What do you guys (and Girls) think of having a close-up demo video? Do you have one? Has it helped you book more gigs? What are your thoughts and suggestions?

Fitz

I say it couldn't hurt.

Showing the magic in different situations with voiceovers explaining the benefits to the establishment that may hire you.

Working the line waiting to get in, working tables covering delays in getting food and/or working behind the bar in the lounge area enticing customers to stay longer (and spend more money).

I keep offering an inexpensive service to do video work...Send me raw footage and I will edit, add voiceovers, add music. If you don't likw it then there is no cost...if you do then a small gratuity would be nice.

When no one takes me up on an offer like that then I just figure people don't really follow through with video work they just like to talk about it.

Bryan

Bryan Thanks for your input. I am actually working on sevral other video projects at the moment and got to thinking about this close-up demo video idea. I had never seen or heard of one and was just wondering if it has been done and if so did it produce any results. Please do not be offended if I do not take you up on your offer. I have all of the resources availible to produce a high quality DVD. However anyone else would be crazy not to take you up on this opratunity!

I can't wait for even more great ideas...

Thanks,
Fitz

Didn't mean you..sorry for mix-up.

I do think any advertising/marketing tool should be used. I work under the "What Can It Hurt" mindset. Cost is a very big issue for any marketing entity especially for a one man operation such as magic.

Bryan

Fitz,

There is indeed a demand for closeup magic promo videos. In fact, we just finished producing one for a magician in the Harrisburg, PA, area. We filmed him performing at a restaurant (once all the clearances had been taken care of), and cut together a nice (in my *humble* opinion! *grin*!) He has already gotten several offers as a direct result of this video (including work in Florida!).

Seriously, though, there are many performers doing this exact thing. Now, the one we cut had some serious graphics that we designed to keep his video congruent with his other marketing material. I also did a quick 15 second CG animation to introduce his name. I'll post it if you're interested, but I'm sure any competent video production company in your area would be able to do the same.

Good luck!

Scott Sullivan

Reels in Motion