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wonder pefomance New user 60 Posts |
I wonder if anyone thinks it's a good idea to have your face on your internet page talking to the visitor? I have seen this done well by chris dugdale of new york and london.
see http://www.chrisdugdalemagic.com/page/page/1912349.htm |
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suspectacts Elite user Boston 493 Posts |
No, not if the footage looks like a guy, wearing a tee shirt, standing in front of his own camera.
Maybe, if the guy was in costume (whatever that means to him), well lit and in a space that looks pro and talking TO new visitors instead of delivering an entire sales pitch. I assume this whole post is an excuse to post a link to your site.. right? |
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wonder pefomance New user 60 Posts |
Dear sir
No, this is not me or my website. Chris Dugdale is one of the most elite magicians in the world. You probably haven't heard of him but you would if you worked for airmiles as he is one of their highest point earners. Whatever Dugdale does is worth listening to, and if he puts a talking face on his website then there must be a reason. |
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suspectacts Elite user Boston 493 Posts |
Well I guess you really aren't interested in the opinions of others about Mr. Dugdale's website; you've already decided that HE knows what is right and wrong and that I don't. So why did you bother to post at all?
But I have to wonder, why doesn't my opinion count? Maybe it's becuase I don't 'work for airmiles'. To be honest I don't even know what you mean by that. Are airmiles the same as Frequent Flyer Miles? If so, I can say I have quite a stack myself (plenty of travel across North America and Europe on occasion). Please excuse my assumption about your identity, but I distrust people who post without a name or profile. How am I supposed to know WHO you are, if you don't share anything about yourself. But forget about all that, How do you feel about the T-shirt? Do you think it conotes 'Special Event'? I notice in all of Mr. Dugdale's photo's he's wearing a tux, so he's not even wearing his performing attire. Finally, You didn't ask me if I appreciated or knew Mr. Dugdale (I'm sure he's very good). You asked about video and website, so once again, use your own judgement... Try to forget what you know about Mr. Dugdale (quite a lot I guess) and then visit his site and then mine http://www.funnymagic.com and ask yourself, who would you hire? I don't doubt Mr. Dugdale's skill as a magician. I just think his website doesn't do him justice. Peter Gross Boston Hysterical Society http://www.funnymagic.com |
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TheDean Inner circle Reno, Nevada 2164 Posts |
I would agree that this Video Generator tool "could be" (and has PROVEN itself to actually BE…) a killer marketing tool and weapon, “IF” used well.
Video Generator has certainly has proven itself MANY times over the years both inside and outside of magic for quite some time now... THAT MUCH we know to be true! No big deal, it just IS what it IS. The "TOOL" works, if you use it wisely and well... and like I said, that much we DO know and is proven. HOWEVER: IN THIS EXAMPLE, for such an “elite magician of the world”, (as you have said…) I also have to agree with the others here, that “in THIS EXAMPLE”, the video is very poorly produced and not well though out as far as the truest possibilities of the technology and marketing tool and weapon… You CAN, after all, SEE the man on video, IN HIS T-SHIRT, no less, speaking about being a “Wedding Professional”? At the very best, it’s incongruent for the market he says he is trying to reach. And clearly Not well “produced” either. This mysterious “Mr. Dugdale”, who is touted by you (Who no one knows, and you are keeping secret as well… Hmmmm.) to be “one of the most elite magicians in the world", (from your fingers to our eyes) is not a taking full advantage of the Video Generator technology and marketing possibilities by producing a market-appropriate sales offering and appearing in, what looks to be a casual t-shirt to attempt to influence Brides and real wedding buyers to consider him seriously as an industry professional at all. A true missed marketing opportunity for such an esteemed and busy professional (by your definition) of this sort of a caliber and statured pro! I know that I could NEVER take a risk on hiring such a person based on that video, THAT is 110% certain! – Too risky based on what is offered to date! Who knows, he may be all you say he is, and just may-be a “world-class, elite performer worthy of a real buyer’s interest or even attention, but from his site, nor that video, would I be hard-pressed to believe (or represented) it is even remotely possible. Like I said, it may well be that his IS great, but based on what has been offered, the evidence is slim, and THAT is all we have to go on here… YOUR WORD, that video and his site, RIGHT? REMEMBER: I am in NO-WAY being disrespectful or mean… just sharing from what you have offered as evidence of what you suggest is true or even possible. I’m sure you/he are quite possible good or even great performers, but how are WE to know here for sure? The answer is that “we can’t” with what has been offered to date. – That’s all. Not “bad” news, just observing out-loud based on the facts and evidence. That’s all. Hope that helps to make things more clear. I am at your service and In HIS Service, Dean <><
Dean Hankey, *M.D. - The Dean of Success Solutions!
Serving & Supporting YOU and Your Success! "Book More Shows... Make More Money... SERVE MORE PEOPLE! - Not Necessarily In That Order…" (*Marketing Doctor) |
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I would agree with the others. I think the idea as using it as a marketing tool could be done very well and be very effective. However, not knowing this gentlemen and so looking at it more as a laymen would, I got the impression of some kid sitting at his computer who is not very professional and is just talking.
the reason for this is because of the background, poor video quality and the fact that he is wearing a t-shirt. If you are going to take this approach, I would want a nice setting with professional lighting and the camera done right. I certainly would be dressed as well as I can be to make every impression that I am a high quality service provider worth getting in touch with. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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suspectacts Elite user Boston 493 Posts |
Dear The (I assume we are on a first name basis here):
Thanks for adding your comments. I'm glad to read that you agree with me (who wouldn't be). And do you know what Mr. pefomance (sp) means by 'airmiles?' Maybe it's an academic term. Just to clarify, If you look back at the conversation thus far, you will see that 'the others' you mention is just me, Peter Gross. So let's hear from a couple of more people, and The could you offer us a couple of examples of the same technology used well (in your humble opinion). Thanks Peter |
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keithmagic Veteran user 375 Posts |
I don't really get it.
It's just an imbedded internet video, no? What is the technology or video "tool" you guys are referring too? How is this any different than just putting a .wmv file into a webpage? Or are you discussing the pro's/con's of putting yourself talking to a client on your site in general. Keith >> And yes I agree - the video is not really "salesworthy." Nor is the site. I am not a fan of those generic cluttered free website templates. Have used them as a launching point in the past, but it takes to much work to make it look good. Just hire a real designer to do it.
Author of "The Festival Entertainer" The Professional Entertainer's Guide to Booking and Working Outdoor Fairs, Festivals, and Events.
Available at http://www.howtobookfestivals.com |
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ThePartyMagician Loyal user Bristol, UK 216 Posts |
I agree with everyone here who has already said in principle this technology MIGHT be a good idea.
In practice, from the example given here (Chris Dugdale)...not impressed. It doesn't add any type of value to the website (which as Keith said above is also pretty naff) Just my 2 cents, Mike |
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suspectacts Elite user Boston 493 Posts |
Keith,
To answer your question, I have a feeling this is a product that 'generates' little web-ready videos for the technophobic. It seems to be a favorite among those who are constantly looking for a better model for 'closing deals'. The promise to 'make your website TALK' . I guess the breakthrough here is using embedded video to talk right to your visitors instead of generating a more traditional video. To me this demands that you 'produce' a quality video. That includes scripting, lighting, sound, costume, set and that the 'actor' has the skill to deliver the message. But my bigger problem is this: When was the last time you saw a live announcer talking directly to the camera on TV? The only examples I can think of are infomercials and TV preachers. And usually it sounds forced and 'cheesy' (to me at least). All other modern commerical production has done away with it. Instead we have other techniques to lure the consumer into choosing the product. Why ask them to trust you when you can show them the show and let them decide? Or use video testimonials of clients? In fact one of the breakthroughs of commercial websites is to give the visitor a certain amount of autonomy to explore the information in whatever order they prefer. It doesn't mean you can't be persuasive, it just means you have to be more subtle about it. It might be cute as part of a fan page for people who have already seen the show, or what about a page for kids that parents show to their child as a way of telling them that a magician is coming to their party (that's actually a cool idea). But enough! It doesn't look like our friend who started this thread has taken the time to repost. I guess we are all more invested in this discussion then he is. I do have a question to ask for the assembled group: I want advice for getting to hard to reach prospects. I'm talking about agents and bookers who probably regularly receive a dozen packets a week. What are people's experience with strategies for standing out from the crowd? I know people often include a gift that is 'thematic' ie if you were Mack King you'd include Fig Newtons. But recently have been thinking about a gift that's more helpful to them. Forget thematic! Give them something they will see as a real value. What if you sent them a gift certificate for 1 gallon of gas?! The point is, ' I know you don't need another keychain or tee shirt or embossed pen, so here's a gallon of gas, something I know you do need. If I'm this customer focused now, just think of how customer focused I will be with your audiences.' Sure it would be expense, but it would be worth it for a small group of people who can possibly get you lots and lots of work. Let me know what you think. Peter Gross http://www.funnymagic.com PS Hulk Smash! |
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wonder pefomance New user 60 Posts |
Dear suspectacts
I am sorry for not replying sooner I have been on the road doing a number of corporates. I did not say the talking video was a good thing, nor did I say it was a bad thing. All I know is that it works for Chris Dugdale (who is a personal friend of Lance Burton and has a residency at 'Dexters' in Wandsworth). He is an elite perfomer and is probably the number one magician in New York/London. In relation to the questioning about whether I would book Peter Gross or Chris Dugdale based on the websites I would say that I would book Chris Dugdale as he is clearly a fine entertainer. |
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suspectacts Elite user Boston 493 Posts |
Wp
Thanks for responding. I would tell you to follow your gut, it's clearly getting you everything you strive for. Also, please don't forget to fill out your profile, so that you are not misidentified in the future. I would love to see your website, if you don't mind sharing. Best of luck, Peter Gross Boston Hystericial Society P.S. Mission Accomplished |
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BalukMagic Veteran user Toronto, Canada 319 Posts |
Mr. Gross,
I must say, I have come across your website in the past, and I would by far choose you instead of anyone else's website I have come across. Not just for the site, but your videos! HILARIOUS! I absolutely love the videos you have on your site. I hope one day I have to plan an event and hire entertainment (and I wouldn't be able to perform at for some reason....ok, lets say I broke my arm?)so that I can hire you. Cheers. |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Whew! I'd best find cover...there's a whole lotta names being dropped hereabouts! Dang! Just got hit by a Burton!
Peter, some folks just can't hear the truth. As for your question, I believe it was Fred Becker who really wanted to work for a specific cruise line...along with countless other magicians and performers. So, in addition to his promo video he FedEx'ed a box containing a tub of microwave popcorn, a six pack of sodas and a Director's chair...with which the entertainment director could kick back and enjoy Fred's video. He tracked the delivery via the Internet and called the director roughly 20 minutes after the box arrived. He captured the director's attention head on. Thinking outside of the box can help you stand out in your field. A gift certificate for a gallon of gasoline is creative and may catch the eye...but, does it really scream, "Hey! Consider me!" You're planning to ask this person to represent you for hundreds or thousands of dollars and you're sending him three bucks. Add to this that giving gasoline as a promo is such a cliche these days...everyone's doing it. Does this really help you stand out? I don't know...and I don't have an answer for ya...but we could brainstorm one! I love the idea but it just seems a little weak to me...no offense meant!! It's a great starting point...where can we go with it? Dean, Kyle, James...we need your minds, men!!! Best wishes!! Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Can I ask a silly question?
How can he be the top magician in London and New York and nobody know who he is? Just curious. Oh and I would hire Peter Gross. Even over ME!
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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keithmagic Veteran user 375 Posts |
Well for anyone looking to do this for free without gimicky "tools" all you have to do is this (if you are running XP):
shoot the video import the video into your computer and save for web using windows movie maker (included free with XPm ake any edits you want, and select "save for web". This will generate a .wmv file. upload the .wmv file to your webhost. then open the page that you wish the video to play on with notepad or a html editor and place the following code into the page where you want the video to play - then replace the yourvideo.wmv in the code below with the location of your wmv. file (http://yousite/yourvideo.wmv) etc. <object id="MediaPlayer" classid="CLSID:22D6F312-B0F6-11D0-94AB-0080C74C7E95" standby="Loading Windows Media Player components..." type="application/x-oleobject" height="312" width="320"> <param name="FileName" value="yourvideo.wmv"> <param name="autostart" value="true"> <param name="ShowControls" value="true"> <param name="ShowStatusBar" value="true"> <param name="ShowDisplay" value="false"> <embed type="application/x-mplayer2" src="yourvideo.wmv" name="MediaPlayer" showcontrols="1" showstatusbar="1" showdisplay="0" autostart="1" height="312" width="320"> </object> You can find more infor about fine tuning the controls here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/defaul......etse.asp keith
Author of "The Festival Entertainer" The Professional Entertainer's Guide to Booking and Working Outdoor Fairs, Festivals, and Events.
Available at http://www.howtobookfestivals.com |
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suspectacts Elite user Boston 493 Posts |
Keith,
That's Amazing. Thanks for taking the time to share. Suddenly this thread just got 10 times as informative. And now some other thank you's... Baluk - Thanks for the complement. Let me know if that shoulder acts up... Danny - Thanks for the kind words; I know you don't hand those things out like mints Skip - Thanks for the input. Yes, I am aware of Mr. Becker's ploy; that's what got me thinking. I agree the gas isn't the right match with selling entertainment, it's too functional. But if I got it from my Car Dealership I would think, 'Cool, I guess they really care.' But the real value of a gift is not in the monetary value, but in the feeling you can evoke: Here's something that will make you smile. One of my first thoughts was to send chocolates - Becuase between the smell and the taste and the excitement of seeing candy you get the person to associate you with all those nice feelings. Of course sending food is always tricky, but you get the idea. Anyone have any other experience with this sort of marketing ploy? Keep the ideas coming. peter g PS ' He's dead, Jim!' |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Exactly what I was trying to say...the feeling the item evokes. Somehow, the gas idea, while positive, doesn't invoke those thoughts toward a magical bent. How do I express this? How about an idea that invokes a response? Where's Jim Snack when we need him?!?
How about a 2 gallon gas can...cost? $4.00? "Life is tough...why waste your time & gas searching for the ideal entertainer. Call me today and I'll provide the entertainment...and the gas!" It's fun...it speaks to the client...and it encourages the client to call...if only to see what happens next. This is along the lines of where my thoughts lie. Total investment...maybe $7.00-$10.00. Too much? As for the cookie idea...send a jar of premixed cookie dough sans fluids. It will be in dry, powdery form. "Sure, you could bake them yourself...just like you could continue your search for the ideal entertainer...or...you can call today and let me make life lot easier for you! I'll provide the ideal entertainment...and send a batch of ready to eat gourmet chocolate chip snackers!" I would recommend making an arrangement with a local bakery to custom pack a basket of cookies for delivery. It would cost a bit more...but the impact would be powerful. The phrasing needs work...alot of work...but the idea is there. A work in progress, but what do ya think? Where else can we go? Skip P.S. Dammit, Jim, I'm a magician, not an MBA! (Okay...your P.S.'s are better)
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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icentertainment Inner circle 1429 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-06-21 13:06, wonder pefomance wrote: I hate to tell you this----but kids parties are not Corporate Shows If you think the video is of a guy who is a world class guy- then I say YOU AMATEUR ---big big AMATEUR Just remember we can pick out amateurs really fast so please don't try and fool us |
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BalukMagic Veteran user Toronto, Canada 319 Posts |
Quote:
Thanks for the complement. Let me know if that shoulder acts up... Not a problem. Oh, and you'll be the first know! PS- If you mail me a hammer or something I'm sure I can "accidentally" break my arm. I just have a gut feeling about an accident like that |
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