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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
I'll be using my Gimpy's Pirate Chest. As well as having considerably more space than an envelope, I can perform my Light and Heavy chest presentation as a grand finale. This will be perfect, as I can include all the spectators, and can include a couple of items that would have been impossible with the Envelope. Still like the idea of that, but I'm sure I'll have a lot more takers for the Treasure Chest, as the prop itself is a curiosity. And you know how I love my props!
:) |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
You should get a tip over chest....
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
I have one, but that wouldn't work for a "small" show. I do use my stage-size tip over treasure chest in parlour situations, with a certain something to make that possible. But, the L&H routine plays great, and it's one of my favourite routines using several audience members, with loads of comedy and a nice magical outcome. One of my presentations includes a very strong mentalism routine too, but that's not really the kind of thing I have in mind for this type of show. The minimalist concept may lead me to invest in Gimpy;s "Mighty Mini", which is a VERY cool L&h chest. Probably the best on the market.
:) |
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keeblem Inner circle Essex, UK 1167 Posts |
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On 2010-07-12 15:54, MagicSanta wrote: My bad. I thought you were refering to the fact that it wasn't a good idea. Mark |
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Cyberqat Inner circle You can tell I work on the net from my 2209 Posts |
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On 2009-12-03 10:48, ku7uk3 wrote: Is this in Europe? Cause taxes don't work that way in the US. (1) In order for a Tax deduction to have any value at all, you need surplus income for it to offset. (2) Tax deductible just means you don't pay the *taxes* on an equivalent amount of income, not that you get it all back. What you get taken off your tax *bill* is somewhere between 10% and 50% of what you spent depending on your income. (for me, its about 33%) (3) We have something called AMT or Alternative Minimum Tax that caps how much you can deduct in total. I believe the minimum you *must* pay is something like 18% of your adjusted gross income. (Note that corporations aren't subject to AMT to my knowledge, but you can't spend the corporation's money on anything but direct business expenses. Anything else becomes income the corporation payed you and is subject to personal income taxes.) Tax deductibility is great and you should strive for as many legitimate deductions as you can get... but it doesn't make the purchases free.
It is always darkest just before you are eaten by a grue.
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
In the UK we don't have a maximum allowance on spending for your business. If you want to spend 80% of your income on your business, that's fine. You won't pay ANY tax on your business expenditures. This is meant to help small businesses, especially, develop more quickly.
Sure, it doesn't make the purchase of props free, but it does mean that if you spend a fair amount on your business, your tax bill will be much lower. Potty |
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wizardpa Inner circle The New Orleans area 1011 Posts |
This guy might have a fantastic show. He might be retired and have income from outside sources. Or he might love to do magic and is trying to recoup the money he spent by being so cheap.
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wizardpa Inner circle The New Orleans area 1011 Posts |
I guess one could say I might be guilty of this. As anyone can see by my picture I have an Axtell Hands Free Toucan ventriloquist puppet.
I worked 37 years at a job and I was lucky enough to retire early and devote my time and money to what is really a hobby I love to do. I try to be in the same area price wise with my competition. I think I have a great show that only continues to get better. I'm looking into either building or buying a Zig Zag lady illusion so that I can improve my stage show which I only do about 5% of the time. Just because my show keeps getting better does not mean I can charge more then what people are willing to pay. |
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Danny Hustle Inner circle Boston, MA USA 2393 Posts |
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On 2010-07-10 14:52, Potty the Pirate wrote: I just saw this and agree wholeheartedly but the number of those who despise me is surprisingly quite low although they are usually rather vocal bunch! The right people seem to think I'm okay, and I'm okay with that. Thanks Kimmo! Best, Dan- "MT is one of the reasons we started this board! I’m so sick of posts being deleted without any reason given, and by unknown people at that." - Steve Brooks Sep 7, 2001 8:38pm ©1999-2014 Daniel Denney all rights reserved. |
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Al Kazam the Magic Man Inner circle Living in Perth Western Australia 1042 Posts |
Danny Hustle wrote: The right people seem to think I'm okay, and I'm okay with that.
I want to be one of the right people! I reckon Dannny is okay with me! For all those who agree let's hear a big shout out: OH YEAH!!!!! :heavymetal:
Magic guy in Perth Australia
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
Why would Danny be disliked? He is one of my favorite performers who, unfortunately, I have to avoid watching because I don't want to start doing the Santa Hustle show! Wait...y'all already reject another great performer from here so why not others? At least I am loved by all the lil' darling types.
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Kimmo
I must say that a one trip ventriloquist is a trick in itself. Danny's OK with me too
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
It was said a bit tongue-in-cheek! Of course, Danny's a great contributor here - and I love his performing style.
The Magic Café is a bit less colourful these days without certain contributors regularly stirring things up. But I did find a wonderful quote in another section today: "The magic business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side". Hunter Thompson. |
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Danny Hustle Inner circle Boston, MA USA 2393 Posts |
LOL! That quote is in a word...lovely.
Thanks so much for sharing it! Best, Dan- "MT is one of the reasons we started this board! I’m so sick of posts being deleted without any reason given, and by unknown people at that." - Steve Brooks Sep 7, 2001 8:38pm ©1999-2014 Daniel Denney all rights reserved. |
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TRUMPETMAN Special user Naples, FL 705 Posts |
The Thompson quote was acutally written about the music business.
It works for magic, too, though.
Mark Pettey
Naples, FL facebook.com/robbietheringmaster |
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
After being directed to this old thread by Donald (in another thread!), I wanted to throw something out there.
We are in the business and we understand that props do not equal talent, nor a good show. I agree with the comments to that affect. But I also believe that it's hard for average buyer to understand. Them: "The Other Guy is bringing a live rabbit." You: "You can read what thousands of satisfied customers have said bout my show on my website" Them: "But the Other Guy has a fancy backdrop!" You: "I have been recognized as the top act in our area by others buyers just like you! " Them: "But the Other Guy has a mechanical bird that TALKS!" You: "I can provide more entertainment with a dishcloth" Them: "The Other Guy has a Live rabbit!" You: "You said that already. Live rabbits are for hacks who are not entertaining and need a sure-fire happy-pill at the end of their show." The: "The other guy is only $125." Ok, a real conversation won't go exactly like that, but you get the point. I think that most people really see value in "stuff." Unless they have the chance to really, truly experience the difference (and even videos don't do that great of a job) they will allow props and set dressing to sway them. Particularly with birthday events, most people are simply not going to dig that deep to find comparisons. $125 for a talking robot parrot sounds like a pretty good deal. I could be wrong, but I think Silly Billy discussed this waaaaayyyy back when he was in Magic with the lovely colorful cover of him wrapped in balloons. I believe he talked about lugging a big ol' case all over NYC because people expect to see some "stuff." |
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Clownboy Veteran user 355 Posts |
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On 2009-12-03 10:15, Kevinr wrote: Its my opinion that Entertainers each have their own reason for performing. Some out of financial security, some Hobby, and some just for the joy of making others happy. Those who depend on their income will never be able to rationalize those who do it for pleasure no matter how much explaining they do. They enjoy buying/collecting magic and don't worry about the cost. Usually they have money coming in from other directions and it doesn't affect their lifestyle by doing it cheaper. Not saying its right and I definitely not saying its wrong - It simply just 'Is'. Brad
As the Frogs say "Times Fun when you're having Flies"
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David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
Get the guy's phone number. It may not be long before he's selling all that expensive stuff for pennies on the dollar...unless he's one of those hobby fellas with tons of money who just likes to perform.
David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
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ProfessorMagicJMG Loyal user 257 Posts |
Haha, I just found this thread and yes it's five years later but I have to say, I love the look of all of Axtell's puppets, but I only have one of his props and until I become a ventriloquist, there's only one I need as a kid show specialist: The Magic Drawing Board (Deluxe with tongue). It's always a fantastic closer because it gets incredible reactions from the kids. Earlier in the show I do a silly routine with my "invisible red flower" that is just a cheap, appearing red feather flower. This primes the pump for the "Look, Don't See" concept that many of today's kids simply haven't seen yet. It always works. Then at the end of the show, I get several volunteers to help me draw the face on the board. Then, in order, after they have said the magic words and wiggled fingers three times, nothing, until I look away. Then the eyes wiggle and they go crazy. Then the tongue comes out and they go banana pants nuts. Then I finally "see" the antics and say, you know that's just rude...did you know that's rude to stick out your tongue? And then mouth opens and he says "no way!" and I say "NO WAY!!!" and the kids go absolutely bat slap bonkers and flip upside down squealing and laughing. For the money, The (tongue) Axtell Magic Drawing Board deluxe is the absolute best bargain in children's magic. The actual reason I bought it was, my son told me a magician came to his school. I said, "what's his name?" and he couldn't remember. I said, what tricks did he do? And he could only remember ONE: "he drew a picture on a board and it came to life and started talking." When this happened a few times (several kids had seen the same show, couldn't remember the name but they remembered the talking drawing), I decided it was a must have prop. I have never once been disappointed by the reaction it gets. Here's the kicker: the MDB can become ANY character you can DRAW, and when you get it, it comes with a whole bunch of easy to draw characters. So with one prop you get INFINITE variety, and if you add vent skills, you've got a license to print money. I would dearly love one of the other puppets, too...but I find you can get just as much reaction and laughs from a "whisper" puppet as a vent puppet, if you have a good routine. Rabbit in the hat, plus Magic Drawing board...only puppets a kid show magician would ever really need. Granted, Axtell puppets put you in a whole new category, but ONLY if you are a decent vent OR have a pre-recorded routine AND use a headset microphone, which requires a whole sound system. Plus you have to keep the kids away from the vent puppet after the show unless you put it in an expensive case, which means more to haul in and out. MDB packs flat, plays big hahahaa!
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Clarke's 3rd Law
"Any sufficiently primitive technology can mystify a postmodern audience." - JMG's Corollary to Clarke's 3rd Law |
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