my stuff, and immerse myself in everything I do on stage.

I am willing to bet you that the audience will see me enjoying myself and be entertained by it all.

As a photographer, I did the same thing, I got paid to go play with my cameras; I enjoyed every minute of it and was successful.


I AM EXCITED

Good for you, Buzz...enjoy!

Mark
markwade@kidshowvent.com

BTW Mark, I replied to your PM and still have not got the info

Buzz:

Love your manifesto! Go get 'em!!!

Bob

Thanks Bob.

I will keep posting my progress, soon I will have photos, as soon as the mic stand and background gets here I will post videos on youtube

Buzz, please PM me again and I'll see what's he holdup. Thanks for mentioning it.,
Mark
markwade@kidshowvent.com

Mark,

I sent an email to your markwade@kidshowvent.com address, where you have a much better chance of receiving it.

Thanks for your comments here.

Buzz

Figure animations... When does it get tricky?

Heck with the thread...

Go for it Buzz, that excitement will make you a great vent!!!

Got you email, Buzzz, and will send you some info.
Mark

markwade@kidshowvent.com

Thanks Mark, looking forward to receiving it

(The above was short sentence typed without moving my lips)

You are getting good at that Buzz. (Typing without moving your lips.)

Love your enthusiasm and attitude. Keep it!

Tom

Tom.

Thanks for the complement

My lip control while typing is almost mastered; I am practicing shorting my “V’s” , they still look like ”W’S”

Buzz