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Dimitri Mystery Artist Veteran user Israel/Ukraine 355 Posts |
Hello everyone,
this year I entered an international magic competition and won 2nd prize (it was held in my local city), thanks to that I was invited to perform at another convention that will be held in an another country. The organizer told me that they would really like me take part but I will have to finance my own flight ticket. I would really like to go with the hope that it will open me some new exciting doors, however the flight is not cheap at all plus I will lose all the estimated gigs of that weekend (4-5 events). As you probably understood I don´t have an experience dealing with this kind of situations, so I don´t know if I should insist on them funding my flight, wait for another opportunity or take the risk and go, with some hope that in the future it will get me closer to the magic community (i´m sort of an outsider so far). Any thoughts on the subject that might help me to decide are very welcomed Thank you Dimitri |
magicusb Inner circle 1135 Posts |
Free shows will get you more free shows in my opinion.
Shows where it costs you money can be gotten easily as well, but at a faster pace. Money talks! If you know you can get 4-5 paying gigs that same weekend, in my opinion is the way to go. We have always lived by our motto, "take the first sure thing" and worry later if you have to make different arrangements for a real career move. It hardly ever happens. Just our two cents. D and D
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Dimitri, since you have an estimated 4-5 gigs already, it would seem you are known and don't need the free advertising. It sounds like the organizer of the convention is looking for free entertainers. I would explain to him that while you'd like to perform at the convention, you are already booked for that time frame.
On the other hand, if these 4-5 gigs are only estimated and not actually booked, you'd have to consider just how much exposure you would get at the convention. Dick is correct. Always take the sure thing
Where the magic begins
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Dimitri Mystery Artist Veteran user Israel/Ukraine 355 Posts |
Thanks for replying,
I estimate to have 4-5 gigs that weekend, this is my normal rate since the beginning of the year and November it is quiet a very productive month where I live (Buenos Aires), The convention is in Columbia, it is probably one of the most important in Latin America. Actually I don´t to miss some local shows as I will be spending time with some of the very top professionals, but I do feel the the convention should finance my ticket So, I agree with you guys, but just wanted to see if I could see things differently from another prespective... |
jimgerrish Inner circle East Orange, NJ 3209 Posts |
Is it more important for you to be well known to other magicians who don't pay you, or to be well known to paying customers and their paying friends?
Jim Gerrish
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Poof-Daddy Inner circle Considering Stopping At Exactly 5313 Posts |
Since an estimate is an estimate and not certain yet, I would weigh my options. After all there is a weekend every week of the year but this could be a "once in a lifetime" chance to connect with other magicians (of all levels) that could possibly change your career path where magic is concerned. It would not hurt at all to ask for some type of compensation (at least some help with the travel expenses or food and lodging when you get there). The worst he can say is no.
The positive side to going. Someone sees your act and really likes it. Eventually he / she wants to collaborate on a project. This person may (or may not be) a "big name" in magic. Boom, you made the trip totally worthwhile. Also, just the amount of fellow magicians you will meet (and impress, after all, your act was good enough to place in your local area). You can exchange emails, Skype info, Forum contacts..... Great networking. I have been a magician for over 20 years and never went to a convention until Magi-Fest this year. I could only afford one day and I had to drive there and back 250 miles total but I finally did it. I had a great time. Made several new friends. Met a few of my idols in magic and actually got to talk to them and best of all - I had a great time. I wish I could go back 20 years and go to every convention I could, if I could, my magic career could be a whole lot different. This of corse is just my opinion. But it is something to think about. A couple missed "estimated" gigs could lead to a lot more in the long run. Best of luck to you though.
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Dimitri Mystery Artist Veteran user Israel/Ukraine 355 Posts |
Thank you for sharing!
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MichaelJae Loyal user 281 Posts |
I would go to the convention and regard it as an investment into your future. BIG THINGS happen at conventions. Many discoveries, secrets, and talent is found and also connections are made at conventions. It may seem expensive, but worth it if you take full advantage of it. To start, your mindset needs to be "World Class Performer", everything else will start to piece itself together like a puzzle. Enjoy the journey!
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