This seems to be a question that has two answers - Yes & No!

What I mean by this is that almost as many pros say "Yes" as say "No".

What's your view on this and why?

Why not?

If you are asked and you say "no", that's only going to create ill will, above or below the surface.

There are those who are so protective of their routines and secrets that they won't allow anyone to tape their shows or take still pictures! A bit paranoid, I suggest.

And there are those who say that taping a show means that next year the parents will just play the show in the VCR instead of hiring you. Well, if the performers, parents, and kids can't tell the difference between a filmed and a live performance, I guess that's a reason for not doing it. But I suspect most people can tell the difference! LOL.

On the 'yes' side, assuming you are asked in the first place, you keep the parents happy, and they are the ones that are hiring you.

The only reason 99 per cent of them tape the show is as a memento of the birthday party. (Do you REALLY think you are that important that you would overshadow that event?) So let them, and don't be a "grinch".

To say "no" is just mean-spirited and small.

Of course, if they start taping and don't ask, use your own judgment!

cheers,
Peter Marucci

Dear Peter,

How very wise.

I purposely didn't mention my views because I wanted others to comment first.

In my catchment area, is is common practice among the pros to disallow videoing of the shows. Indeed, a number of my friends (competitors?) will stop the show if a video camera pops up!

My view has always been similar to yours - why not?

I'm not a 'Superstar' with a £/$ multi-million marketing image to protect. The parent is filming his child, not me. (S)he's recording a happy event.

Now, I've often asked if they would send me a copy. They always say "Yes" but they never do.

Ah well ...

(BTW, if you don't agree, please feel very free to tell us so - and why)

The situation has never come up but if it does, the answer is, "Absolutely!"

I can just see the day...the family sits together to watch some of there home movies and, what's this? A magician? Oh yeah! We had him at Billy's birthday last year. He was fun! I wonder if I still have his number...

I think you know where I'm goin' with this.

Especially if your phone number is nicely and visibly displayed on your roll-on table!

I certainly do because it is their show that they are paying for and the more they show the tape to others, it acts as an infomercial for me.

I just make sure I have my logo sign on my roll on case so that the entire film or pictures from the show always have my name and brand mark on it.

It is free advertising. I also can get some great footage from them if I do not get to film the show myself.

Kyle

Kyle,

Great stuff.



Do you just have your name & logo or your phone number as well.

I'm just about to have my roll-on repainted and definitely want my name and logo on it - but do I put my phone number on it as well?

I think we all have come across entertainers who are so full of themselves, - almost to the point whereby the Customers and their children are placed down the priority listings, - as if they are just funding the entertainer's desire to perform. Generally speaking I find that some of these individuals have very little worth photographing or videoing in the first place!

We are proud of the fact that there are videos/pics of us not only in the UK but also Japan, USA, Holland, Denmark, Australia, Canada etc. Looking at it another way, - we have now done 25 years and 2 months of entertaining, - wow, just think of all those pictures! Wonderful!

Birthdays: I do let them without a doubt. I mean I am in their house and I tell them they cannot use their video camera in their own house? To me that is crazy.

I do not allow any other shows such as schools, daycares, libraries, etc to be taped.

ken

I agree with Kyle.

Free advertising and a great way to reach others that may not know you exist.

Rick

The way I see it, I'm performing tricks invented by someone else and mass marketed. My routines for those tricks are a mix of some of my own thinking and things I have seen other performers do or what some other performer wrote up in the instructions for the trick. In reality what do I have to fear from someone video taping my shows? I think the risk of creating ill will with a paying customer by making a stink about it is not worth it. In the past I have even asked for a copy or to view the recording in order to critique my performance. Any time I have done this people have been more than happy to oblige me.

Being a part time performer, I don't have the benefit of a Security Detail for my shows, so even if I did prohibit video or still photography at larger shows (schools, churches etc.) it would be an unenforcable policy. Trying to case the joint for cameras while attempting to entertain at the same time just won't work.

If I am ever lucky enough to invent an illusion the sets the magic world on fire or I start to play sold out auditoriums worldwide I suppose it would be a concern. Until then, I won't get too excited about it.

Humbly,

A C Spectre

Hi Ken,



Can I ask why?

I addressed this in a similar thread.

What isn't mentioned above is that there are thousands of Birthday tapes of our performance in circulation. Most of these tapes go back several years.

As with any of you, I perform shows that are excellent, good bad, and Ugly! When it appears on tape it is immortalized AND a representation to a viewer of your quality.

I am not as concerned about protecting my routine, jokes, etc. but I always am concerned about this "record" of a show in terms of my quality.

It has worked both FOR and AGAINST me. I have heard parents say they booked me because they watched the entire show at the neighbors house on video. Although I have not heard it, I am pretty sure that one of my "less than perfect" shows have been reviewed as well.

Nearly EVERY show I see a person with a video camera aimed at me. This brings yet one more dimension. I was directed when doing TV specials to forget about the audience and play to the camera. At a Birthday I am looking at the floor much of the time because kids are seated there so a lot of video is my bald head!

Do I let someone use a camera on their own kid in their own house? You Bet I do! I have a special rider in the Birthday agreement about getting a copy.

I agree with Ken Scott. I do allow my birthday show to be videotaped or photographed. In fact, it is one of the issues I address when speaking with a parent, as it is often raised.

(By the way, I know some performers who offer to provide another person to make a special birthday video of the birthday party, especially the show. This can have titles quickly edited in, and can be left with the parent before you both leave the party. The performer provides the videographer, the videocamera, and the tape.)

For my other shows (non-birthdays), I have a policy of not allowing the show to be taped or photographed. Why? Because I have seen tapes of myself pop up on TV commercials, and photos of myself pop up in advertising, without my permission, and without receiving any modeling/acting fee. You should always be compensated if your image is being used in a commercial way, to make other people money. I am not referring to a newspaper taking my photo for a story, and not referring to pre-promotion of a certain event, with use of a photo you've supplied.

I also have a problem with some people recording me, without asking permission. This irks me, and strikes me as rude. If they ask me, then I let them do so, with the understanding that they will not use the images for commercial purposes. I will not interrupt a show if a person starts recording without permission, but I will make an effort to talk with them afterwards to encourage them to ask first next time.

- The Gr8 DonaldD.

P.S. I think your name and logo on your su-table is fine. In my opinion, your phone number on that same sign has crossed the line. Just one reason why, it's tacky. A second reason, what if you are working for an agent?... you should never give out any contact info for yourself at a show, if you are working for an agent. All business cards / phone numbers in that case should be theirs! This is appropriate business behaviour.

Donald,



Absolutely right! I'd forgotten about that

I have signs written in dry marker that I hold up in front of the video before the show starts that say "Child's name & age" and (printed) Magician: Phillip Jones & my details.

This way it makes the video look good having the titling and I get my details over.

I always let them tape me!
Phillip

I do not have my phone number or anything like that as it gets to be too much. The only thing on the case is my logo that has our name. It is enough to remind people who we are and get people talking about us.

My roll on table is one by Joe Lefler so it has the fabric type of material on it. This is perfect for me because it excepts velcro really well. This allows me to make up my own signs and to also customize each sign to the show I am doing. It also allows me to change signs and store it better.

Kyle

A parent wondering around alot with a video can be distracting so when they ask if filming is ok you may want to suggest they not move around the room much.

Kyle - I do the exact same thing with my Lefler table.

- The Gr8 DonaldD.

Donald:

Great minds think alike. =)

Kyle