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Doug Higley 1942 - 2022 7152 Posts |
I need some input from everybody kind enough to answer this. I'm not posting this to advertise the service but to get opinions on pricing etc so I can create the thing to aid the community as best I can.
The percieved value of what I'm offering will of course be up to the individual Act (The actual value, based on Voice industry standards is off the map so forget it) Thus question #1: A. Do you see a need for Professionally pre-recorded Introductions that can cover all your possible show scenarios? Or B. do you prefer to do your own? Have it done live at the event by someone you give a brief script to? #2: I'm doing this as a fun thing for me and to help the acts as well. I don't intend to get rich or make a bunch of bucks off it. But when pricing, is the fact that it (Voice Over) is my full time profession amount to a hill of beans? My idea is to price the same for everybody no matter the size or level of the act. If an Act pays nearly $5,000 for Flea Circus, is it worth $50 for a quality Intro package? If an act works Birthday parties is the added credibilty of a pro intro worth $50? (FYI: Keep in mind that if you booked this type of service from an outside source you would be looking at a couple of hundred bucks.) OR: Should there be tier pricing? Or should I get $29.95 across the board and make it easy and painless? Or does that denegrate the percieved value? Like any Illusion producer*, I'd like to build a reputation for quality and top service and of course at the same time help out the community...but it IS fun to be a part of the different shows when they play coast to coast...adds value to my existence so to speak. so the more I can do, the better. I'm not performing in public anymore and it keeps my 'hand' in. I realize when it comes to the BIG acts, $50 is peanuts so it probably doesn't matter here...it's all the small and mid-range acts I'd like to aid so the bottom line question is charge $50 and maybe do less...or take a price hit, create an ad that I can place on the forum that's $29 and hopefully attract many more acts by pricing like an average prop? Or does it matter what the price is as long as it's low? Or no matter what the price or even free you wouldn't use it? I know I'm opening myself up for a potential heckle or two but I hope most understand what I'm asking. You can post or PM me on this. I really want to know what you folks think. Thanks! Doug (*I look at the intro as an Illusion, setting the stage for what is to follow.) Thanks for the PM's and email feedback! Great ideas and these will be reflected on the site later today. Keep it coming...Thanks! Doug http://LionPoint.com
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Tony S Special user New York 582 Posts |
Doug,
I just checked out your web site. I'm building a couple of new shows right now and I think this is a GREAT idea. I'll definitely be contacting you in the not too distant future to purchase an intro CD from you. Thanks for a great service. Tony |
Natural Mystic Special user Atlanta, GA 509 Posts |
Darkrider,
I am interested in using your services for a future gig. How does yours compare with DJ Resources? http://www.djresource.com/customdjdrops.htm
"You never change the existing reality by
fighting it. Instead, create a new model that makes the old one obsolete." -- R. Buckminster Fuller |
Doug Higley 1942 - 2022 7152 Posts |
Natural Mystic: Hi my friend!
They look ok to me but I'm not really sure what all they do...I don't have Real Player loaded (too much Spy Ware) so couldn't hear their product...but I'm sure it's as advertised. I can't comment and be fair though as I don't know their work. On your side of the question however it's good to have choices. The only thing I can say about their site is "Cool!" What I offer, I can comment on. My prices are different and there is no time limit to the announcement or intro...if a STORY needs to be told or narrated to set up an act or Illusion, can do. I try for Instant turnaround...Instant as in 'minutes' in some cases. I have my own Pro Studio here at the house so it's not a challenge. When there is a show that needs a Sponsor in the Intro that is coming up in a day or so...it's nice to have this available. As to Voice Quality etc. that's entirely up to you, the entertainer, to go with what presents your Image properly and justifies your expense. In my business as a Voice Actor (Full time by the way) sounding like 'your local DJ' is not complimentary...I too think this is snobbish but that's the way the Agents and Casting Directors think. It's kind of like "Yeah...you have a good voice...so what...what can you do with it?" Reading the weather and plugging records (which I did for many years) is a small part of the profession. Voice ACTING is a skill and based on training and experience (after 35 years I'm still training in workshops etc!) and involves subtleties and certain abilities just having a 'good voice doesn't bring out. Like any good Illusion, the voice must have that 'certain something' as well to pull it off properly. Any one with a decent voice can 'muscle throat' an intro for you and pound out your name over the mic. It is up to you to choose what best fits your performance to ENHANCE the act and set up properly. Your Uncle Louie can do it for you Free...and that's fine if that's your image. Your Host or Sponsor rep can do it for you if you're at a convention...and that's fine too. There's no right answer except what comes out of your vision for your show/act. I have a DEMO up on site that's for the Haunted Attractions industry...Haunted Voice Trax...the first few words of the demo will give you an idea how not to sound like a DJ. It's not an introduction but you'll get the point I think...that drama and expectation can be 'manufactured' even before YOU hit the stage. As a full time voice guy, I chose to do these Magician intros for FUN and to put back something into the Magic Community I've been a part of most of my life. I have lots of experience in showrooms, lounges, performing, producing and voicing etc and I priced it so anybody can use it...not to make my livlihood. To give a hint...My Big Time Hollywood Agent (whoopie) gets me from $350 to $750 just for a :30 second read PLUS residuals!! If he sees my site getting $12 for an intro that might be used forever he'd croak! (after he got 10 percent). All I can say to you further Natural Mystic is that there is always a 100% Guarantee that the result you require will be PERFECT. Not just OK or useful but perfect to your vision. I hope I answered your question enough for you to make your choices. Thanks and thanks TonyS as well. Doug http://www.LionPoint.com
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R2 Special user 935 Posts |
We have many "Experts" on various areas of the presentation package. To the best of my knowledge we have never had someone whose forte' was the setup/intro sound sequence?
I am intrigued....my current intro is stock and I have been dying to refresh it once again and bring it into the present? Must I send you a script or do you have some templates? Please contact me at your convenience? Forever grateful, r2 |
Doug Higley 1942 - 2022 7152 Posts |
No templates. (tacky) All custom. You write or I write with your input.
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Al Kazam the Magic Man Inner circle Living in Perth Western Australia 1042 Posts |
Hi DarkRider,
I went to the site and listened to your stuff. Very good indeed. Too bad I live in Taiwan, you have to do it in Chinese here. Best of luck, JoJo
Magic guy in Perth Australia
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Doug Higley 1942 - 2022 7152 Posts |
I'll bet you can find some interesting props and methods over there! Also Clowning is a truely ancient art in that region. Have fun!
I've been asked to do other languages, phonetically of course, but never Chinese...yet. I have a nice collection of Chinese movies (in both Mandarin and Cantonese) and don't think it would be too difficult to do as long as the script was in english letters and not the Chinese caligraphy! The difficulty would be doing the Chinese with an Aussie accent! I know a Chinese waiter who can help me with the pronouncers... Thanks JoJo...have some 'Noodle' for me.
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Murray Hatfield Regular user Canada 150 Posts |
Hi Doug,
Just for reference - I've hired a top local voiceover guy several times in the last few years. Generally it prices out at between $300.00 and $500.00 per session. This includes studio time, talent and burning the raw material to a cd. The benefit of doing it this way is that I can be in the studio with him and can hear what it sounds like and make changes as desired. Murray |
Doug Higley 1942 - 2022 7152 Posts |
That's an expensive benefit! But thanks for making my point. I have my own studio, burn my own CDs and as to talent...well not for me to say...I'll ask my Wife...
"Lori...do I have talent?" "What...are you nuts?" Better yet, ask my agent. Better yet...don't...he'd have a conniption fit! Actually what I have done is 1. Make a phone session available...2. Or...Which is easier and faster as it's done on my time...is to cut a variety of takes in different styles. One of the guys from this board bought a 6 Intro CD and was surprised to find 16 different intros on it 'cause I felt like doing them! Now is your personal presence worth an extra $250 to $450? If so, I have this Original Houdini seance kit for sale with solid gold framed spirit slates autographed by Capt. James T. Kirk. Thanks Doug
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MagicalPirate Special user Shamokin, PA 828 Posts |
Hi Doug:
Thanks for making such an awesome offer to all of us out here in Magic Café land. I'm working on my Traveling Medicine Show and some scripts for it. Doc Grayson will most assuredly be contacting you for the use of your great talent. I downloaded and listened to your material on your site, you are really good. Martin
Martin Blakley, CSH, DASH, CMSA
http://www.thehypnoguy.com/HYPNORESOURCES http://www.docgrayson.com/ How To Sell Anything Online http://tub.bz/?r=1z Copyright to my own words retained 100%. |
Doug Higley 1942 - 2022 7152 Posts |
I am a BIG fan of the Medicine Show concept. How much fun can the public stand!
I could use some Tonic right now matter of fact. Thanks for the kind words (tonic enough). I think the motto of the Café holds a lot of meaning, so glad to oblige. Doug
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R2 Special user 935 Posts |
Please check your inbox Doug! Great voice by the way!
We are going to do business my friend. I think you should go with a set price for one custom order along with a "We thank you for coming, we hope you enjoyed the performance......closer?" You should charge more if it is an intro which features a corporate product or executive/commerial event? I also believe you should have some backround music on the intros and closers and offer a sampling of the choices from which to choose? Perhaps I am wrong with all of this advice, but these are just some ideas from a novice in the recording industry? Let's do business?~R2 |
Doug Higley 1942 - 2022 7152 Posts |
Thanks for the tips Rey Rey!!! And the Biz!
----------- "I think you should go with a set price for one custom order along with a "We thank you for coming, we hope you enjoyed the performance......closer?" Great idea on the closer! I do have a Set Price...look in the orange circle. If anyone wants a 'closer' just ask! Be glad to add it on the CD. -------------- "You should charge more if it is an intro which features a corporate product or executive/commerial event?" Well...I should...but this is for the ACTs benefit and to my way of thinking needs to be accessable and fast and priced so the act doesn't have to lay out lots of bucks to get it done when they need it. I'm assuming there are acts that have LOTS of Corporate events so that can add up and discourage the use of the service if it was priced where it 'should' be. ------------------ "I also believe you should have some backround music on the intros and closers and offer a sampling of the choices from which to choose?" Most of the Acts have their own music and these intros are easy to lay down or use as stand alones. I'm working on getting some licenced music to have available but it costs some bucks and I'm not ready for that yet. Soon...if I get enough backing on this project. Speaking of which...thanks again for the biz! Will get right on it! Doug
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R2 Special user 935 Posts |
I am totally satisfied with the thoroughness and attention to detail shown thus far in getting my intro tracks cd laid down!
I will post my thoughts here in this forum upon recieving the finished product~ I look forward to it Doug! Hey gang be sure to check out Doug's "Freakshow Creations" http://lionpoint.com/ on his website? They can be used to add a sideshow element to your presentations will ad value to your show which in turn commands a higher show fee! Too Real Doug! Well done! ~Pieces~r2 http://home.nethere.net/darkrider/LIONPO......ect.html This is the link that I meant to post in reference to the "Freakshow Exhibits". I hope it is okay by Doug for me to post this? I couldn't resist sharing it as it is truly unique in all of the worlde! p.s. I am the one with the missing hair. |
Doug Higley 1942 - 2022 7152 Posts |
Thanks Rey Rey...will be recording 'you' today. Been a pleasure!
As to the link...I use the 'Intro' page (in my sig.) as the gateway to that 'Creature FX' page so that the page doesn't show on search engines to the GP. And one has to stumble on or know about the Atomic Fish click...But that's ok...I appreciate your appreciation! Doug
Higley's Giant Flea Pocket Zibit
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