Balloon Chat
Uncategorized Boards => Balloon Chit Chat => Topic started by: nippy99 on July 18, 2012, 07:01:02 AM
Check this out... What are your initial thoughts?
http://www.axtell.com/twist.html (http://www.axtell.com/twist.html)
This looks fab!
Wow!! That's pretty cool! Couldn't see any pricing though?
I use a lot of Axtell products including their hands-free remote drawing board which are all excellent products and feature heavily in my shows.
I am in two minds about adding additional animatronic devices to my shows as I hate to rely on electronics as they do go wrong sometimes (like the time my drawing board mouth stayed open and wouldn't close!). They are expensive and so will be out of reach for most people but DO they really add significantly more to the entertainment value? Are they just for satisfying the entertainer??
I love my remote control drawing board but get the same reaction from the manual board at a fraction of the price.
With the balloon puppets I love the idea of adapting it across a range of different models. I am guessing the manual version will be a framework (like a vent model head) that you build the balloon model around. Most likely I will buy this to satisfy my addiction to everything balloony. Naturally balloons are usually designed to give away to children (at least in my show) so can the manual insert be easily removed or will I have to make a duplicate model and switch it out? For the manual design, could I get the same reaction using MBFloyd's whale design for example for only $5?
The fully animated balloon puppet would be great for a theatre or stage show but I am struggling to see how it will add anything to my own magic shows - i guess it will give me the unique selling point of a hands-free balloon puppet but who actually cares? I can't charge a higher price for my show as I am top of my market already.
Pricing hasn't been released as yet - I am guessing the hands free version will be £1500-£2000. If the manual version is a realistic price of £100-£200 then I will probably buy it out of curiosity...
That's my view anyway...
What do other people think??? Should animatronics stay in theme parks or do they make sense for the local touring magician? Does anyone use a hands-free puppet and can share their experiences? Is this an advancement too far in technology? Has hands-free technology benefited anyone in terms of increased bookings, higher revenue??
As an aspiring Vent, I have to say I am very interested in Axtell new balloon Puppet mechanisms.
I would like to know the pirce.
Does a Twisting DVD comes along with it?
I think a device is good, but showing me designs and how to apply them is much better.
As I understand the product is supplied with full twisting instructions. I am not sure what designs are included at this stage. Steve will be posting details in the near future. I have signed up to the newsletter so as soon as I hear anything I will let you all know.
Thanks for starting this thread, Darren!
I have been involved with the development of this product from the early stages and have been working closely with Steve and his team at the Axtell workshop here in Ventura, CA.
So here's my response to some of Darrens questions (I'll try to give as much info as I can)
I'll start with pricing. The short answer is, I don't know what the price will be. However, you are probably in the ballpark with the figures you presented. The animatronic one uses similar technology (as far as I know) to the drawing board and will likely be in the same price category.
As far as how useful they will be...well, that's a question we'll each have to answer for ourselves. Animatronics is a big investment. And with any big investment you need to do a cost benefit analysis. For me, the major benefit of the animatronic model is that it will be totally unexpected and new. Even animatronic puppets are becoming a bit old hat for some audiences, but an animated balloon! No one has seen that. (I've only seen a few experimental animated balloon ideas at conventions, but never a comercial product).
INstructions for many different balloon designs will be included in the price of these products, so you will have lots of ideas to get you started. We'll even release some free demonstration videos so you can see it in action.
The balloon designs will not easily be removed from the mechanism to be handed out, so you would need to do a switch if that is your intention. Actually, in our show we dont hand out any balloons, so this wouldn't be a problem for us.
I will be working with the product alot over the coming months and hope to provide you with more details as they become available. I encourage you to sign up for the mailing list to get updates.
Hi David
Thanks for the info. I agree everyone should decide if it is right for themselves. I posed all the questions in the hope it would start a healthy and useful conversation from other members but alas, I'm virtually talking to myself again :-(
Quote from: "nippy99"Hi David
Thanks for the info. I agree everyone should decide if it is right for themselves. I posed all the questions in the hope it would start a healthy and useful conversation from other members but alas, I'm virtually talking to myself again :-(
Hi Darren. Whilst it may feel a lot like you are talking to yourself. There are actually lots listening if you look at the stats and I am sure many of them find the things you bring to the forum very interesting. I know I do!!! I hope you will keep it up for a longtime to come :)
Hi darren, i really enjoy all what u do on the forum im just lazy :lol:
i love the idea of this product and sm already thinking of how i would bring it into my show
animated balloon......that will freak the kids out
;)
Norm
Quote from: "nippy99"Hi David
Thanks for the info. I agree everyone should decide if it is right for themselves. I posed all the questions in the hope it would start a healthy and useful conversation from other members but alas, I'm virtually talking to myself again :-(
Oh, I listen to you all the time! You're one of my favorites!
I'm very interested in the product, but you asked better questions than I could. For me it's not an option right now, but maybe in the future. It looks AWESOME!
See here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DsQOvWsXc8&sns=em (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DsQOvWsXc8&sns=em)
The price mentioned is $149 - I will be buying one just can't see how to yet. I will keep an eye on the Axtell website.
Be great to see what u come up with once u have it :) thanks for the update
We may not answer right away, but you're sure not talking to yourself!!!!
Axtell + Brenion + Buster + Balloons and more = AWESOME !!!
I just saw the video link to this new Axtell product on Buster's facebook, and I was so glad that you had mentioned it Darren !!!! Its amazing to see how these two genre's (Vent and Ballooning) are evolving into one, ballooning has come a long way from puppy dogs. I am excited to see what the future holds :)
Now that Steve Axtell has crossed into the ballooning scene he would be a pretty awesome 'Star interview' candidate !!!
Available to order now!
The manual version is $149 - i've ordered mine - they are not available for 6 weeks or so and are shipped in the sequence the orders are received.
http://www.axtell.com/twist.html (http://www.axtell.com/twist.html)
I had been thinking about getting a puppet for a long while so when this came along, I could not resist so have ordered one.
It would be worth getting one to sit by my Filbert pump, when at the touch of a button, I can get a giant balloon monkey or similar to shout ' don't touch the pump ' or ' leave the balloons IN the apron!!!'
Scare the little buggers :)
:twisted: :twisted:
Quote from: "daisydoos"It would be worth getting one to sit by my Filbert pump, when at the touch of a button, I can get a giant balloon monkey or similar to shout ' don't touch the pump ' or ' leave the balloons IN the apron!!!'
Scare the little buggers :)
:twisted: :twisted:
made me laugh... thank you
xx
I'll take 3 of those!! Lol Daisy
Great Idea!
I may even try to make a puppet for my next show.
Hey All,
I am definitely getting one of this. I no longer have to stress about getting a unique puppet. I can now make my balloon one easily. lol
Quote from: "daisydoos"It would be worth getting one to sit by my Filbert pump, when at the touch of a button, I can get a giant balloon monkey or similar to shout ' don't touch the pump ' or ' leave the balloons IN the apron!!!'
Scare the little buggers :)
:twisted: :twisted:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Made me chuckle!!!
Can't wait for Darren and Roger to receive theirs so we can all see what they come up with!!!
My one was shipped today - very excited, not sure when it will reach the UK.
Quote from: "nippy99"My one was shipped today - very excited, not sure when it will reach the UK.
GREAT!!! Should be good Nippy ;)
There are new Buster Balloon tutorials up on the Axtell website for the Twist a tronix, from the looks of them they will also be suitable for the Twist and Talk either way they are awesome designs.
I just went over to the website to look but could not find it, can you post a link? Thanks.
No problems Graham
http://www.axtell.com/twistins.html (http://www.axtell.com/twistins.html)
They have also placed a new link On their balloon puppet systems page. I hope everyone else enjoys them as much as I did!!!!
Axtell has also released their introductory price for the Twist-a-tronix, according to their site it will be available for $899. Time to start feeding the kids baked beans and noodles so that I can buy this new awesome toy!!
There are a few you tube clips out now with the design,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTZYpo3Z ... =autoshare (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTZYpo3ZTcI&feature=autoshare)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEIfI1w9 ... =autoshare (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEIfI1w9RC4&feature=autoshare)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=en ... gWklg&NR=1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=7zdvp9gWklg&NR=1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=766z-z13 ... ure=relmfu (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=766z-z13fqA&feature=relmfu)
Love the product and want one. But way out of my budget :cry:
They do a manuel control unit that seemed a sensible price.
Love the magic of the remote version.
My one arrives tomorrow now I have paid the VAT! :twisted:
no sign of mine :cry: :cry:
It just arrived!
I will have a play tonight and let you know ;-)
Oh how exciting!!! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Take care
Sonia x
I'm having a lot of fun with it already and I haven't even worked out how to attach any balloons!
I had a chance for a play tonight but it is to early to write a proper review. I need some more experimentation. I have posted my first attempt on Facebook as I can't post a video on here (I think)
This is a gadget that will need to grow on me. It has massive potential, my head is spinning with ideas.
I am happy to answer any questions and will look to post a proper review in a few days.
Looks great on the video Darren. But I have a question about the noise level of the mechanics? Is it loud?
I look forward to your review!
cheers
Danny
Paid my vat and I should have mine tomorrow. cant wait.
Hi Danny,
There is no noise from the mechanism itself. If you listen carefully on my video you can hear a squeak as the balloon joints move. In performance is it unlikely to make any difference.
It is early days but it may be the way I have made the jaw and I can think of other ways to construct the mouth.
Roger - cant wait to see your creations ;-)
Of course - it was the balloons squeeking!
thanks Darren for clearing that up!
:)
Got mine watched video now just need to make something.
Roger, I think the videos would have been better as a DVD included with the product. Remember that Don's instruction videos are designed for the remote control version and do the body will not work on the manual one as you then can't pull the string!
Yes I learned the hard way!
Don't believe it got it out the box put it on the stand pulled the ring down and the string broke.
We will now see what customer service is like.
I am so gutted :(
In the past Steve Axtell and his team have been extremely helpful and the service first class. I am guessing that the prop must be self-repairable as the string isn't going to last forever.
What a shame.
Roger, can you just tie the ring back on again or did the string break?
Roger, have you been able to fix your one yet?
Sad to know that string broke.
I recieved my one last week but I was expecting it to come with a black base like in the video.
Just gotta make my own black base I guess.
I replaced the string and tied it in a different place all seems ok now.
I haven't bought this yet, but I'm considering the manual version. However, I'm a balloon twister NOT a ventriloquist. Have any of you incorporated this into your show and you arent really a ventriloquist? How did you do it?
My curiosity is very peaked.
I've been putting it off but my review is long overdue. I will start it today ;-)
I will stalk the forum until I see the review. Just kidding, but I am really excited to hear what you have to say.
I've started!
058-twist-talk-puppet-system-axtell-progress-t6043.html (http://balloonchat.co.uk/058-twist-talk-puppet-system-axtell-progress-t6043.html)
Thanks for starting it! I'm looking forward to a full review!