Balloon Chat
Uncategorized Boards => Interview a "Balloon Chat" Member => Topic started by: Graham Lee on April 16, 2008, 10:03:54 AM
Danny has kindly agreed to be the next balloon chat member to answer your questions.
http://www.circoridiculoso.co.uk/ (http://www.circoridiculoso.co.uk/)
Graham Lee
Yes - I have!
So think up some good ones!
Danny
Hi Danny,
As a professional what advice would you give to someone starting out, or wanting to increase their business?
Whats your best and worst twisting experience?
BTW love the pic!
Good one Dave, I'll think of an answer and save it for my allotted week!
What is your favourite model to make and what is the most asked for model ?
Quote from: "Dave"Hi Danny,
As a professional what advice would you give to someone starting out, or wanting to increase their business?
Whats your best and worst twisting experience?
BTW love the pic!
LOL I thought I'll give you some time to think about it :lol:
Danny,
In another post I think to Mark you said that you'd stopped entertaining children?
Can I ask why you made that decision.
Mind you sometimes when I come home from entertaining the little darlings....... ;)
Graham Lee
Quote from: "Dave"As a professional what advice would you give to someone starting out, or wanting to increase their business?
Whats your best and worst twisting experience?
BTW love the pic!
Danny: Starting out twisting - learn the basic skills really well, practice and keep on learning. Go to Care and Share days, and other balloon jams/ festivals and events. Work in the entertaining side too. Buy books and DVD's and learn from the internet. There is a whole load of info on the web.
Increasing your business - I'm not very good at this side of things so I won't comment.
Best Twisting experience - going to The Millenium Jam in Belgium 2006, meeting some great people like Graham Lee and seeing first hand that balloon twisting has gone way beyond a balloon dog. For me I came back inspired to work on my balloon twisting skills and improve what I do.
Worst Experience - The O2 Centre, London, Christmastime, 8000 kids, me and many other entertainers. I positioned myself next to a main entrance and I was completely swamped with a large crowd of kids and parent waiting for balloons, demanding for me to hurry up before the show started. That was the first set, I moved somewhere else after that!
Photo thanks for the comment, that picture has got me lots of good comments!
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Danny,
In another post I think to Mark you said that you'd stopped entertaining children?
Can I ask why you made that decision.
Mind you sometimes when I come home from entertaining the little darlings....... ;)
Graham Lee
Danny: Just to clarify I haven't stopped entertaining children. I have stopped performing at kids parties. Why? Because I didn't enjoy it, I would do the odd one and felt unrewarded and frustrated with the parents. I also wanted to concentrate on my balloon show. I have still continued to perform at kids events but not at kids parties. I think you need to be doing that full time and be geared up with all the package to offer parents what they want. For me kids parties were another thing I did and not THE thing I did.
Danny
Quote from: "Professor T Wist"What is your favourite model to make and what is the most asked for model ?
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Danny: My favourite models at the moment are some from Don Caldwell. The Octopuss, the Monkey and Rabbit hats are complex but look fab. I also like Addi Someli's style of hats which are abstract and colourful and quick.
The most asked for is are models I can't do!!! I also get requests for swords and dogs then steer people to other creations that are more interesting.
Danny,
What was the thought process behind putting your balloon show together that I saw in London.
Ideas, structure music etc. Has the show been developing over years?
I thoroughly enjoyed your performance at TMJ 2006. Your stage act was so simple but well put together
and you have a lovely comedic presence, in my opinion.
Graham Lee
Quote from: "Graham Lee"What was the thought process behind putting your balloon show together that I saw in London.
Ideas, structure music etc. Has the show been developing over years?
I thoroughly enjoyed your performance at TMJ 2006. Your stage act was so simple but well put together
and you have a lovely comedic presence, in my opinion.
Graham Lee
Thanks Graham. I began with a 10 minute cabaret piece that you saw at the TMJ show. I performed that at comedy clubs, cabarets and variety shows (and still do!). In the back of my mind I knew there was a full length balloon show, and in 2003 began to research and develop material. It grew to 20 mins and inflated further to one hour. I then went to Avner the Eccentric (Avner Eisenberg) in the States and he gave me directorial advice and slimmed the show down to 35 minutes by cutting out and editing. I then spent more time developing the show to the state you saw it in last November. It still has a way to go. It needs to be slicker and I will be changing the ending, tweaking and polishing!
The thought behind the show was to use circus skills that I had, like juggling, and apply them to balloons. I wanted to add some theatre & comedy to balloons. Give them characters, and celebrate these big inflatable shapes of colour. I then researched balloon stuff on the internet and started finding out about magic, eccentric dance, and began forming this surreal world on stage.
My goal is always to be simple, pack small and play big, have a show I can tour anywhere in the world (ie not dependent on language). I feel I perform best when I'm not speaking. I also try to adapt and develop things that I 'borrow', like the sword swallow. I did start off with a story, but after working with Avner we change it to the numbers format that it is now.
Thanks Graham for your comment about my lovely comedic presence. Much appreciated. :oops:
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"Quote from: "Graham Lee"Thanks Graham. I began with a 10 minute cabaret piece that you saw at the TMJ show.
Got a clip we can see?? Youtube?
Quote from: "Bad to the Balloon"Got a clip we can see?? Youtube?
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Yes - but not of the 10 minute act. This is from my whole show.
//http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj7WGSPMCp0
enjoy...
for those of you who want to know more - I've copied this from another section....
8-)
A Deflated History of...
Danny Schlesinger
I went to Fool Time Circus School in Bristol (now Circomedia) and trained in clown, circus skills, impro and basic theatre techniques. Then I went to Ecole Lassaad in Brussels for two years training in movement based theatre. In addition have also done a heap of clown courses, mask classes, acting, and magic.
1997 saw Danny create a ten minute cabaret act Danny and his Yellow Balloons. It was very well received in many cabarets, burlesque nights, comedy clubs and circus shows. During 2003 balloon ideas were developed to a twenty minute piece Inflated Ideas touring with Circus Bites - new circus by young companies. The aim was to research artistic content, style and to develop physical comedy with balloons.
A full length solo show was developed and first seen in Spring 2006, touring to Windsor Arts Centre, the West End Centre, Aldershot and London's Diorama Arts Centre.
Further development with Avner Eisenburg (Avner the Eccentric) took place during August 2006 to create "Lighter than air" . The reworked show was then performed at Celebration Barn Theater, Maine USA and then autumn 2007
Danny has been performing in theatre, circus and street as well as TV and films for over 15 years.
On the balloon sculpting front, I still feel I have a way to go. I got bored with one balloon sculptures and balloon modelling. Then I went to TMJ 2006, I was amazed how far it has gone and continues to go. So I bought some DVD's and have been doing hats and wearables since.
Any questions – I'm on Balloon Chat 28th April to 5th May! :lol:
I have many versions of a biog so, apols if its sounds a bit formal. ;)
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"Quote from: "Bad to the Balloon"Got a clip we can see?? Youtube?
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Yes - but not of the 10 minute act. This is from my whole show.
//http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj7WGSPMCp0
enjoy...
Wow awesome clip!!!
QuoteWow awesome clip!!!
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Thanks Mark. There's a whole load more stuff in the show!
Anymore questions?
What is your favourite model to make and your least favourite and why ?
Danny,
What road in latex do you see yourself taking in the future?
But more importantly what road would you like it to take you too?
Graham Lee (on his new roving internet access up in Wakefield)
Who is your market aimed at?
How do you book yourself?
Are you currently in the "love of the art" or are you profitable?
Quote from: "Professor T Wist"What is your favourite model to make and your least favourite and why ?
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Favourite model to make at the moment is the Acme company (Don Caldwell etc) Monkey with fez. Why because I learnt from a photo and I was pleased I worked it out for myself. After about three/four attempts. I also added a balloon cigarette of my own creation.
Least favourite model - I only fabricate models I like doing, otherwise whats the point!
Danny
Just watched your clip from the link you put in earlier, excellent, very entertaining, would love to be able to see the whoile show sometime
Quote from: "Professor T Wist"Just watched your clip from the link you put in earlier, excellent, very entertaining, would love to be able to see the whoile show sometime
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thank you!
I'm working on selling it to arts venues and theatres at the moment so it might be on somewhere near you!
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Danny,
What road in latex do you see yourself taking in the future?
But more importantly what road would you like it to take you too?
[/color]
I'm already on the latex road:
I have my one hour family balloon show which I'm selling to venues, I hope to tour it around the UK and take it to Edinburgh Festival ready to sell to international theatres and festivals, Europe, USA, anywhere really. The show will get slicker and better.
I would like to develop my balloon twisting too. I have a load of DVDs but really I would like to develop my own style which I'm thinking about at the moment.
I would like to take my performance skills to help balloon modelers perform better. I was amazed how far behind balloon twisters are compared with other performers when I went to the TMJ in 2006. As well as the balloon sculptures improving, the performing needs to improve too.
I'm also open to new turn offs on the latex road that may not be sign posted.
danny
Quote from: "Bad to the Balloon"Who is your market aimed at?
How do you book yourself?
Are you currently in the "love of the art" or are you profitable?
[/color]
Hmm....
My market for the one hour balloon spectacular is the family arts theatre market.
For the balloon modeling, mainly through agents, again for families and also the corporate sector.
How do I book myself? I don't book myself, I couldn't afford me!
But seriously...I'm not very good at this bit and so I'm having a big rethink on how I operate.
I get by, its sometimes a rocky road. I do this for the love of it, and I'm working on becoming profitable.
Mark you have hit on my weakest area! Someone once told me that show business is half show and half business, they were right!
Danny
[/quote]Someone once told me that show business is half show and half business, they were right!
Danny[/quote]
So how can we help you with this? If your only loking at selling the show into theatres your market is small.
What about festivals, large company fundays, support act in a touring show, end of the pier summer show etc.
How about doing a couple of showcases, The Stage newspaper holds a really good one twice a year.
Just some thoughts, hopefully others may have some more suggestions.
Graham Lee
Danny
You mentioned that you had a lot of directorial input in putting your show together - do you think a lack of directors input is the reason many balloon performers are so far behind other performers?
I know you said that Avner cut a lot of time from the act but did that significantly improve the entertainment value and audience reactions to your act?
Quote from: "Smiggle"Danny
You mentioned that you had a lot of directorial input in putting your show together - do you think a lack of directors input is the reason many balloon performers are so far behind other performers?
I know you said that Avner cut a lot of time from the act but did that significantly improve the entertainment value and audience reactions to your act?
[/color]
Smiggle,
Yes I think there is a lack of an outside eye. But there are some other factors too. Stage presence, stage craft, volunteer abuse, etc. There are some basic performing skills missing in some of the twisters. A cabaret 12 minute piece is different from restaurant work which is different to line work.
With my show bits that didn't work were edited out - whole chunks gone! The pace was upped, the flow improved. So yes it did improve audience reactions. I then added new material which took up to one hour. And now I'm going to edited myself baring in mind what I've learned with Avner.
I am available for directing!
Danny,
Looks like everyone has run out of questions for you?
What importance do you pay on going to see people like Avner & Jeff Mcbride.
People have said that these are life changing experiences when they go and have a masterclass course with Jeff.
Would you go that far with Avner, what did you gain.
Is there a link so people can view the different options/courses that are available?
Graham Lee
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Danny,
Looks like everyone has run out of questions for you?
What importance do you pay on going to see people like Avner & Jeff Mcbride.
People have said that these are life changing experiences when they go and have a masterclass course with Jeff.
Would you go that far with Avner, what did you gain.
Is there a link so people can view the different options/courses that are available?
Graham Lee
Hi Graham, yes I was thinking that too!
I haven't been to work with Jeff McBride but I have with Avner Eisenberg.
For me it was a life changing experience working with Avner. I learned a technique of clowning, as opposed to playing lots of games. I learned the basics of feeling comfortable on stage when performing (can be applied to anywhere else too). I learned specific things to eccentric performing, as well as general creative concepts of looking elsewhere in what interests you to applying it to your show, performance, balloon modeling...butterfly collecting etc. (I don't collect butterflies by the way!)
Avner has been doing his show for over 30 years and knows a thing or three about performance and so I felt it was well going over to the States. Here is a link to the best workshop I've done...
//http://www.celebrationbarn.com/workshop/work/w.eccent.html
He also does one in February in Hawaii. Check out his website, //http://www.avnertheeccentric.com
As for Jeff McBride - here is his school....//http://www.magicalwisdom.com/index.php
Heard its good let me know if you go!
These guys are extremely experienced and in a brief time can give you the advice and technique you need. Then you need to practice!
Hope that helps Graham.
Bit late notice, but if anyone is around in London tomorrow night I'm performing a cabaret piece at Stratford Circus, Saturday Club.
Saturday 3rd May 7.30pm http://www.stratford-circus.com (http://www.stratford-circus.com) tickets £8/10
A whole load of circus and comedy acts to see and be entertained.
Say hello afterwards!
keep the questions coming!
danny
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"For me kids parties were another thing I did and not THE thing I did.
Danny
I completely see where your coming from with this. It's a wise man that knows what he's good at. Unfortunately my skill, if I have one is with entertaining children and I have to say that 99/100 I love it. There is always the odd one where things go pear shape but overall the joy & wonderment in their faces money just cant buy.
Wish I could think of another question for you Danny.........
got one :)
How did the show go last night? what were the other acts like?
Couldn't think of one, then two came along together. How uncanny.
Graham Lee
How often do you practise
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"For me kids parties were another thing I did and not THE thing I did.
Danny
I completely see where your coming from with this. It's a wise man that knows what he's good at. Unfortunately my skill, if I have one is with entertaining children and I have to say that 99/100 I love it. There is always the odd one where things go pear shape but overall the joy & wonderment in their faces money just cant buy.
Wish I could think of another question for you Danny.........
got one :)
How did the show go last night? what were the other acts like?
Couldn't think of one, then two came along together. How uncanny.
Graham Lee
The show last night went very well for the first part of the act I discovered something new - always a treat. The second half doesn't really fit with the first half and doesn't really have an end suitable for cabaret. I juggled three large balloons, two then one, and made a balloon sword and swallowed it.
Yet still the audience like it, me, the balloons.
Other acts - a variety of songs, dances and sketches: acrobatic act So and So Circus Theatre was good, as was my mate Frank Wurz clowning with a ukeelelele. Nice appearance from our new mayor Boris, with witty stuff. OK not the real Boris, but he was good.
Quote from: "Dave"How often do you practice?
At the moment nearly every day as I'm learning new complex stuff from a load of DVD's that I purchased. If its something really complex I make several goes at it so its sticks in my head. I'm also trying 260 models in 350 versions too.
Also I'm looking online for photo's and working out how to do them. It challenges me to think in balloons. This is quite a new thing. But is going well.
I don't worry about wasting balloons. Its an investment-practicing. Next I will be looking at how I present my making of the model, i.e. the performance of the making of the model and presenting it to the person.
hope that helps,
Danny
Danny,
It was very kind of you to take the trouble & time to answer the questions on the forum from the members.
So "Thank You" appreciated. ;)
Graham Lee
I enjoyed it, thanks for asking me to participate.
Danny