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tgplano Special user Ted Gillam 614 Posts |
I don't know where to post this so I'll post it here since I do mentalism.
I've always gotten my gigs from referrals but now I've been asked to develop and provide a professionally done audition video. What should it contain? Who can I get to do it? Thanks for your help. Ted
Mentalism for the Metroplex
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christophe New user 93 Posts |
Ted, make a clip where they can Watch you in action *live" and some spectators reaction. Don't put a whole routines.
I hope it helps Christophe |
David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
I'm the same. I went years without taping myself.
But the times are changing. It's not enough anymore to just send of a sales letter. My friends sent me samples of their "performer packages." It looks to me like many performers have spent a lot of time and money on their packages. (Eric Samuels has an awesome one, which he posted here a while back.) I looked over the many options and wound up doing this: I got a photographer to tape several my performances. As Christophe suggested, I only actually used portions of the routines -- ones with lots of interaction and laughter, ooohing and ahhhing from the audiences. At first I tried to put the actual clips into my package -- but it made the package WAY too big.It would have taken forever to email and irritated the heck out of the people I was hoping would hire me. So I wound up putting the clips onto YouTube and simply providing hyperlinks to them inside the package. The packages I wound up designing are essentially the same -- but I have one skewed to fairs and exhibitions, another to corporate clients, a "general all purpose" package and another geared to meeting planners. Once the basic structure was built, the individual packages took a very short time to customize. Finally I saved the whole document as a PDF so that it can be opened by anyone, and I don't need to consider what version of Word they have etc. Before sending it out, double check the links and make sure they are correct. Make sure all the contact information for you (website, email and telephone) is in the footer of each page...and that there's a graphic element (you performing live as well as posed shots) to each page. Choose a couple of choice testimonials from well known organizations and feature them as "sidebars" in the package. Finally, I suggest the package be kept short: no more than four pages with lots of white space and pictures. Your client should be able to absorb the whole thing in just a couple of minutes. Above all else, it should be easy for them to read. Good luck, Ted! I hope these suggestions are helpful to you. 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 |
Jerskin Inner circle 2497 Posts |
You've never needed a video before 2013?
Go to some other performers websites to get an idea of what's out there. Keep it to about 5 minutes.
GrEg oTtO
MUNDUS VULT DECIPI |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
I think there is much more to a demo than what has been expressed here. There is a generic demo which many performers often have to offer a quick glimpse into what they offer. This is typically what most these days refer to as a demo.
However, when working professional markets, for an agency or corporate event planner, or specific markets this is not what they want. They want a demo specific to their clients, industry or market. You said "I've been asked to develop and provide a professionally done audition video"...by whom. I don't mean who as in "give us your contact", but rather what type of person or entity is requesting this demo? An agency may want a specific type of demo, same for a theme park, a cruise ship agency, or a college representative. You don't want to submit a generic demo to a specific contact or market. If this is just for a potential customer for a private event, perhaps. But if this is being requested by someone more specific, then your demo should be produced and targeted to them specifically. This is why many performers will have a generic demo, a corporate demo, a fairs & fest demo, and yet maybe anther demo for another particular market. You're asking a rather general question and getting rather general answers. I too like others here have gone 15 years without a demo, but again it's because of the markets I work and my reputation and credibility within those markets. I would never suggest this for beginners or those working general consumer markets. I hope this makes sense. |
tgplano Special user Ted Gillam 614 Posts |
I want to thank all of you for your comments.
Jerskin...Yes I've never needed a demo. I have a good reputation among a select group of corporate clients and never needed one. A personal referral is better than a demo any day. David...Thanks for the advice. It's very helpful. My first problem is I have very little video of me performing. Most of the gigs I do would prefer that no video be taken. I do have still photos of some of my gigs that I can use. Mindpro...Your advice of targeting a specific market is very helpful. An agency representative saw me perform at a private event and requested the demo. They feel that my maturity (read age) would appeal to their cliental. One other problem I have with this whole thing is I'm basically retired and only do one or two gigs a month. I have mixed feelings about taking on more work so I don't know how much I want to spend on this effort. Any ideas as to cost of production? David you mentioned a pdf with links. What about a CD or DVD? Again, thanks all for your comments. Ted
Mentalism for the Metroplex
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
In the name of saving money, you could always contact a local high school or college that has a t.v. production department and explain to them your needs and you may be able to get some basic footage perhaps with some editing. Same approach of you have a cable access station or class in your area. These are good resources as they usually have pretty decent broadcast-quality equipment to work with and some level of skilled adviser or teacher to assist them.
Another option is if you have or know someone with a digital video camera have them shoot video of your show and then take to one of the above resources or a local editing suite to just do the post-production editing. There are a couple affordable ideas to get what you need. Just remember to the agency it is a representation of you and them, so do not sacrifice quality too much in the name of savings. A Local video company that does weddings may offer you a deal it is a non-prime time shoot such as on a week day, etc. Also ask the agency of they have any in-house resources or someone they recommend, as many agencies do have working relationships with those they recommend and know their work. |
tgplano Special user Ted Gillam 614 Posts |
One last thing. Would any of you with good presentation packages be willing to send them to me. I'd be interested in seeing what they look like. Just reference. I won't copy them. If so PM me.
Thanks, Ted
Mentalism for the Metroplex
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Shrubsole Inner circle Kent, England 2455 Posts |
It might sound a personal question and it is, but one you don't have to answer here:
If you are happy with your one or two gigs a month and are they starting to dry up? If not they carry on doing what you are doing. You may find that putting out extra promotion material may start the gigs rolling in and then you will either have to do them or turn them down. Doing gigs you don't want to do is never going to be fun and turning down people is not good for your reputation either. So whichever way you go, keep control of it.
Winner of the Dumbringer Award for total incompetence. (All years)
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tgplano Special user Ted Gillam 614 Posts |
Shrubsole, Things are not drying up. This opportunity offers perks that aren't there in my normal gigs. Therefore it is of interest.
Ted
Mentalism for the Metroplex
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Atlas Inner circle 3103 1277 Posts |
Hi Ted, if you'll PM me your email address, I'll send you some pictures of my promotional material with links to the trailer clips on the DVD.
Best, Atlas |
RileyG Special user Las Vegas 840 Posts |
I think you mean DEMO REEL and not audition video. Two different animals in the entertainment world. Demo reels are cuts from shows vs. audition videos are used in acting with character specific audition scene for a film or TV project that casting directors send directors,, or others above them to get cast in roles.
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tgplano Special user Ted Gillam 614 Posts |
RileyG: I stand corrected. See, I need so much help in this area I don't even know exactly what to call it.
Ted
Mentalism for the Metroplex
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