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Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
Dan, back then, how did your costume character pricing compare to your magic shows?
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danfreed Inner circle West Chester PA 1354 Posts |
In some cases it was the same rate, depending on what I was doing, the type of client, etc. I owned many costumes, doing it myself if I wasn't booked for magic, balloons, or caricatures already, and I had several people who did it for me as well using my costumes. And I rented them to through the costume shop. It got to be too much, and I didn't like doing the costumes, especially since I was doing so many other things too. So I decided to just be a magician, and not do costumes anymore unless it was something simple and easy like a cowboy or safari guy, etc.
Dan Freed
AKA The Amazing Spaghetti https://www.magiciandanfreed.com/birthday-party-magician-for-kids http://thecaricatureartist.com http://danieljayfreed.com |
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
Thanks Dan.
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Gerry Walkowski Inner circle 1450 Posts |
Just a few last words on this from me, anyway.
I did make one innocent mistake and I want to correct that. To the best of my knowledge, Philip Morris was NOT sued for renting out a copyrighted costume figure. However, another costume firm was sued for $10,000. The folks that owned the copyrighted figure then audited the firm's books to see how many times this company had profited off their product. The reason why I initially thought Philip Morris was sued was because his name was mentioned moments later when this discussion was taking place. I guess my brain had a hard time keeping all the facts straight so to that end, I apologize to Phil for that innocent mistake. That said, the other parts of my story are 100% right on target. Mindpro, I will say this there a fair number of magicians out there that have either done this sort of thing in the past, or they're still doing this even though it's against the law. It's funny how sometimes people get real silent when the truth hits home. Enjoy, Gerry |
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jlibby Inner circle 1044 Posts |
I haven't gotten the e-book, and I don't know anything about using costume characters. But it did occur to me that the information could be useful for those who might be working with an organization that has a mascot costume. For instance, I think some police departments still use McGruff. And here in Texas, the H-E-B grocery stores have a mascot called H-E-Buddy.
Just a thought. Joe Libby San Antonio, TX
My new FREE ebook on the classic Mismade Bill trick is ready for you:
https://funnybirthdayshow.com/mismadebill/ |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
When I dressed as Santa the wig blocked my peripheral vision, I could not see the ground in front of me, I had a mouth full of beard, I could not see where I was walking, and I needed an escort both to protect me from nasty children, and to help me walk. It was the hardest $100 an hour gig I ever had.
At a birthday party I look spiffy, never break a sweat, get more than twice as much as I did as Santa. and I'm on my way home CLEAN in an hour. I would have to be extremely desperate to entertain dressing as Santa or anyone else ever again.
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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lokikross Special user An Undying Heart of Chaos; Stabbed with 719 Posts |
Hey guys!
Just some info from my experience as an Imagineer Intern for Disney... Their characters are their life-blood, they do not license them to non-Disney entities. They have a team of researchers that not only use Google street view, but will also travel to Day-Cares, Pet-Shops, and Holiday stores looking for their characters to be drawn on the windows in paint. (The most common offense.) Former Cast members that move "back home" and work the Disney stores are incentivized to report any of these kinds of infractions. They also hire costumed characters that have ignored their "Cease and Desist", and set the event in a conference room with their lawyers as the "kids". Typically their first step was to send a letter demanding removal of likenesses. Then a "Cease and Desist". Then they try to trap you with proof. Then you get a 50k lawsuit. (In 2006 that was the norm. Just like ASCAP usually files in 4k lumps for downloaders. I put a PDF on every product I put out to keep it in ASCAP's demense. Little tip.) As for performing as a character... In Disney they only do it in 15 minute shifts. (They get ridiculously sweaty. And it is a fought over position. I was offered the first Capt. Jack character, but turned it down. Currently, the Tinkerbell that flies at night from the Cinderella Castle has seniority to get that role. She is in her 80's) In Vegas they have "Costume Pimps" that mainly the homeless use to survive on. They leave all personal belongings, (even if it is their only pair of underwear), and get a costume for the day. At the end of the day, they turn them in with 40$ of their profits. They are the hardest working performers ON the strip, (Meaning hard work, not talent.) Usually putting in 14 hour shifts because they have to. (10am - 12am). In both Disney, and Vegas; the people under the costume are usually highly questionable in character. (Just from my experience). And I have noticed that the savvy consumer has caught on to this as well. As I have been asked when I worked at Disney if certain costumed characters were "Safe". To which I could only reply, "I have no idea who it is under the mask." In Vegas they get harassed occasionally by people claiming to represent the company holding the licence. But usually they are a sales person, or account person, with no real recourse. It is odd, but it seems that in a place like Vegas, the total flux of people doing it may seem too much to take a serious legal stance against; but I do know that they look for it globally and know to look at parties, shops, holiday stores, pet shops, day-cares, etc. Just my experience. LokI |
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-07-19 21:54, danfreed wrote: Hey Dan can you get me a "MASKED MAGICIAN: costume? I can use the costume to perform with in my kids magic class I don't believe that costume has even been licensed |
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danfreed Inner circle West Chester PA 1354 Posts |
Howie, I haven't been in the costume biz since 04' so all I have left that I'm selling is a pirate and Spiderman. There probably isn't a ready made one available, though maybe you could find a ready made pro wrestling mask that would look close enough. I'd google some custom costume makers or contact some local theatres for a costume designer referral, or call the college theatre departments to find a student to make it. Or Craig's list.
Dan Freed
AKA The Amazing Spaghetti https://www.magiciandanfreed.com/birthday-party-magician-for-kids http://thecaricatureartist.com http://danieljayfreed.com |
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