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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Well Done Mike. It looks amazing. Be proud of yourself. The audience shot speaks for itself, everybody is having a great time
and as they say, “it is just what the doctor ordered.” So going back to the opening topic. Yes if you don’t have the money to hire a professional plus the time to see that it is done right, don’t let the naysayers slow you down. Plenty of willing people like Mike out there in your own market that can help guide you to the finish line. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Mike, isn’t that music and voice from Arthur, a member here?
Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
As a past ‘professional’ buyer for both children and adult groups I would hire Mike as the entertainer in a heartbeat.
Doesn’t take a smart person to see that anyone that has worked the White House, been on National TV a few times, and has great references from both children and adult events would be a good choice for either. Could his video had been better, of course it could, we all can make improvements in everything we do. Business and Life itself is a work in progress. Now maybe we can get some others here to share their video that they use to get new clients. Be nice if we could, Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I have received a lot of PM's about what I meant in my very first short post so I will make a little longer rant.
First to "story board" a video means in industry terms of movies and such that you draw out the action sort of comic book style. I am NOT suggesting to actually draw it out, but definitely write it out. So here is the process I would use if I wanted to get a video done well to compete in larger competitive markets. Might not be worth it to compete in markets such as kids shows, I don't know that market at all so don't apply this knowledge across the board. First thing to do is to get a "story board" in your mind about the video you wish to shoot. Have a vision. How long, which shots are in it, what is the "feel" of it, voice over or not, and every little thing. Then write that ALL out. Every detail. The angles you wish to capture shots from and the reactions you wish to capture from volunteers and so on. Write out EVERY detail. Take raw footage of your show and find the moments and figure out timing and how much of this you want and so forth. This is a time consuming process but WELL worth it. You can not just hire a video guy and hope he will know what you want. Then find a video guy. RESEARCH him! Use Thumbtack or whatever but find a good fit. Look at his work, look at the editing, look at the lighting and look at as much as you can about him or her. Find one who you communicate well with because THAT is the big thing. NOT one who will tell you what you want, but one who will listen to what you want. This step is HUGE in the final product. Go over with them every detail of what you are looking for. Make certain they understand. Then bring them to your show to just watch it. Don't just show him video of the show but have them watch it LIVE. It makes a HUGE difference. After the show maybe they have ideas on how a shot you might not have thought of will work well. Listen to their input, but in the end it is YOUR vision you want to carry out. Then set up a 2 stationary camera shoot, with one roving live camera for those shots you really want close or at a different angle. When you set the cameras they will probably have a monitor you can use to make certain they are positioned exactly as needed. Make sure they are on the same page as you with the shots you want close up and such, keeping in mind some of that stuff can be done post production and not live. Have him take a live audio feed from the sound board and NOT from the camera mic. They will probably suggest this anyhow but make certain it is done. The audience can be punched up or down and such. It is just a good move. DO THIS AS MANY TIMES AS NEEDED to get what you want. It probably in reality won't take more than once IF DONE RIGHT. Then have him edit together your dream video using the "story board" you have both gone over. At the end KEEP ALL THE FOOTAGE because when you go to re shoot it you might find out you already have much of what you need. Then in post production decide if you want to have testimonials edited in and all graphics and such. I am not a fan of testimonials. I mean a picture is worth a thousand words. If I watch some people say how great you are and how much fun they had and it goes on and on and on sure maybe that is moving. BUT if I spend the same amount of time WATCHING HUNDREDS of people laughing their faces off to me personally that speaks more to you as a performer. Doing not saying and all. But that is just a stylistic preference and that is why I mention testimonials because they are a very valid way to get stuff done. So there you go. That is just my idea. If you don't have to compete in a competitive market or if you are in a place an iPhone video works then great. But if you are in a place where there is more competition and they are doing what I outlined above it might not work.
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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Mindpro Eternal Order 10585 Posts |
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On Jun 26, 2016, Dannydoyle wrote: I agree, as I detailed this and provided two samples of storyboards in my "Toolkit" e-book release, because many have trouble with this or have never dealt with one. Great advice. It is also why I originally mentioned to Tim Friday that there is so much more to it as you just demonstrated than just getting iphone footage. Storyboarding it, as I explained earlier, let's you know exactly what shots are needed, what effects or routines of yours are best for these needed shots, as well as letting whoever you hire if you do so to produce this for you understand exactly what you want. Even if you attempt to do it yourself, the process should really be done first. That gets to the next point that Danny just demonstrated, it is a process. It's more than just a camera or phone on a stick. Truth be told, it's a pain in the ***, but one that every performer likely has to encounter. The greatest feeling of relief and darn near euphoria is when it is compete. When you have turned your vision, your storyboard, into reality. That is one of an entertainer's greatest feelings. Where many seem to go wrong is being in a hurry just to get footage. You need to first determine exactly who you are targeting with the video, what you need to include specifically on the video to reach an penetrate these targets, and how you want them to respond. This is even BEFORE the storyboard. All of this is the pre-production phase. I can almost assure you of this...if you don't do this, if you don't put in the pre-production work and effort, you will most likely be displeased with the final result. Also don't fall into the misbelief of "well having something is better than nothing." If you are going to put in anytime into this it might as well be the right effort for the right desired outcome. Also, as I see every day, there is definitely such a things as your video working against you, damaging the momentum you may have built up and established in your market, and turning people off to their possible interest in you. I see it every day. We have had so many performers literally ask us what was wrong with their video, we now offer (and charge) for critique service. Unless another performer has the exact same interest, in the exact same performance market doing the exact same type of performance and content, your video will almost always be different than anyone else's. Don't try to make your video like someone else's but rather create the video you envision exactly as needed and determined. |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
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On Jun 26, 2016, TomBoleware wrote: Yes it is. A theme song is great for website promo videos. I am the only magician in Michigan who has one. Another advantage of recording an audience yourself with the right equiptment is who can record the over and over for free. I set up one of my HD camcorders facing the audience. I expect to get great facial reactions and laughter. Sometimes an individual might be looking a different direction. Sometimes a individual might be talking to another individual. Imagine paying an expensive videographer over and over until the perfect moment comes. If you are working on a commercial with actors, a expensive videographer does makes sense. You will all know what to expect. But a live crowd is much more difficult. |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Not everyone has a rich parent who can buy them equipment.
And that theme song will get people to remember you. For that market it might be good I don't know. For higher end markets not so much.
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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Mindpro Eternal Order 10585 Posts |
I agree. Arthur does great work, but that theme can also work against him if seeking work in other markets under the same name. With something like that you kinda gotta commit.
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I do not have any videos on my adult shows this moment because I am doing so many family and kid shows. Sometimes I get calls for adult shows after someone notices my website. This moment I have no room for doing adult shows full time with the tons of bookings I am receiving now. Not looking forward to it, but if I ever give up family and kids shows I will start on an adult show website and promo video. Year 2011 I came in 3rd place performing for the adults at Curly's Close Up contest at Magic Abbotts Get-Together. I came in first performing for the adults at the same venue year 2013.
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RonCalhoun Special user Independence, KY USA 599 Posts |
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On Jun 12, 2016, Ray Pierce wrote: First, Ray is Right. Listen to Ray because Ray is right. Who am I? I'm Ron and I retired from Magic and returned to college at the age of 52. Today, age 62, I'm a video producer. Here is my opinion. If the best you can afford is a $50 suit, then buy a $50 suit. Yes, a $500 suit would look better. But if you don't have $500 you have to work with the resources you have. Shooting footage: Today's smartphone capture video at 1080. That's broadcast quality. So, use a great smart phone. Steady. You CANNOT hold the camera with your hands. Period. You will need to have something to rest the camera on. Please do not debate me on this point. Shaky is the mark of the amateur. I believe steady footage is what Ray means by clean footage. Ray, please correct me if I'm wrong. Hold the smartphone sideways. Please reread that last sentence about 14 times. SOUND, we call sound audio. Audio is MORE important than the video. What ever is capturing your sounds needs to be as close to the source as is possible. (Just do the best you can.) The footage you will need. Reread Ray's post. Ray mentioned, The teaser portion This is the first 15 to 20 seconds, edited as a montage. (Look up what a video montage is) It is edited fast, usually with music and QUICKLY tells the viewer what “stuff” you do, different places you have done your stuff and how much everyone loved it. (If you can’t figure the teaser part out, hire a pro.) Ray said, After the opening montage, I showed a few representative segments from the show, Ray is still right. Show some close-up magic with real audience reactions Show some stand-up magic with real audience reactions Show some stage magic with real audience reactions BUT ONLY IF IT IS *REPRESENTATIVE* OF YOUR SHOW. Don’t try to sell them something you can’t deliver. Editing, here is where you may need to hire someone with experience. Editing is labor intensive and is where the magic happens. Your video will be no better than your editor. Length: Your video CANNOT be longer than three minutes and thirty seconds. Less is more. Most TV commercial can tell a whole story in thirty seconds. 3:30 is the max. My opinion is that exporting your final project as a Mp3 file allows it to laod and play faster on the internet. If Ray says different, listen to Ray. After a great show when someone comes up and tells you how wonderful you are, smile, pull out your phone and ask them to say a few kind words about your show. I always ask people to just tell the viewers about what they would tell a friend who was looking for entertainment. Final point, if the best you can afford is a $50 suit, then buy a $50 suit, BUT, if and when you have a better budget you must buy the better product.
Founder Heroin Doesn't Care. Find us on https://www.facebook.com/heroindoesntcare
www.heroindoesntcare.com |
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RonCalhoun Special user Independence, KY USA 599 Posts |
Quote:
On Jun 27, 2016, Dynamike wrote: Sell what you can deliver.
Founder Heroin Doesn't Care. Find us on https://www.facebook.com/heroindoesntcare
www.heroindoesntcare.com |
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RonCalhoun Special user Independence, KY USA 599 Posts |
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On Jun 14, 2016, 55Hudson wrote: Hudson, your video has a great opening. As a professional videographer, I'm always glad to hear someone recommend going with a pro. BTW, I start video promos at $1200. You got a great deal.
Founder Heroin Doesn't Care. Find us on https://www.facebook.com/heroindoesntcare
www.heroindoesntcare.com |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 19, 2016, RonCalhoun wrote: Actually several people mentioned going with a pro. Your posts have been quite informative.
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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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
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On Aug 19, 2016, RonCalhoun wrote: Here is what wiki reports on "broadcast quality" https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcast_quality In essence, it is a meaningless term. The closest I came (in searching the topic) to anyone suggesting that smartphones were in any category of broadcast quality was in a position of last resort. 1080 video capture was only one component of what discussed when mentioning specs. For many of us your advice is helpful because we are not submitting our work for professional markets, but cutting corners when entering those markets seems like asking for trouble. You will probably never know if unacceptable quality of the promo is what lost the opportunity. |
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RonCalhoun Special user Independence, KY USA 599 Posts |
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On Jun 12, 2016, charliecheckers wrote: First, is this Danny or Joey? Second, I'm confused. I think you said your not sure if a video would be good for your show. BUT, you have two videos on your website. You said you were not sure, "whose hands to put it in." It sounds like you think this is something like a DVD that you sent to a person. I would suggest you have already addressed your confusion. You don't need to send a DVD to someone. Have the video on Youtube, link it to your website and include the link in e-mails. I have a question, What kind of camera was used. Comcorder or smartphone.
Founder Heroin Doesn't Care. Find us on https://www.facebook.com/heroindoesntcare
www.heroindoesntcare.com |
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cafecheckers Regular user 126 Posts |
Hey Ron, this is Joey. The post you referenced is my brothers. He is seldom on TMC these days (although looks like yesterday he was). Not to speak for him, but I think he was not considering the video's on our website as "promo video's". They are simple montages we compiled a few years ago. Nothing we would send to clients, and over due for replacement. They were most likely shot with our camcorder. We know of markets where one must have high quality promo video's to even get a look. See Hugo's comments in the recent Summit thread and his perceptions on most of the promotional material he receives. So, promo video's are not something I am ready for, as I don't have a show ready for such markets. When I do, I will likely invest in the proper quality to get noticed.
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
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On Aug 19, 2016, RonCalhoun wrote: As someone who got a degree in television production and has done a ton of editing over the years, I wanted to quote this post so folks can read it again. So read it again. Robert |
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RonCalhoun Special user Independence, KY USA 599 Posts |
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On Aug 22, 2016, RobertSmith wrote: Thank you RobertSmith. it's humbling to for someone with editing experience and a degree to say such kind words about my little rant, my goal was to try to answer trampabroad's question. "Advice on how to shoot promo videos" I saw some saying that trampabroad should wait until his show was ready. Which was funny because those saying that had no clue how ready his show is. Some of the people told trampabroad to wait till he can have a pro do it actually have homemade promo videos on their own sites. It kinda looked like they wanted to hold him back. I'm' a pro videographer, but until you can afford to pay $2500 to $25,000 for a promo video. I say take advantage of the new technology and learn how to put out a video that will help you go from where you are to the next level. Where yoi can afford my price. Thank you again Mr. Smith
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