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Bill Blagg III Regular user 169 Posts |
If a complete course on negotiation, contracts, riders, mailings, etc. were available for stage/comedy/ illusion peroformers would anyone buy it? I know there are courses like Dave Dee, etc. But I'm talking about a course more performing arts based about a touring production. Something that gave insight on contact tracking, times of year to mail, what to mail, follow up, conventions, etc. Curious to hear comments.
P.S. Jim Snack...PM me |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Bill,
Sure it would be valuable information as long as it is complete and filled with useful information and tips and suggestions. I am currently doing a book myself on a different topic and I would be happy to help you along with yours if you would like. Jim has been a BIG help to me and I always appreciate the time he takes to help me along with my project. PM me and we can talk. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Bill Blagg III Regular user 169 Posts |
Thanks for the positive reply. I think the info in it would be extremely valuable to those starting out with a larger show or wanting to tour, not to mention those who just want to learn more about booking. There are great courses out there like Stan Kramien's, but times have changed since they were written. Phone rooms aren't so well received anymore. However, Jay Owenhouse has continued to thrive in that sector, mainly do to the fact that he works extremely hard and has built up a name and client base.
I've been fortunate to gain insight from many great people in this industry such as Stan Kramien, Jay Owenhouse, Don Wayne, Jim Steinmeyer, Rick Thomas, just to name a few. Plus years of refining has really helped with the process. A good show is a must, but treating it as a business and setting it up properly in VERY important. Creating a product, image, defined market, etc. are all overshadowed by a lot of performers today who think that one big trick will make them a star. (yeah right) Illusion show business is not a get rich quick deal by no means, but it can be extremely profitable. Heck Owenhouse does over $1,000,000 in annual sales. (food for thought) Others think they just need an agent or manager, etc. and they'll be set. Not the case. You have to have a good show first. Once you do, you have to be able to sell it. My live shows average over 1,000 paid tickets per show and my system uses no sponsors, fund-raising, phone rooms, or any of that. It's a lot of work though, but once you get the ball rolling it's a lot of fun. I'm seriously considering publishing on this. I'm not one of those who fears competition, rather I feel if others are out there presenting successful GOOD shows, that we all benefit in the end. Take Copperfield for example...without him, a lot of us wouldn't be working |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Amen to all of that. I think a product like what your referring to can only help the magic community and help by learning from the process and trials and errors that you have gone through yourself. I say go for it and do this project.
I am currently in pre-production on my own book and reference guide for a totally different topic and market, but I would be happy to help you out with your project if you would like. Give you some tips, sugestions or anything you might find helpful. Just simply PM me or e-mail me directly at: magic4u02@aol.com I would be happy to talk to you more about your project. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Bill Blagg III Regular user 169 Posts |
Kyle,
I would be interested in talking with you sometime. I have to lay out a plan for this course first and see what it's going to take. Learning from other people's mistakes is always a faster way to move ahead...however, only if those people have learned from them first. I also want to focus on booking, attending trade conventions, riders, contract negotiations, college market, promo kits, etc. These are all topics rarely delt with that are VITAL to success in the performing arts. In the past I've worked with professional wrestling promotions, the Harlem Globetrotters, etc. which is similar in nature to selling an illusion production when really think about it. It's about the public and entertainment. The key is getting them to buy a ticket for a show that they've never heard about. It's a challenge, but it can be done. |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Well besides from being a magician and doing a lot of festivals, I am also a graphic designer. I am very familiar with the entire concept of good promotions and I am very much into marketing. If I can be of any help at all, or even to bounce ideas off of, please let me know. It would be my pleasure.
I currently have my outline done, research done and starting to actually write the book. It takes time and I am constantly changing things, but it is a fun project that I have been requested to do by many people over the years. it is nice to finally be starting this. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Bill Blagg III Regular user 169 Posts |
I wish you much success on your book project. I have lots to do since I've been kicking the idea around for some time, but haven't much actively. I have to perform a complete market study first, and then plan from there.
I hope to see some other feedback from other performers. With my schedule I won't be in the Café' much, but I do hope to get time to drop in from time to time. |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Well, welcome to the Café and I hope you get the help you are after and looking for.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
MagicalPirate Special user Shamokin, PA 828 Posts |
Sounds like a great idea. Wanting to get into the fundraising show end of performing it is a book I would actually be interested in buying. Good luck with your research and looking forward to your successful completion.
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%. |
Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
You guys have to look into John Kaplan's Fundraisising Program. It's intense and a way to reach your dream.
Check out John Kaplan's Addition Programs. I've discussed this in great length here on the Café. John Kaplan Some advice on Fund Raising magic books! (Best Info) John Kaplan's Christmas Fundraiser
Dennis Michael
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Bill Blagg III Regular user 169 Posts |
There a lot of fundraising programs out there. Some good, some bad. Actually I think fundraising is pretty simple and direct...Develop a good show, call a civic group, offer the show for free, split proceeds 50/50, promote and do the show. Granted there is a bit more nitty gritty to it, but this is a basic framework. Anyone with some drive can start from here and add the meat and flesh on their own.
The system I currently use and have been working on and refining for years doesn't deal with fundraising whatsoever. I've had many other performers ask me "how I do it?" Either they see a performance or have heard about it. My system is "tough" and requires "work" (what's that word? hee hee) but it sure pays off. Not to mention that it really sells image and plants me as a "big fish" to the spectators. Last time I spoke with David Charvet about my show success he was happy to hear that this style works. Sounded to me like not to many other performers are selling out theatres for decent ticket prices these days. I don't mean to sound like I'm blowing my own horn, but I do take pride in seeing the years of trial and error pay off. Now I'm considering putting this knowledge into a book so others can learn from it to be successful. I realize that others may not have the opportunity to gain advice from big names. I used to call the big named magicians and ask them how they did it. I got a lot of advice and I also got a lot of short answers and dial tones I spoke with people from all walks of life. Business owners, magicians, advertising agents, marketing specialists, accountants, you name it. Ask David Charvet, about 5 years ago I snagged a few hours of his time trying to learn about this business. By the way, thanks again David! Jay Owenhouse told me that a lot of people call him too, but once he spells it out to them, nobody ever calls back because they realize it's a lot of work. It takes a lot to make it. Ask all of the successful performers out there. The one thing they all have in common is that they WORK HARD. I asked Don Wayne why Copperfield was so successful. His reply, "David works harder than any other performer in the business." Simple but true. I used to believe that the magic fairy was going to show up and wave her wand and I'd be famous and successful. Wrong! It's all making sense now. For years my dad keep saying I had to work hard to succeed. With everyday that passes I see just how right he is. Working hard is key, but also important is knowing what to work on and when. |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Anything worth reaching for these days does take work and lots of it. If your not willing to get up off your butt and put forth the effort, any system will fail. You must first be determined and go out and be successful minded. I wish you the best with your project. Please keep me posted as I will with you on my own project.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
flourish dude Inner circle from ? But I know where I am going! 1195 Posts |
I would like to see a one man illusion show.
Nothing of the same will bring any change, take action today!
Just taking a step, is a step in the right direction because when you stop working, your dream dies. www.magicalmemories.us |
Zack Special user 551 Posts |
Bill,
Sounds like a great product! I'd buy it. |
Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
I also have Stan Kramien system which has a lot of good information if one want to telemarket the show.
If the show is for chariety, it is an exception to the "Do Not Call" law. However, it is intense on the phone calling to sell ad space and block tickets. This is a system I personally do not want to get involved with because it requires a team of persons, lawyers, secretaries, etc. It does make money but this is work-work not performing work. It requres fewer shows per year, pulling in the big bucks. If telemarketing is what you like then this is the way to go. A scaled down version where the PTA/PTO do this on a smaller scale, to me, seems more reasonable, hence, my choice with the Kaplan program.
Dennis Michael
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Bill Blagg III Regular user 169 Posts |
Good points Den. In the Kramien book, he discusses the PTA/PTO method, but not at length. Fundraiser programs are a great way to make a few thousand, but I feel that's where that program style stops. My program sells you "the performer" as a TOP act for a premium price and doesn't have you working with a charity. I found when doing charity shows in the past, it's a lot of work making sure the people on the other end do their part. Like they say...If it's working, don't change it.
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Al Kazam the Magic Man Inner circle Living in Perth Western Australia 1042 Posts |
Well Bill,
I think it would be a great thing to have. I for one could really benifit from such a book on all the aspects of magical show business. Having learned magic here in the Orient, and having to do it all in a foriegn language has been one of the most difficult things for me. However I may be moving back to Australia in a year or so, and feel I would really benefit from such a source of information. JoJo
Magic guy in Perth Australia
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Tony S Special user New York 582 Posts |
Bill,
I think this is definitely an interesting idea. It is something I would buy. Tony |
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