Check this out... What are your initial thoughts?

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


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 !!!