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scottds80 Special user Victoria, Australia 730 Posts |
I have just had a tv show producer here in Australia offer me a custom made puppet for $200 before putting it on eBay.
It was made for $1500 and is featured on this episode: http://youtu.be/blRtWToG4Bw The show is called "thank God you're here" and it is designed for celebrities to do ad-lib comedy with no understanding of the scene they are entering. This was not a good performance IMO, but my point is this puppet. It has metal rods/poles inside and the blue suit is attached to it at the cuff. It comes with the pants & jacket. Can you guys let me know if its worth the buy? I might consider getting into vent, but if not, I know some pro vent's at my magic circle who might jump on this. Thoughts please? Thanks in advance. Scott
"Great Scott the Magician", Gippsland
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tacrowl Inner circle Maryland 1633 Posts |
Scott -
I didn't look at the video - but I will offer two things for you to consider. Doing ventriloquism is more than just using a puppet. It is about establishing a relationship between you and an imaginary character. Creating a character requires a lot of thought to give it depth. So many people buy puppets because they like the look, but then realize they have no use for it. I always advise people to create a character first, then find the puppet or figure that matches the character. The second thing to consider is - if you can't create a character for the puppet - will you be able to sell it and recoup most of your investment? If so, it makes a spot decision purchase easier. Let us know what happens! Tom |
Aussie Special user Australia 623 Posts |
I agree with Tom. Don't buy the puppet simply because it was on TV or because you think you're getting a good deal. Unless you have a specific character in mind and you know this character will be brought to life through your ability as a ventriloquist and your relationship or connection with it the $200 spent may as well be $2000 spent and you've wasted your money.
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scottds80 Special user Victoria, Australia 730 Posts |
Thanks guys,
I will certainly find some interested people at my local club. I really don't have the personality to do vent, not enough time to spend on developing a character in my circumstance. However, what are your thoughts on the look & design of this puppet? Just curious. Scott
"Great Scott the Magician", Gippsland
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KeithS Elite user 449 Posts |
While it's not my style of puppet, objectively speaking, it is unique looking.
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Aussie Special user Australia 623 Posts |
He's an interesting puppet. I wasn't aware there was someone here in Australia who made that type of puppet. Very interesting indeed.
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TheDummyDoctor New user U S A 76 Posts |
It's been crazy busy here, but I just had the chance to look at the video link featuring the puppet. The puppet was nice but the 'bit' was rather lame.
So that is indeed a mighty interesting looking puppet (in a good way) but I have to agree with Tom C. and the others that a great puppet without a well defined character is no more entertaining than a sock with buttons sewn on...I'd say that the video proved that quite well. I would argue that in the right hands a sock puppet could win the day (look at Jay Marshall...he practically built a career on that). Tom's nailed it...if you get it at a good price ($200 does seem pretty fair) and want to give it a spin, go for it, but only if you think you can sell it for enough to get your investment back if it doesn't pan out. Just be aware that when folks hear "used" puppet or figure, they generally expect (and assume) a __deep__ discount even though that assumption doesn't always make any sense.
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Alan Semok, Ph.D (honoris causa) THE DUMMY DOCTOR Building Pro Vent Figures since 1966 web: www.AlanSemok.com/dummies |
Dickens & Dave Inner circle North Central Florida 1813 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-08-15 10:43, tacrowl wrote: As Alan said, Tom nailed it, I couldn't have said it better myself. And the fact that there's always so many used vent figures available is a testamony to the fact that a lot of peple don't heed that advice. Of course that's not the reason every used figure is up for sale, but when you see someone buys a figure and very shortly after, it's up for sale, it's a good bet that's the story. My main character I used to refer to as my "ventriloquist's dream figure". Long before I even started looking for the figure, I had his character, his look, manner of speech, everything firmly developed, and then when I did seek out the figure, I was fortunate to have somene make a figure for me that fit it all perfectly. But you don't have to have one made, everybody and their brother is making figures, they are plentiful, new and used. So you just need to completely create that character and then go looking for a figure that fits it.
http://dickensndave.bravehost.com/index.html
"Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest." |
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