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magicodine Loyal user italy 202 Posts |
Hello,
Cris Johnson is selling is themes programme for corporate events Murder by Magic. Has anyone seen it, or has anyone bought it already? It's a lot of money to invest but it would be well worth it if the programme were indeed that good. Any rewiev, advice or warning? here's the description: +++++++++++++ I’ll let you in on a secret: magicians LOVE the corporate market. Okay, maybe it’s not much of a secret after all, but it’s easy to see why the corporate market is so appealing to magicians. Here are just a few reasons: • The fees can be really good • Because you’re performing for adults, your themes, plots and scripting can be much more sophisticated than for kids’ shows, meaning a more rewarding experience for you, the performer! • Many corporate banquet / convention events are large affairs, enabling aspiring stage magicians to haul out their really neat effects • Unlike some markets, corporate groups have events all year long! • The fees can be REALLY good • Corporate magic shows offer performers a great deal of opportunity for creativity Let’s talk about that last point for an instant: creativity. I’ve been performing corporate magic programs for audiences all across North America for the last 15 years and I can assure you that many corporate groups have seen it all. I’ve heard audiences say, “Oh, the magician we had last year did that” far too many times in recent years. True, classics in magic and mentalism are classics for a reason, but presentation is key…more on this later. There are a couple of solutions to this. First, the enterprising magician can create completely new effects with totally original scripting. In an ideal world, this is a great solution, but creating an entire show from scratch with effects that NO ONE has ever seen before is quite a challenge! The second solution is to take great effects that are proven audience-pleasers and structure them into the framework of an incredibly unique script that alters the audiences’ perceptions of what they are seeing from a simple ‘magic show’ to live theater! I’m Cris Johnson, writer of the weekly Hocus Pocus Trick Talk blog and while I’ve made it clear that school programs are my favorite shows for the last decade, I’ve been doing corporate shows consistently even longer. Also, in the USA, I can count on roughly 7-8 months of solid work from the school market (with summer months, spring break, holidays and especially weekends all eating into my potential booking calendar)…leaving roughly 4 months out of the year that I need to fill. Happily, many corporate events take place on weekends, when school is not in session! ------------------------ The Power Of Themed Programs ------------------------ If you’ve followed the teachings of Max Maven, Eugene Burger and other wonderful magic philosophers, you already know the power of framing your effects, that is, giving an individual effect a ‘hook’ or reason for being, something other than mere exposition: “Now I’m going to cut the rope…Now I will hold the ends of the rope…” Ugh! Framing individual effects is highly effective in terms of increasing the involvement of your audience. Taking this idea to the next level, the professional performer can appreciate the value of adding a thematic element to the entire show (in the corporate world, most clients expect a 30, 45 or 60 minute performance for a typical “after dinner” event.). In his “Nothing” DVDs, Max Maven talked extensively about a unifying theme to a series of effects that built upon each other. Max’s theme for the “Nothing” show was more subtle. In my case, I’ve structured my banquet corporate show around an incredibly commercial theme… ------------------- Introducing…Murder By Magic! ------------------- If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a ‘murder mystery,’ I’ll give you the thumbnail description: Typically, a group of 3 to 6 improvisational actors assume certain roles in an after-dinner event and they incorporate the audience in ways to help move the plot along, discover clues, and eventually find out, literally, ‘whodunit!’ Hotels and resorts often turn the concept into an entire weekend of interactive entertainment. I LOVED the idea and eventually set about crafting a one-man murder mystery combined with magic, mentalism, comedy and music! ------------ The Plot ------------ In “Murder By Magic,” there is a murder, an investigation, the revelation of the murderer and most surprisingly, a fantastic ‘plot twist’ that NO ONE will see coming! The show is very funny, interactive and unique. The way volunteers are selected is different and even the show introduction itself sets the mood instantly and gets big laughs. Attendees at the show wind up assuming different rols, such as a chief of police, the coroner, and even the murderer! Critical KEY points: • No “acting” is required of ANY of the guests • There is NO “pre-show” of ANY kind in my version of the show • You will NOT need to “set anything up” with ANYBODY before the show starts. (In other words, there’s no “Okay, I want you to play along…” NONE of that!) • You can walk in ‘cold’ and do this for any audience, even if the audience has NO idea of what kind of performance they are going to see • There is NO pre-show of ANY kind in my version of the show • There is no “blood” or ANYTHING offensive in the show. (Corporate event planners DEMAND clean, appropriate shows!!) • There are no “costumes” for anyone to wear in my version of the show • When you start the show, even YOU do not know who the murderer will be! (This is FUN!!!!) • By the way, there is NO pre-show or “meeting with anyone to set up the plot or characters of the show” beforehand. (Just in case I was unclear!) There IS physically setting up the show equipment for the performance of course, but no setting anything up with your client, attendees, nothing! -------------- Why This Show ROCKS -------------- The advantage of this is that unlike a traditional magic or mentalism show, there is an actual STORY going on, one the audience can easily follow. Event planners who hire me INSTANTLY see the value of such a program and many of them hire me even after saying, “We had a magician last year and we don’t want to see another magic show.” I’ll even let you in on a BIG secret: For several years, I’ve done Stage Hypnosis Shows (VERY popular with HR directors and meeting planners) for corporate clients and quite frankly, I don’t enjoy them because most of my corporate clients’ attendees at the shows are filled with people who do NOT want to be hypnotized, making my job difficult…so when talking with a prospective client, I then explain why “Murder By Magic” is such a better idea…and over 90% of clients inquiring about a hypnosis show make the switch to booking “Murder By Magic” instead…even if they already hired a magician last year! ---------------------- The Challenges of a One-Man Murder Mystery ---------------------- Since the concept of a one-man murder mystery was so unique, there were several challenges I had to solve to make the concept work in a corporate environment. The challenges included: • How could I convey the plot while keeping ‘plot exposition’ to a minimum (in many instances, corporate event attendees have the same short attention span as kids!) • Who was going to be the murderer? • Who was going to be the victim? • How would magic and mentalism help propel the plot? • How interactive could it be? • What ‘roles’ could audience members fill…WITHOUT acting on their part? • What would MY role or ‘character’ be? • How would I sell this to clients? • How could I incorporate music into the show? • What will the ‘look’ of the show be in terms of staging? • How could I incorporate humor into the program? • What effects would work the best in terms of the show structure? • How could I make this work for groups of 20 or groups of 500? Truthfully, there were a LOT of other considerations, but those were the ‘biggies!’ After almost three years of tweaking, scripting, hand-wringing and more, I’m proud to say that “Murder By Magic” truly is THE Ultimate Corporate Show! ------------------- All The Hard Work Is Done For You ------------------- I’ve taken all of my hard work, experimentation and more and put everything into several easy-to-use components to get you up and running in no time. Also, once you understand the workings of the show, it can be easily adapted to colleges and other venues. It was designed specifically for the corporate market and since that market is so challenging (venues, audience sizes, demographics and much more means the show HAS to be flexible to accommodate all the weird conditions you’ll encounter!) COMPONENT #1: THE SCRIPT BOOK I’ve transcribed every word of the script into the script manual. You get every joke, music suggestion and more to understand how the plot moves along. I will reveal my thoughts behind why I included certain lines of scripting, why I selected the effects that I did and much more. I will also break down the structure of the script, why I went into certain directions, why the structure works, and just how easily you can alter the effects selection to fit into the framework of the show. Additionally, I will include alternate effects that I initially used along with notes about why they are no longer in the show and more. In some cases, effects were pulled because they did not fit into the framework of the script, fit my character or fit the overall ‘look’ of the show and other times, I pulled an effect out simply because I found something else I liked better! This means I will include ALL the effects I considered and/or tried for “Murder By Magic.” In most cases, these are marketed effects (meaning I cannot reveal the secrets) but once you understand what the “tie in” is to a certain effect, I will also give you alternate effects that you can slip into that spot in the show. Quite frankly, I wound up developing different versions of “Murder By Magic” for small groups in people’s homes, larger versions for banquets of several hundred people and even a simple version that I can easily carry on a plane. There’s a “Murder By Magic” that uses LARGE effects, all the way down to a version that fits in a briefcase! I will also tip the workings of a CUSTOM electronic prop I had built for me by magic builder/genius Nick Wenger, giving you the option of contacting Nick for one of your own!! It ain’t cheap, but it’s REALLY cool. (Of course, I also include the source for an alternate effect that you can slip in your pocket, which costs pennies, too.) COMPONENT #2: THE SECRETS BOOK As I mentioned earlier, most of the effects in “Murder By Magic” are either marketed effects or taught in respected books and/or DVDs. However, in two of the cases, I developed my own effects for the show including my version of a mentalism classic that I adapted specifically for this program and serves as the CLIMAX of the entire show as I frame it as an unforeseen major ‘plot twist’ in the narrative of the story! Both of these effects together account for a total running time of 15 minutes…meaning a full 25% of the show is INSTANTLY yours. I’ll tip the workings of BOTH here in this component. I’ll include copies of the artwork, why each works so well, and of course suggestions for alternate effects/handlings if you don’t like mine. (By the way, both pack flat and fit comfortably in a briefcase.) COMPONENT #3: MARKETING Of course, none of this is worth much if you don’t know how to sell it. In this third manual, I tip several marketing tools. You’ll receive the following: • A copy of my own full-color flier you can include in a physical promotional package when you pitch your services to prospective buyers. Obviously, MY name won’t work for you, but you can benefit from my design! • Phone sales secrets! What I say, how I phrase things, my overall approach and more. I’ll tip some sneaky Neuro-Linguistic Programming kinds of strategies to increase sales. • A sneaky, incredibly EASY ‘add-on’ you can include in your proposal that essentially DOUBLES the perceived value of the show…best of all, I GUARANTEE you already have this ‘secret weapon’ right now…and it fits in your pocket! • A handy ‘cut-n-paste’ email you can send to clients who request info via email. This email is L-O-O-N-N-G and very descriptive and sells the show very well. Many times, after reading this email, a client will call me and simply say, “How do we make out the check?” (I’m DEAD serious!) • An advertising flier you can model and send to clients. (In some cases, a corporate client may be hosting an event in which they invite their own clients and they’ll be using the entertainment as a ‘draw’ to increase attendance. You’ll receive my full-color flier…along with my analysis of why it works so well. • Detailed analysis of why all this stuff rocks! COMPONENT #4: UNLIMITED SUPPORT I know that over the years when I’ve bought a trick, prop or show-in-a-box such as this, I always have questions. In this case, because this product is so complex (a complete 50-60 minute show with marketing components), I fully expect you to have some questions. Additionally, this is truly “my baby” in terms of themed shows. Over the last 15 years, I’ve completely scripted and created 16 other theme shows for various markets and age groups and I feel this is the BEST script I’ve ever written. All of this means that if anyone other than me is going to perform it, I want it done well! After purchasing the package, feel free to email me as many times as you like – no limits. Questions about how to incorporate a pet effect of yours? Just ask. Questions about marketing? Ditto. --------------------------- “Okay, Cris, This Sounds GREAT! How Much?” --------------------------- I’ve wrestled for years whether or not to ever release this. It’s such a unique concept for a one-man magic show that I really wanted to keep it for myself. Unfortunately, with the popularity of Youtube, the Internet in general and the less-than-honest- tendencies of some performers (I’ve had theme shows ripped off before. I know who did it and I’m still fighting some people on it), I decided that at least I want credit for this, so I’ve decided to let my baby go. But what to charge… On average, I earn about $1850 for a one hour performance of “Murder By Magic.” I’ve occasionally done shows in the $800 range 30 minutes or so away from my house for small groups of people. Quite often, I book the show for the healthy fee of $2495. In fact, I recently booked the “Murder By Magic” show for the fee of $2495…and then a week later, someone from another company in the same city called me to tell me they had heard about the show from the first company…he then also booked it for the same fee! Now I know that there are corporate magicians and mentalists out there who command a LOT more than that for a one hour show in the corporate market, but despite performing 250 shows per year (many of them in the corporate market), I have not fully immersed myself into the corporate market. What this means is any corporate specialists out there can certainly use their skills to make a helluva lot more for one show than I currently do! Because I don’t want everyone doing this show, I was going to charge a fee of $4995 and not include any marketing materials or support. I then decided to cut that in half, to $2495, because I could then in the advertising I could realistically say that the fee of the package could be recovered in ONE performance, as I have done several times. --------------------------- But You’re Not Going To Pay That Amount! --------------------------- After talking about it for a while with a few people in the business whom I trust, I finally settled upon a fee of $995, which is a steal when you see the reactions this program gets. Let’s face it – many of us pay a LOT more than $995 for a single effect, and that single effect may run 30 seconds to 5 minutes in actual live performance time. For the same fee, I’m handing you a complete 50-60 show along with actual performance effects (with a total running time of 15 minutes or more), marketing materials and support to maximize the value of your investment. Imagine yourself, making a ton of money in the corporate market…people smiling, laughing and applauding…and never having to worry about hearing, “Oh, we saw a magician just like you last year.” For this investment, you will be forever perceived on a higher level by your clients because you won’t just be presenting a ‘magic show’…you’ll be delivered a comedic, interactive theatrical experience…the Ultimate Corporate Show! Regular Price: $995.00 These will be ready to ship by August 11 (if not sooner) so as a pre-release special, you can take $200 off of this making your investment just $795.00…but only until August 11, 2011 |
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
This is not a lot of money, as a good Trade Show magician make over $2400 a week. Multiply that type 20 for a year and you have more then paid for the course.
If it does what the ad says, run, do not pass go, get your credit card out and don't look back. This all depends if this is the kind of field you want to work in. Traveling all over the USA to work for a few days a week. Constantly on planes traveling. Working 10 hours a day or more with only 3 short breaks. Entertaining the business clients in the evening at dinners you pay for to keep your clients. This is the big league and you have to act like an adult and dress the part of a business expert. Conduct yourself as a person with the highest morals and the most respected person in business. Are you ready to sell, sell, sell yourself and your services 8 hours a day. Most of the booking are made a year in advance. Can you wait a year to start working and see any income. If you say yes, then send in your cash and take advantage of saving $200.00. Remember, the course will only give you the tools, you have to actually act and do the work. |
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JJJustice New user Enterprise, AL 43 Posts |
There is no exaggerated hype... Chris delivers, period. I will perform my version of this show, for the first time, on 10 SEP - and it has sold out, all but paying for the program the first time out.. II can tell you this: It would have taken me a year to come up with this type of "soup to nuts" program - Script, effects, flow, etc... In the end, THAT is what I paid for. That said, if you're expecting an out of the box show, this isn't for you. To perform as he has it scripted will require a considerable monetary investment. The good news is - much to his credit, Chris lists "alternate effects" that are much more economical, if you' re on a tight budget. His marketing tips are top notch as well. I'm torn... I can do nothing but recommend it highly, still and yet, I don't want too many people to be out there performing this.
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Andrew Zuber Inner circle Los Angeles, CA 3014 Posts |
Interesting first post....
"I'm sorry - if you were right, I would agree with you." -Robin Williams, Awakenings
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JJJustice New user Enterprise, AL 43 Posts |
LOL... I suppose so. Hadn't occurred to me until your post. I guess I've just been shy about stating any opinions because I'm relatively new to magic (only since May of 2010). My prestidigitation skills absolutely suck, but there is some WONDERFUL stuff out there for people who dare just get out and perform. I think I own everything Bill Abbott offers, and have performed them to great effect... Except maybe Octopus - it still makes me nervous. Anyway, The effects recommend in Murder by Magic are right up my alley (though I've substituted some). I had a few disastrous shows, but hey... Live and learn.
To the comment regarding it being only for trade shows and corporate events: here's what I've done... I went to a few local wine shops and bars, and found a great little wine shop that had a nice parlor in the back, capable of seating over 50 people. I gave them a "Comedy Magic" show for free, with the agreement that I'd get the venue for as long as I could pack them in... So far, 4 sell outs - 2 Comedy/2 Mentalism. As I said, 10 SEP is the first Murder by Magic. It's a win win... I get ticket sales and they get to sell a lot more wine than they would on a normal Sat night. My next step will be ti contact the local community theater company and offer the show for the times in between their plays ( they have one once a quarter). When they don't have a play going, a very nice Theater for Performing Arts remains empty - a perfect target. Anyway, my point is: Just go for it, all you magicians out there... My brother - a brilliant magician named Charlie Justice (creator of Prohibition... which, by the way, is an effect even I can do..and highly recommend), anyway, he once commented to me that I don't know enough yet to know any better what shouldn't work... I'll take it, I guess. Sorry bout rambling on, but hey... There's only four posts on this thread. |
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Call me a cynic, but whenever I see posts like this it makes me wonder why, if they have the "secret," are they:
1) Showing everyone else how to do this and creating competition, taking bread off their own table (I know, he doesn't wanna go beyond 30 minutes from home. Right.), and 2) Not just out doing these things! If I am making a GREAT living doing corporate shows, why bother taking all the time to write a course and selling it for a relative pittance compared to the GREAT money I am making doing corporate shows? I could be wrong (I often am) but posts like this make me stop and think. As a side note, this is different than marketing a trick or a library show or something like that. This is pretty much promising loads of money and wealth. wmhegbli, just curious: You gave a lot of advice here. What is your experience in the "big league"? |
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JJJustice New user Enterprise, AL 43 Posts |
Hey Starrpower. I must admit that the same thought crossed my mind, but then I figured: hey, what's the difference between inventing a trick and selling it, and what Chris has done. While I have not yet spoken with him personally, I feel I've got a good sense of his character from all I've read. I did as much "research" as I could before this kind of investment. I truly believe that he believes that "a rising tide lefts all ships". In his marketing section, Chris makes no bones about encouraging you to use the "Murder by Magic" name, literature, etc. I think it's brilliant - getting his creation out there exponentially can only help his business. Anyway, those are my thoughts... I respect the guy... It gives me hope: I'll probably never invent a trick, but I could see myself writing a "theatrical magic show" someday.
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
I don't know him or his method as outlined here, so this in not really directed at him. I was just posting my initial reaction to this type of thing. Like I said, I could be wrong ... that's just what passes through my mind.
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Yea then when followed up with a persons first 3 posts such as they are it really has an aroma doesn't it?
Oh and how could it have "not occured" to you that you have never written a post before? That does not help the aroma at all I must say. And for someone who feels the need to mention you have not spoken to him personally... oh never mind. I guess I am even more cynical than starrpower. Great now I start looking at the numbers. 250 shows a year, is at least 5 a week. At $1,500 a show five times a week? Come on. PLUS in his spare time has all the time in the world aparantly to write this up? The guy is clearing well over 500k a year and is going to sell this to everyone just because he is nice? He has all that money and does all those shows and has all this time on his hands to get this out there? (Oh plus he does other work aparantly!) I guess someone must have helped him with it. The thing I don't like is lets even say all that is 100% true. I concede the point. This show will not book 250 shows a year all by itself. You can learn this show, spend all the money in the world on it and you still have the hurdle of how do you book it? I have never been a fan of these Ralph Kramden get rich quick schemes. They always leave me cold after you think about the claims for just five minutes.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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JJJustice New user Enterprise, AL 43 Posts |
For dannydoyle... Wow. I'm sorry you feel that way. I concede that I must be coming across as some sort of shill for Chris. Perhaps a little background ( verifiable) on me would help: I retired from the Marine Corps after over 22 years, from the U.S.Marine Corps. I was. Cobra Attack helicopter pilot. I currently work (real job) as a civilian contractor at U.S.Army Flight School, in Fort Rucker, Alabama. I am the Assistant Director for the Advanced Division (we're the ones who teach Army Aviators how to fly on Instruments... In the clouds) you can go to our website at ursrucker.com and look me up under the Advanced Division link - James Justice is my name. I'm not a full-time professional magician.. It's just a passion I began just over a year ago. As I said, I don't know Chris at all, but can tell you this: I emailed him a question ( seeking advice on a how to incorporate a new effect into the script) just after my last post today... Event though he was "45 minutes from going to a show to perform", he emailed me right back with his thoughts - that says a lot to me... My own wife probably can't talk to me 45 minutes before a show - I'm that much of a basket case. As for the 250 shows a year... I'm not sure where you came up with that number, but, hey... Just go toChris' website and look at his schedule.. The man stays busy. Yes, in the end, it is up to the individual to put in the work - practice and marketing - to make it work for you. This program gives you the Tools... You have to implement them. Again, I never felt "qualified" to post an opinion before... If Magiccafe tracked time on the site, you'd see I spend a lot of time on it... Learning. With this, however, I can speak... Because I did purchase it. I'm a HUGE believer in not performing anything I have not paid for - though I don't know them personally, Eugene Burger and Bill Abbott can attest to that. Anyway, I hope this clarifies a little for you. I think you'll see many more postings from me in the future... I've bought a lot of stuff... Much to my wife's dismay... I'm sure you remember what it was like when you first got into it. Being "eternal oder". Have a great and magical day.
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Well, there's something you don't see every day. You gotta give JJ his due for laying himself out on the line like that.
Not only that, I had a good laugh at the "Ralph Kramden" reference. |
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JJJustice New user Enterprise, AL 43 Posts |
God Bless you. Maybe my bro was right. I may not know better. I too got a laugh re: Ralph Kramden I'm glad to be entering this " community".
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Come across as a shill? What ever would make you think you seem like that?
So just how busy is this program making you?
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
Ralph Kramden rocks. Perhaps Chris will go on television with his buddy Norton to promote his "Handy Housewife Helper" er, I mean " Murder by Magic". Honestly, though, I am split on this. If I chose to invest in the offering, I would do so knowing that it is just one tool I would have added. As JJ Justice points out it is like buying a new trick someone is selling. It helps, but does not point ones career in an entirely new path. Perhaps this is why those with more experience seem more hesitant than those newer to the business of magic. I see potential with this program greatly assisting me in entering into a new market (adults), but not corporate events (I have a way to go for that) . Those already doing corporate events, probably have established themselves beyond benefitting greatly from this. I will wait until I see more posts and investigate otherwise, further.
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JJJustice New user Enterprise, AL 43 Posts |
As I mentioned earlier, I have not yet performed it... I may be new, but I'm not a fool... There are over 50 pages of script and dialogue to memorize and or change to suit me. I do know that what Chris wrote struck a chord: my show had been a series of dis-jointed tricks- one after another, with no common theme binding them together... MbM provides that - dialogue, flow, tie ins, even music recommendations; why they were chosen (effects and music) and how they tie in to the overall story. In short, he's taken some magic effects and turned it into a play with magic. Surely you can concede how many adults who would be hesitant to go see or hire "just another magician" would see the entertainment value in such a program. He has obviously been successful with it, so I figured why not? My plan is to invite the Director of the Community Theater, the Manager of the Army Base Officer's Club (they often have Comedians do shows in a 200+ person, multiple-level ballroom), and an entertainment reporter from local media to the 10 SEP event (this is a small, country community, so there really is nothing like this for several hundred miles) Then I try to sell it. Like I said, this isn't a "full time" gig for me, but I do have goals to succeed at it. Might I find that, charliecheckers is right, and I'm just a new bee who got suckered in? Time will tell...If it rocks, one thing Chris promises will have come to pass: It will set me apart from the other magicians in this area ( fortunately, it's a small city, so there aren't many) I'll keep you all posted as to how the show goes.
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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
JJ - I want to be clear about my post. I was having a little fun up front, but my reference about Norton was not aimed at you in any way. My point was that magicians who are newer have less developed shows in terms of having a theme, as well as a target audience for their performance. Therefore what they have to gain is greater than someone who has developed these to a greater extent. Someone with a well developed show for adult audiences is likely to not be viewed as "another magician" with or without this Murder by Magic. It may still be of interest to some experienced performers who like to experiment with what has worked for others. The part of Murder by Magic promotion that "struck a cord" with me is the marketing description where one who buys this is booking shows with corporate clients in the thousands of dollars and becoming super wealthy by using the show. That's simply not going to happen. It takes much more than a unknown performer to purchase this and then be booking shows as he describes with hard to book clients. Performers who are already in those leagues know how to "hook" these clients. So my point was if you purchase it with modest expectations of what it will bring you financially, it may be of interest.
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JJJustice New user Enterprise, AL 43 Posts |
Charliecheckers... No worries - no offense taken at all. I'm enjoying this discussion. You make some very valid points. As I said, only time will tell. One thing I think I have going for me is the fact that this is not my sole means of support... Not even my primary occupation. I think it gives me some "freedom" to experiment and take some more chances. That I'm blessed enough for that to be the case is certainly not lost on me. My "gigs" have all been self-generated through "cold calling" or referals through word of mouth... I will get a website up soon, and start some marketing, but the shows have helped steepen the learning curve... Again, thanks for the post - but I didn't take your original post wrong. On that note: I, too, meant absolutely NO offense by " another magician". ANYONE who dares put him or herself out there to perform has my utmost respect and undying admiration - All of you. I mean that sincerely.
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Yea see the problem is that you don't really state that during your initial exuberance now do you? You never mention being so new, you never mention that if you don't make money it doesn't matter. None of that. But you can't wait to tell everyone how it sold out the first time you tried it and made all your money back and yada yada yada.
You talk about his marketing tips being top notch, yet this is not how you manage to make a living so how exactly does this square? Certainly you see where a cyncal mind will sort of wonder about it.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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JJJustice New user Enterprise, AL 43 Posts |
Dannydoyle: Dude...wow... Yes, I am exhuberant. You've been a member here since 2005, so I assume it is about the time you started magic? Don't you remember your initial excitement? You say that I "never mention being so new"... I direct you to my SECOND EVER POSTING, wherein I wrote: "...I guess I've just been shy about stating any opinions because I'm relatively new to magic (only since May of 2010). My prestidigitation skills absolutely suck, but there is some WONDERFUL stuff out there for people who dare just get out and perform."
The first posting on this thread asked a simple question: "Has anyone seen it? Has anyone bought it?" I've done BOTH, so I answered. Is that not what this forum is all about? I remind you of the salient points in my answer: "...It would have taken me a year to come up with this type of "soup to nuts" program - Script, effects, flow, etc... In the end, THAT is what I paid for. That said, if you're expecting an out of the box show, this isn't for you. To perform as he has it scripted will require a considerable monetary investment. The good news is - much to his credit, Chris lists "alternate effects" that are much more economical, if you' re on a tight budget. His marketing tips are top notch as well. Now, maybe this is how people on this site become so cynical, because, for the life of me, I cannot understand what, about my first posting, has generated such hate. Anyway, as I was an Attack Helicopter Pilot, let's "shoot down" your other points: First: I have done 4 shows (2 comedy / 2 mentalism) at this particular venue - a venue for which I "pound the pavement", went out and found, did a pro-bono show to convince them to allow me to do more shows, and booked. Showing the owner that this was a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SHOW (USING CHRIS' MARKETING MATERIALS) is what convinced her to give me the venue, yet again, for a couple more. (I pay nothing for the use of the venue - She makes money off the liquor sales and I get the ticket gate)... let's get to THAT. 50 people, at $15.00 per ticket is $750... I paid $795 for the program so, yes, I think that qualifies as "...all but paying for itself...". That I spent endless 24/7 days, over the course of 22 years, in the Desert, in the Jungle, at SEA and now still work a full time job in service of my Country, and that it is THAT which allows me some freedom to begin exploring another career is not something for which I will apologize. Nor is it something relevant to the initial post. OF COURSE IT MATTERS if I don't at least get the return on my investment back! The only reason I "laid myself out there" was so that YOU would be assuaged that I was not part of Chris Johnson's staff or something. I won't hide behind aliases. If I've got an opinion, I'll state it and stand behind it. I now see how pointless that was, and that there is nothing I can say. I now understand starrpower's comment of ..."there's something you don't see every day." I've said my peace. I believe I HONESTLY answered Magicodine's initial query. He, you, or anyone else can take it or leave it. It was worth it to me. I learned a lot from it. I fairly stated that the Program is not a panacea - that it would cost a lot more money to implement as written and that it would require a lot of work on the part of the magician, both in practice and in marketing. Semper Fi, dude. |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Wow started in 2005 simply because that was when I started posting here? Well... no.
20+ years doing magic and nothing but magic and performance to support myself and my family quite well thanks for asking. I am not "relatively new" to magic or the business therof. Perhaps it is exactly your newness that has caused you to not recognise a sales pitch web page when you see one! But that is cool. You are entitled to your opinion, heck you demand to be able to express it. Cool go ahead. But when I express one that you may not agree with, why is it you seem so eager to try and change that? I respect that you can have yours, I wish you would respect me enough to allow me to have mine.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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