Vanish Magic Magazine no. 39

I
get quite a bit of correspondence on the topic of video and
magic. There are usually two specific aspects covered in these
emails, so let me try and put down some answers to these
topics. This article is written for the performer who is seeking
bookings or has achieved them. The current concept of “YouTube
Magicians” is quite different and not going to be addressed in this
piece.
PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS
Unless you have achieved a great deal of name recognition you
need a good promotional video. There once was a time when a
client was pleased as punch if you even possessed a videotape
of your show. Now it is a must, and your DVD or online video had
better be good if you expect it to get the job done and for you to
get the date booked.
The simple rule of thumb is that a contemporary promotional
video should not be longer than four and a half minutes. It is also
generally agreed that if it doesn’t get the job done in the first
thirty seconds then it is unlikely to receive much more interest.
This needless to say can present quite a challenge if you are trying
to summarize a 50-minute show.
Thirty seconds----wow, that makes America’s Got Talent’s ninety
seconds seem generous! However, don’t panic, as long as you
hook the buyer’s attention in those opening moments---you’ve
got an extra four minutes to ‘reel’ them in. Not a lot of time---but
enough.
Here are some general tips. Your opening 30-second sequence
should be a fast paced and dynamic montage that captures the
mood of your entire show. It is an excellent move to make it a
non-verbal sequence that is orchestrated with some lively and
56 VANISH Magazine www.VanishMagazine.com