Monday, October 7, 2013

Islamic Art And Its True Meaning!

The Islamic art has been manifested in all its glory in all the countries wherein Islam was seen as a prominent religion. The Islamic wings is said to be spread all across Spain to the land of Persia, from Africa to Egypt. It has gained all the substance and strength needed. The artistic and rich flavor that it has comes from the Arab heritage as several types of art were used so as to express the unique features of Islam with no pictorial depiction.
A rare blend of several arts combined together form the crux of the Islam art. These forms are a blend of the Copts, the Persians, the Byzantines, and the Romans. In this lies the best asset of their skill, their ability to fuse up native designs with that of the imported ones so as to achieve a rare final result. The abstract designs and embellishments are unique to this form of art.
Most have made use of the interlacing and curves with vibrant and bright colors so as to enhance the several styles. The best pieces of this architecture all around the world are seen to be clearly distinguishable owing to the spirited floral prints and designs.
The present form of art is said to have come up during the Umayyad caliphate rule (in 661 - 750). Thereon, several divergent phases of the Islamic architecture transpired. Thus, it is very commonly classified as being a part of the reigning empire owing to the creation of its art. There are several Muslim galleries and museums which have their collections categorized by various Muslim dynasties that include Abbasid, Umayyad, Mughal, Ottoman, and Safavid.
Islam is a very diverse religion which consists of people from several ethnic backgrounds. The art from Islam too is much diversified so as to accommodate its follower's ethnicity. It has the capability of unification of several elements blended together into a master piece which depicts the several facets of an artist. It prevents any kind of animal or human representation, the sole rationale being that Allah cannot be represented by any living creature. It is no wonder that this skill is more of an abstract form that depicts floral shapes, abstract, geometric shapes, etc.
There are many collectors across the globe that has an eye for such masterpieces. They are even ready to pay a handsome price for acquiring them. Moreover, there are several books which are available that can catch the interest of anyone with an eye for cultural mystique creations. These books can even help to display the current market price of these artistic items.
If you are looking to add some of the beautiful Islamic art to your collection then take a look at this website: http://islamicartforsale.com/.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7989120

The Most Famous Modern Art Forms

Abstract Art
Abstract art has a dream-like quality that portrays the world through imagery that often features objects and shapes which initially appear recognisable yet are simultaneously distorted so that the viewer sees something more than what they first view.
When this art form began appearing in the late 19th century it coincided with a changing society thanks to the rise of the industrial era and the new technology that appeared and made the once familiar world around suddenly appear strangely unusual. The French artist Robert Delaunay and German painter were two of the most revered artists of the Abstract style.
Cubism
Cubism was a movement of the 20th century which completely altered the perception of European painting and sculpture. It slowly evolved through several different branches of interpretation, from the early French 'Analytic Cubism' to the later, more popular 'Synthetic Cubism'.
Cubist art features objects and images that are altered and often reformed to create numerous interpretative possibilities dependent upon what the viewer feels they are witnessing. It is a frequent trait of Cubist art that the images depicted are distorted via odd angles that create a misleading sense of space that leaves an almost depthless quality to the artwork. Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso was by far the movement's most famous face.
Surrealism
Surrealism was a movement that began through painting but soon became part of all kinds of other artistic mediums, from photography to film. This often resulted in art that divided critics and audiences through what was sometimes disturbing imagery intended to shock audiences.
Lead by Andre Breton, the surrealist movement was no accident, it was designed to be revolutionary and disrupt the conventional tastes of the bourgeoisie. Surrealism evolved from the Dada art movement after the First World War and frequently had political agendas that hoped to result in actual change in government, such as Salvador Dali's controversial painting, 'The Enigma of Hitler'.
Impressionism
Impressionism was a movement that originated during the late 19th-century in Paris. It is now regarded as one of the most important movements of all time, but when first introduced, it found little respect from most art lovers as it was considered too much of an alternative to conventional tastes.
The Impressionist style of art was known for its distinctive style of painting which boasted a minimal yet effective use of brush strokes and angles which created a new visual interpretation of what was generally familiar subject matter. These stylistic traits created a unique effect that appeared to reflect the passage of time for an almost photographic visual scenario. Claude Monet was the key artist of the movement.
With history full of so many great artists, we often forget that there are great visionaries among us now. The Other Art Fair is a twice-yearly event held in London that showcases the finest new artistic talent in the world who might become the next major artists. The second event of 2013 is taking place from October 17-20. If you want to experience the best of contemporary art, this is an unmissable occasion.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8034744

How To Manipulate Your Puppet: Tips and Tricks

In order to throw a great show you need a great character, a well laid script, lots of practice and comprehensive knowledge about how to use and manipulate your puppet. The article below is going to help you learn some of the basic yet most important tips regarding puppet manipulation.
Proper entrance and Exit:
First impression is always important in casting a professional impression of your puppet; it compels the audience to watch your next move and builds anticipation.
At the end, you had a great show, people really loved it and now it's time to give a proper exit to your puppet, slowly move your puppet out of the stage as if it is walking away.
Hold it right:
Learn to hold your puppet at the perfect angle and then make yourself adept it it, practice it to the point where it becomes your habit. Ensure that your hand feels comfortable inside the puppet's mouth, with your four fingers along the upper jaw. Use your thumb to control the lower jaw of the puppet and make sure your hand feels comfortable.
Synchronize mouth movements:
It doesn't matter whether you are using a recorded play or doing it live, the important thing is you must always sync the puppet's movements with the sound. Uncoordinated and sloppy movements would quickly deconstruct the whole show and the audience would lose interest.
Maintain Eye Contact:
Maintain eye contact with the audience while you are talking to them, and with your puppet when you are talking to the puppet. Same goes for the puppet, hold it at the right angle, and ensure it is actually looking at the audience as you move its mouth to speak.
Keep the head and body in right position:
Always make sure that the head and the body of the puppet are held in the right position. Do not drop the head of the puppet during the show, this may happen when your hand gets tired, but practice would help you overcome this challenge. Similarly the body of the puppet should be at the right angle and position. If the puppet is sitting you have to bend it like a normal person sitting, if the puppet is standing you have to hold it straight to give the right impression.
Select the best voice:
Select a voice for your puppet that matches its personality and is easy to maintain. You should stay consistent with a voice once you have selected it for a specific puppet.
Allpro puppets is a leader in making high quality professional latex puppets for performers, entertainers, film and live theater all over the world. Each puppet is handmade using high quality materials and our superb formula for making latex puppets. For more details, tips and articles about puppets and ventriloquism please visit our website. Allpro puppets


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8016660

6 Must Have Technologies For Every Event Planner

When you casually go up to an event planner to ask about the kind of technology they use in their events, their expected reply would be the use of big screens, or projectors during the events. Certainly, those things are important, but when it comes to the technology of event planning, they have just reached the 'tip of the iceberg'!
Sadly, several event planners (apart from those who are tech savvy) shy away at the mere mention of the word 'technology'. They may be aware of some new technologies, but they do not make use of them on a regular basis; thereby, missing out on some remarkable opportunities.
The downside being, if you do not embrace the current trends of technology for all your events and stage systems, your audience, or clients will dig for ways to use the technology on their own! So, the sooner you befriend technology; better chances of your event coming under the spotlight.
Let's look through the 6 technologies, which you need while planning your next event-
Before the start of your event, communicate with your speakers, via Google Hangout
It is important to communicate your goals to the speaker (s), before the start of the event. Gone are the days when you used to interact through telephones, or emails. Now, Google Hangout is the latest trend, where up to ten people can gather for a video conferencing. This medium helps in building a rapport between the speaker(s) and the entire team.
Make use of social media to promote your event
As soon as your event nears the date, start tweeting about it on Twitter, and add cool and interesting status updates about the event on Facebook and LinkedIn. Splash interactive videos on the social media and garner publicity. It will encourage people to register and show up for the event.
Make mobile friendly event materials
Printed event materials are passé! Introduce your program and handouts on a PDF format. This will make it convenient for the audience to get the materials on their tablets, or smartphones. You can even create a mobile app for the event- an easier and less expensive way to get noticed.
Internet access is a must during the event
Several hotels provide free internet access, but some of them do not provide it for free in the conference rooms. Due to this, several event planners avoid the use of internet altogether. Big mistake! If your audience can't get access to the internet to post a tweet, or check their emails; soon enough, they will leave the conference room to do it- and possibly, they may never return. The sign of a great event is when the audience can interact and communicate freely with each other.
Implement an audience response system
It is a whole different ballgame to want the audience to participate. Leave the boring interaction techniques behind like raising your hand, or talking to the person next to you. Instead, use the audience response system, or the voting keypad system. Turning the passive audience into an active audience is the best way to make an event hit.
Keep the phones switched on during the event
Yes, you heard it right! Allow the audience to keep their smart phones switched on and encourage them to interact with the speaker through text messages. This will make the event spontaneous and alive. They can ask questions and get replies right away during the event.
Summary
Technology for an event must not be used just because it is trending, or it is cool. It must rather be used wisely to upgrade your stage systems and event management business. With technology, you can carve your route to an enhanced and successful event.
For More Information Visit UK Staging


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8009280

Sunday, October 6, 2013

How to Create Black and White Effect in Photoshop

In this Photoshop tutorial, we are going to learn how to create a black & white photo background. The tutorial is given below -
1) At first, find a channel that has the tonal range. We are going to use the black & white version. Now, switch to the Channels palette. You will see three channels option naming "Red", "Green" and "Blue".
2) Click on each Red, Green and Blue channels to select them individually. Now press Control + A to select and Control +C to copy it. At this point, click on the color composite channel and your photo will appear in full color.
3) In the next step, paste the channel as a new layer. Add a new blank layer and past the copied layer. Go to the filter menu and select Smart Sharpen. Enter 75 percent value and click OK.
4) Add a new layer above the latest layer and select the gradient tool from the Photoshop palate. You can also click G on your keyboard for quick access. Go up to the Photoshop palate and click on the gradient preview area. Set your gradient colors to black and white. Click OK to exit.
5) We are going to create an illusion, from the top right corner of the image. Therefore, we will drag the Gradient Towards at the top right corner of the Image. Start dragging it to the right corner. Now change the effect-blending mode to create an abstract effect.
6) Go to the blend mode option and select normal. Set the opacity level to 60 percent. At this point, you will get the last image. Apply the Gaussian blur filter to smooth out the gradient level. Select Blur and Gaussian blur together and set the value to eight pixels.
7) Now go to the fill option from the palate and lower the value to 0%. This will hide the gradient visibility. Click on layer styles and choose outer glow from the palate. Select white from the color swatch. Click OK to exit out of the Color Picker dialog box. Set the opacity value to 40% and increase the glow level to 90 pixels.
8) Click OK to exit and here is your final output.
This is the basic and a very simple process to create a dramatic black & white effect in Photoshop. It is obvious that, one may not get the desired output at once. So, keep practicing and within a few days, you will get your preferred result. Thanks for reading!
To know more about Photoshop applications, go to http://www.clippingpathsource.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8012719

The Technique Of Water Gilding: Using Gold Leaf And Size

Size is the name given to the adhesives or glue used in the process of gilding, or covering objects with gold and other metallic leaves; it may be oil or water-based. Depending on the gilding method used, there may be sizes made of animal hide and gelatin as well.
Water-based sizes are often used when gilding object surfaces with gold and other metallic leaf. However, one perception is that water sizes do not allow for burnishing after the gilding; they leave behind a gluing surface on the gold or metal-covered object that does not allow polishing and burnishing.
Water-based sizes, however, are still quite popular among artists and often used when gilding with gold leaf. Gilding with water-based glue should not be confused with water gilding.
Water gilding is a technique that results in a shiny mirror-like finish on the object and is achieved by using loose metal leaf, usually gold and silver and a water based size.
The technique of water gilding with gold leaf and size
The object surface that has to be gilded is coated with water size. The loose gold leaf is picked up carefully and placed on the gilding surface, now covered with water-based glue or size.
Care must be taken to ensure that the workplace is free of drafts and breeze. Loose gold leaf is extremely susceptible to any kind of pressure, including air currents, however weak.
When water gilding with loose leaf gold and silver, or other precious metals, ensure you follow the size maker's instructions carefully. Some sizes may be overlaid with metal after a lapse of some time to ensure the right viscosity of glue. Pick up loose metal leaf with a sure hand to minimize shakes, and place onto the glue.
Because water gilding may require higher amounts of size and glue, the metal leaf needs careful attention while handling. Loose leaf gold and silver is prone to sticking and breakage. Other metals in loose leaf form are also susceptible to damage and may crinkle or lose their smoothness upon handling. Water gilding should result in a brighter surface, which is why the artist needs to be extra careful to not allow the gold and silver leaf to break or smudge due to excess size.
Once you are done with the entire process of water gilding, it can be treated the same as objects gilded with gold leaf and size. A piece of soft cloth or polishing cloth can be taken and rubbed all over the surface that has been gilded to ensure that the size evens out. This also gives the surface a burnished and polished effect. The polishing and burnishing also enables the gilding to stick onto the object better.
About the Author:
Neuberg & Neuberg Importers Group, Inc., (NNI) is a respected global name in the gold industry. The company is associated with producing the Wunda Size, invented by Sam Neuberg, the Founder of Easy Leaf Products (a division of NNI). Wunda Size is the first-ever water-based size. The company is a member of the Society of Gilders and specializes in genuine gold leaf, metallic powders, metal leaf, adhesives, framing fabric, and other items needed for water gilding.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8026461

How to Create Photoshop Watercolor Effect

In this article, we are going to learn how to make a photo look like a watercolor painting. You can create the effect by duplicating layers, applying a few filters, and using special layer blending modes. The process is very simple and easy. The entire method is as follows -
Step-1: At first, install the latest version of Photoshop in your computer. Select the photo file on which you want to create the watercolor effect. Duplicate the background layer. It is better to duplicate it three times. You can press "control j" to copy layers. Press them three times. Now turn off the two primary layers. You will notice a small icon. This tiny icon determines that the layer is visible or, not. When it is visible, it means the layers are visible and when you click on the icon it disappears, it means that the layers are no longer visible.
Step-2: Select layer one and it will appear in blue color. Point your cursor on the filter menu>artistic>cutout. Right after choosing the filter, a dialogue box will appear. You will notice there are three boxes. One is for the number of levels second one is for edge simplicity and the last one is edge fidelity. Set the value of first two boxes to four and the last one as two. Click OK to save and exit.
Step-3: Point your cursor to the layers palate and select the blend mode option. Click on the drop down menu, set it to normal and select the luminosity-blending mode. Now turn on the second layer above the primary layer. Go to filter menu>artistic>dry brush. You will three boxes on brush size, brush detail and texture option. Set the first two boxes to ten and the last box as three. Click OK to save.
Step-4: Select the layer one copy, go to the blend mode options again, and select the down pointing arrow. Change the blending mode to screen. Click inside of the tiny icon and click to make other layers visible. Point your cursor to the filter menu>noise>median. A dialogue box will appear. Set the radios value to 12. Click OK to save and exit. To complete the watercolor effects change the blend mode option to soft light. Now change the layers blending mode from the down pointing arrow and select soft light. Here you get the last output.
Keep practicing and enjoy the good results!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8031055

How to Create an Illustration and Its Styles?

Illustration artists are individuals with the unique gift of communicating their ideas, conveying messages, and telling stories through illustrations. Their talent is unique because not every artist can be an illustrator but illustrators are artists.
Illustration artists can also be adept at working with commercial drawings and depicting technical information such as devices and medical illustrations. These professionals choose a very distinct career path, which begins with appropriate training.
Most illustrators have a preferred style and favorite medium to work with. Some work with markers, others with pens, and yet others use their artistic talent in computers. The process is generally the same, beginning with an idea, molding it to suit the artist's style, and then bringing it to life on paper or board.
Manga
Manga comics and cartoons or anime have a unique style. The face of the character in the Manga style has an important expressive role. The Manga makes contact with the viewer/ reader through expressive eyes on exaggerated faces, but sweet and perfectly designed to tell a story.
The drawing of the lines of manga characters is essential and difficult to define. It is based on accuracy and sensitivity. These manga illustrations not only have excellent form but, usually emphasize the perfect inking it takes to create each character.
Modern Gothic
Another style that has come up in many publications is the modern Gothic, which has several expressive characteristics. One important feature is that of its oppressive presence and strong medieval appearance. The characters have a certain dark quality and at the same time, certain amount of free movement. The Gothic style is primarily an internal rebellion that does not accept the idea of "good" set by society. Stories told in this style also contain illustrations of medieval weapons and utensils, among other things.
Humour
Humoristic illustrations generally depict topics from critical, irreverent and/or burlesque to realistic. These illustrations are characterized by the expression of the absurd and of uncomfortable situations. Generally, the characters exhibit striking features and look cartoonish and funny. This type of drawing takes lots creative imagination, irony, and the ability to come up with a funny side to a story. In other words, these artists are always considering different way of making a joke out of a situation.
Conclusion
An illustration artist can pick any existing style or create one of his own. He should be able to exhibit more than the ability to draw. It is important to have a keen eye for creating expressive illustration and tell a story with his illustrations. Once an artist is confident of his style and feels that he or she has the talent required to rise above the mundane he is then ready to promote his work. If you are this artist, what are you waiting for? Start conveying real life concepts into meaningful illustrations.
About Author:
Illustrationweb represents world's finest illustrators and provides expertise resources to help you find the perfect humour, modern, and manga illustrator etc.. to match your needs. For more details please visit: http://www.illustrationweb.com/


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8029786

Saturday, October 5, 2013

How To Find A Career In CNC Machining

Factory jobs are not hard to come by in this day and age with the immense demand for machine parts that are needed. Over 10,000 people are hired every day to work in the factory industry but the role for those who are capable of using CNC machining is growing quickly. Computer numerical control operators are in high demand and the ease of getting one of these jobs is actually quicker than you may expect. The following guide explains how to become an operator of one of the highest demanded positions in the factory worker field.
There are only three steps when it comes to becoming a CNC machining expert. The list goes as follows:
1. Finish a post secondary work education. This is a program that you will be easily able to find at any community college center or technical school. Some of these education places don't even require a high school diploma though it is preferred. If you want to have a higher edge on those also vying for the same position, you will need to complete an apprenticeship program while at school so that you will have useable transferable skills in the factory.
2. Find related work experience in a similar field. You are not going to be able to jump into CNC machining with out at least a bit of previous factory or mechanic work in your past. Try applying for open junior positions first and stick around for a year or two so that it shows you are reliable. No business owner or factory manager will even look twice at an application that shows a person has no previous work experience.
3. Take a job placement course. You may have your heart set on CNC machining but you need to prove these specific skills in a classroom before you can do them in reality. These courses are a great place to begin networking and gaining references from professionals who act as teachers there. In the classroom you will be able to use virtual software that is very similar to a video game. These virtual programs allow you to practice using similar operations that you will be preforming in the factory on a daily basis. These courses for machinist programming are generally offered at least twice a year so it is best to sign up a couple months ahead of time.
4. Finally, it is time to take the test. When working with CNC machining there is a requirement that you must pass the strict examination test given at the end of every placement course. Bosses will look carefully at the results to prove that you know all the safety and technical requirements that the job entails. There are both multiple choice and essay questions given on the exam, so make sure that your basic grammar skills are up to par so that you don't lose the position in the case of spelling incorrectly.
Jack is a budding computing computer genius who has started his own CNC Machining firm in Norfolk. He also writes a blog about CNC machining.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8041411

How to Own a Dog Without All the Work!

I've never had a lap dog before, until now. I didn't even know I liked lap dogs. But I do now! Cute little guy, we'll call him Henri to protect his identity. Henri is a mixed poodle and yorkie and cute as a button. He loves to rest his head on my arm and jump into my lap while driving. The cutest thing I've witnessed was the other day when I grabbed the leash, he knew it was walk time and stood up on his hind legs so I could pick him up. When I couldn't grab him from the front with ease he turned around and stood up on his hind legs again so that it would be easier from the back. How adorable is that! And Henri's not the only dog I've had. I have been the proud owner of a German Shorthaired Pointer and Cocker Spaniel too! And guess what? I didn't do a lick of work that I didn't want to do and paid absolutely nothing. None of this cuteness would have been possible without what I'm about to reveal to you.
So what is my secret you ask? The BEST way to have a dog and avoid all responsibility is to get a roommate who has a dog! Yes friends, I came up with this plan a few years ago and have had no regrets. Plus it's kind of common sense. Think about it, you make them pay a pet deposit (if you own your place) and that covers any damages. Then they wash, feed and take the dog out to poo. And voila! All the cuddle time walks and fun are for you! It doesn't get better than that when it comes to owning a dog.
The other bonuses included in this package are that they are potty trained coming in to your house so there is minimal risk of an accident. That takes out all of the annoying potty training work you would have to do with senor pooch that you bought from PetCo. And at some point you may get tired of having that dog around for whatever reason. This allows you the freedom of kicking the dog out without being a horrible person. If you secretly have intimacy or responsibility issues this is your dream come true! When the lease is up, the dog is up and out too! So before you think of buying one and getting tied down to that kind of responsibility, consider the roommate option! Sorry married folks, this probably doesn't apply to you.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8025070

Friday, October 4, 2013

How to Get More From Your Accountant and Web-Designer

Your business depends upon so many others for its success: your accountant, web-designer, banker, advertising agency, IT support, solicitor and suppliers to name just a few.
But here's a question for you. Do you get everything from them that you could get? Do you give them a chance to contribute everything that they could with their unique expertise and skills?
How many more enquiries would you get from your website if you gave your designer a clearly defined Marketing Strategy and your Rules-of-the-Game to work from? This helped the business that had previously got their website ranked on Google for something his customers weren't looking for...
How much more cost-effective would your marketing be if it was planned prior to approaching a marketing consultant rather than just doing something because you know you should or because an advertiser has a special offer on this week? This helped the business that was spending over £3000 per month on advertising and didn't know if it was delivering a return on investment.
How much more profit could you make if your accountant, bookkeeper, banker, broker and IFA were all helping you work towards the same coherent financial plan and exit strategy? This helped the business owner who was paying too much tax because he didn't have a clear financial goal that his accountant and IFA were working towards.
The problem is that only a few small businesses have the ability to bring all of this together to get the most out of their third-party providers. Some don't have the time to do it. Others don't have the knowledge. Some just haven't given it any thought.
But it's worth thinking about. How much do you pay every year for external business support? Wouldn't it be great if you could get a better return on your investment?
You probably already have many of the providers in place, but you may need the systems and tools to join them up properly and make them work more effectively for you. Tools like an exit strategy, a strategic marketing plan or a budget forecast and business scoreboard.
Working with many business owners over the years, we've found that when our clients put these tools in place, it's far easier for them to:
  • Hire service providers best suited to their needs
  • Work more efficiently with their chosen service providers
  • Get better service from them
  • Get better outcomes: more profit, more customers, more effective teamwork and less hassle.
If this strikes a chord with you, then get in touch to find out how we can help you optimise the systems and tools in your business so that you can get more profitable outcomes from your investment in external advisors and service providers.
If you're interested in building a stronger business that delivers more to you, your employees and your customers in the North East of England then find out more about coaching for business growth and the tried and tested methodologies of the World Number 1 business coaching organisation, ActionCOACH. Book Online for a commitment-free discussion to explore the benefits of working with a certified coach and enquire about funding.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8041669

Thursday, October 3, 2013

American Film Market on a Shoestring Budget

In early November, the American Film Market comes alive with sellers, buyers, and promoters bartering for placement in distributor's catalogs. With attendance around 8,000 AFM is the World's largest motion picture trade event. It's a marketplace where producers and sales companies license films to distributors and this year they project to have 2,000+ New Films and Projects, 1,000+ Distributors and 400+ Production Companies. The market is based at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and it uses conference rooms and movie theatres in the area.
For struggling filmmakers and screenwriters, AFM offers opportunities for networking, project financing, and distribution. However, on a shoestring budget it takes a lot of planning to achieve ones goals. Attendance fees are steep and exhibition costs are higher. Yet there are ways to obtain meaningful accomplishments and do so without breaking the bank.
The immense size of AFM may seem overwhelming to first timers, but it's more a community with established relationships that date back years. Rapport and trust have been built up over time and while the products may evolve, the people stay pretty much the same. It's also a market of niches where buyers must evaluate which products will have value in their home markets. Buyers face another challenge, in addition to assessing potential value and the whims of film goers six month to a year hence; they must also judge how present economic conditions will affect the entertainment marketplace. In previous downturns, movies have played the escapist role but that was before entertainment became so fragmented. Now there are considerably more choices and younger audiences find that the Internet, I-pods, and video games better fit their needs and budgets.
Yet, whatever the state of the economy there will always be a need for product. Theatres, television, cable, satellite, and now the Internet all look for viable programming. Multiplex screens and television schedules eat up a vast number of titles. With the major studios cutting back and concentrating on blockbuster entries, there are product voids and independent filmmakers stand ready to fill them. What's more, as the ongoing credit crisis limits the number of movies released those that do obtain financing will find foreign distribution easier to acquire.
For the low-budget independent filmmakers, especially on a shoestring, working this market requires considerable preparation. The AFM Pitching seminar stressed the importance of having a succinct coherent presentation whether it's a project in development, a proposed script or a completed film. One must remember that buyers, sales agents, and distributors receive countless pitches and to avoid getting lost in the shuffle, you and your project must be memorable. Your pitch should have water-cooler talk-ability. By that, I mean it should be highly transferable and be able to travel through the community without losing energy. Long before the market opens this process should begin by contacting your prospects and giving them a preview of what you will be presenting. You can do this via mail, email or by phone. Give them a taste to wet their appetite. See the Market's tips on How to work the AFM, especially the guidelines on Pitching Essentials.
Jonathan Wolf, AFM Managing Director, reiterates the importance of obtaining assistance in areas where you are weak. Being able to pull together the expertise and good judgment of others is an essential part of being a successful producer. This may require attaching a producer to your project who is more familiar with the creative aspects or one who is capable at securing financing, or a line producer who is able to manage the details of the production itself. If the film is near completion, a producer's rep may be of help in obtaining festival exposure as well as securing a distribution deal. A publicist may also be required to create the desired pre-market buzz. Adding a sales agent to secure licensing rights within various foreign territories is another asset that ups the value of your package.
One obstacle for first timers is identifying likely prospects and obtaining their contact information. For a listing of exhibitors and their contact information, go to American Film Market website and navigate to Attend/Buyer/Exhibitor List. Since some of these companies also serve as sales agents, this list will be useful in locating these people. One can use other directories to cross-reference and identify the sale agents attending. Google or Bing "Sales Agents for Films" for various directories and look specifically for the one put out by the Screen Australia. This pdf directory contains 22 pages of detailed contact information, including person to contact, acquisition policies, and recent acquisitions.
Another source is the directory on the Internet Movie Data Base, pro version - IMDbPro.. Navigate to Company Directory and from Type Company scroll down to Sales Representatives. This addition to IMDb offers greater industry information and is available on monthly subscription bases. Also, check out the KFTV online directory for their list of sales agents. This free online service caters to the international entertainment industries. Enter Sales Agents in search window.
Short phone calls can help establish a rapport with targeted personnel. However, most filmmakers are reluctant to do this because international calls can be expensive. I would suggest using a low prepaid international calling card. LDPOST has a list of available services along with rates by countries. For instance, calls to France, London, and Germany can be as low as 2.0 to 2.4 cents a minute, which is cheaper than stateside long distance rates. Simply place your call-in number, then your PIN number on your speed dial to streamline this connection process. There is also a Direct Dial option available where you dial a single number.
Because your prospect will not likely have the final say, your pitch and accompanying materials should provide strong sales arguments that can move up the corporate ladder. Up front, it should state your objectives, i.e., seeking international sales agent, seeking co-production financing, or seeking acquisition of completed script, etc. While your presentation may be convincing, it's competing with numerous others and having statements and figures to back up your arguments is essential.
There is a long list of evidentiary materials and here are some of the more prominent ones. Include the ones that best represent your project. Comparisons to similar budgeted films--their critical and box office success, log line, elevator synopsis, full synopsis, script coverage, named actors, named director, named DP, projected budget, festival awards, reviews, test screening results, audience ratings, trailer, DVD screener, poster art work, press book materials, production stills, production stories, music tie-ins, merchandising opportunities, unique locations, EPK, film's web site, and project's blogs. Label these items with project name and contact information, then package them in a clear plastic bag so they are not mixed up with materials submitted by others. State the availability of the master and release copies as well as their screening format. Condense your pitch into succinct leave-behind summaries that contain pertinent arguments and include goals along with all vital contact information.
While one quest in presenting a film at the market is to obtain a sale, another is to generate a buzz for your movie. Post cards, DVD handouts, one-sheets and walking billboard characters are some of the methods used. A film's talk-ability inertia is a key factor in gaining distribution or representation by an international sales agent. In fact a small number of this year's foreign language Oscar contenders are using AFM to maximize award season exposure. Additional buzz can be obtained from reviews or news briefs posted in trade publications such as Variety, Hollywood Reporter, The Wrap, Deadline Hollywood, and indieWire.
During the later half of the market, Industry Half-Market Badges are available. During this period, exhibitors have more time to meet with you and are more receptive to hearing your pitch. To best utilize your time, map out your prospects and their locations in the hotels. Be aware that exhibitors are on numerous floors and that some share space. Scheduling appointments will help lend more credibility to your project. While the Half-Market Badge is good for four days the final day is a get away day and most exhibitors are packed and closed up by noon.
It may take some time for buyers to get back to you so it's a good idea to follow-up reinforcing your pitch and document the arguments supporting your project. It also helps to add new developments that make the project more appealing. Follow up first with an email and later with a phone call. Because these are busy people, focus on the feedback you really need. While you may be looking for a deal memo, you should also be looking for ways to strengthen the relationship. An appreciative thank you card can be helpful in this regard especially when it notes useful advice or feedback you've received.
AFM conferences and seminars are also good places to network and promote your project. In past years, topics have included seminars on pitching, financing, co-production deals, and incentives and tax rebates. These conferences are normally an added cost to your market pass and prices are listed on the American Film Market website.
One of the perks to being a pass holder is being able to pick up various print publications covering the market. These publications include Screen, Cineuropa, Beyond Cinema, Filmmaker Magazine, American Cinematographer plus industry trade editions such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. These are available on the mezzanine level and free to pass holders.
I would also suggest taking in a number of screenings to see how other filmmakers promote their product. There are over 500 screenings to pick from and while big budget, big star films draw respectable audiences, most films play to small crowds. Yet these gatherings afford opportunities to meet industry people, particularly filmmakers and producers. Use this time effectively and choose films that are closely related to your project. Screening times and theatre locations are listed in the catalog. Shuttle buses to various theatres are provided outside the Loews Hotel.
There are numerous opportunities at the Market to pitch ideas, network, and gain knowledge about the industry. The hotel lobbies where participants mingle are prime spots. It's a relaxed atmosphere where spiels and business cards fly about at will. In addition, it's a good idea to have as much information as possible on your card. Some attendees apply a sticker to the back with pertinent information about their project and/or company. Where applicable, write on back a desired call to action. Things such as "View my trailer at... " When you exchange hundreds of cards one can be easily forget, so make notes on the back of those you receive.
With the advances in technology, you will also find notebook presentations as a practical means of making a presentation. These devices are able to play trailers, interviews with stars, and offer samples of promotional materials. There are numerous advantages to this type presentation in that they are quick and to the point. Film is a visual medium and what better way to promote a project. Most prospects are amicable to watching a short trailer and if interested open to viewing more materials. However, you have to identify the buyers and open a dialogue. While the color-coded badges provide some helps, most buyers are so inundated with impromptu pitches they stuff their badges inside their shirt.
There are also special receptions, parties and red carpet events, and most require being on the invitation list. While most of these events are for established friends and associates, a kindly inquiry can sometimes result in an invite. While not openly publicized, invitations are handed out to promote a product or company. It some cases it is to firm up established relations or in appreciation of past business.
Lastly, mingle effectively. Introduce yourself by tagging your name with a profession, company affiliation, and info about your project. Listen, ask questions, and work the entire room with meaningful productive dialogue. For when it comes to mingling with the international side of the business, AFM is at the top of the class, a marketplace where chance encounters can easily evolve into lucrative deals.
Erik Sean McGiven has attended the American Film Market as a film representative, publicist, and film reviewer. The information compiled in this article is the result of his research and attending workshops on how to best utilize AFM opportunities, especially on a limited budget. Erik writes articles on the entertainment industry in addition to doing film reviews. Links to these articles and reviews are available on his website. http://www.erikseanmcgiven.com/writings/the-biz/. He has worked in the industry in a number of positions including producer, writer, director, production designer, script supervisor, reader, and reviewer.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7982964

Director of Photography Basic Tip - Don't Be A Hero

There is a basic skill that you need to know before you step into the world of being a Director of Photography. Going to a set with a few basics under your belt will help you jump through your career ladder a lot faster.
USE YOUR RESOURCES WISELY
Don't be a hero! No seriously... I have seen it far too many times, the guy on set that wants to do everything and by doing so does nothing but look like he's running around with his hair on fire. An efficient DOP is a great DOP... The coles notes on this lesson is to use your resources to the fullest extent, 10 people working at half speed together is better than one working really hard. I will give you a few real life examples of this:
---On this shoot we had no more than 5 lights available to use and lets say no more than 10 C stands. He had at his resource 2 Grips, 1 Gaffer and lets say 5 PA's that could easily step up to the plate if called upon.
He was asked to light a fairly basic interior scene, with 3 actors. it took him 4hrs before the scene was lite! Every light was moved and removed at least once and what went to picture finally was one 800w light partially flagged and a 1k bounced off the ceiling.
I saw the DP move lights over and over again, run cables, adjust flags and who knows what else. What I did not see was a leader directing his crew to bring his vision to life... "Director" is in the job title, and for this story it is a worth mentioning that "Director" is the first word in "Director of Photography".
He forgot about his team, gave no direction and tried to do everything without help. He would adjust a light then go to camera and look, and back again... and so on. He had no clear idea of how to light the scene, and more importantly forgot to use his resources.
Here is a quick explanation of how to go about lighting a scene.
a) Evaluate the scene you have to lite
b) Determine the best places for your lights
c) DIRECT... Allocate work and get your team in motion towards placing the desired lights
d) Tweak... stay at the camera, video village or where the camera is going to be placed so you can see the image. Then look for the lighting points that need more/less light and have your team adjust them while you watch the changes happening and call out direction in real time.
If I am not sure about the location of a lite, I will have someone "Hollywood" (hold in place) a light as I direct movement until I am happy with a location, then I will call to lock up that location, at which they will get a stand and permanently place the light.
There is more to lighting and more variables obviously, but this is simply a lesson about using your resources. This DP needed to follow the simple basics to lighting a scene. If he used his resources, the experience of lighting this scene would have been more efficient for him. As I mentioned earlier he went to picture with 2 lights, which takes even the least experienced only no more than 10min to place.
*Reference point, I lite an exterior scene with 1 grip and 1 gaffer that covered a steadicam walk for approximately 1000 feet. It was cold, and dark out as it was the middle of the night. We used a 10k, five 4ft Kino's and five 650w lights, all ran on a generator and extension cords all flagged, scrummed, or gelled. It took under an hour before we lite and recorded a circle take... I did not touch a single lite in the process.
For more information visit http://www.russdejong.com where you will find more information as well as all of the available social media outlets that Russ De Jong has to offer.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8005038

How You Can Test True Friendship

Testing the loyalty of those you call your friends is not a bad idea. Getting a true friend is not a child's play but if you know the test of true friendship, the burden will be made lighter for you.
You can test true friendship by discussing controversial issues with your friend. It could be politics or religion and your discussion will go a long way to show if he is a true friend. Even though your opinions may not be the same on different issues, it should be understood that the two of you are entitled to your opinions. A true mate will not harass you to change your mind or belittle your views. Differences in ideals or philosophies should not ruin true friendship for any reason at all.
Another way of testing your friend is to entrust him with a secret. Trust is a very essential aspect of true friendship and a true friend should be able to keep your secret under any circumstance. If you discover that your secret has been divulged by the one you refer to as your mate, he is definitely not a true friend. It may be fun to gossip about others but not spreading news about ones mate.
You can also ask for a huge favor from your friend and you should ensure that the favor will be inconvenient for him. You will be able to know how far he is willing to go to help you out in difficult situations. A true friend will be ready to do things for you not minding the difficulty he will pass through in doing so. However, you should not abuse the special favors that he wants to grant you so that your relationship is not jeopardized.
Furthermore, you should be able to tell him the truth in such a way that his ego will not be damaged. If he survives your honest truth, it means that he is a true friend. You should not praise him to his face and laugh at him at the back. The ability for you to be honest with yourselves is a test of commitment to true friendship. You should also lend money to your friend and take note of how he pays back. If he pays back in a timely manner, it means that he is a true mate but if it is in the contrary, the handwriting is already written on the wall for you.
For lovely friendship SMS and Santabanta SMS, the best option to take is to contact Lovelysms.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8034513

Things You Can Say That Will Leave a Girl Breathless

It is the desire of every man dating a woman to make her happy and the power of words in this regard cannot be ignored. Women are moved by what they hear and a few thoughtful words that come from the bottom of your heart can really leave your girl breathless.
You can tell the woman you love that she has a rare beauty that you have ever seen and she will forever be grateful to you. Women love to be told that they are beautiful and using the right words is very essential to show your thoughtfulness. The uniqueness of your girl will also be emphasized with the use of the words "rare beauty".
You can also tell your woman that she captivates you with who she is. This will go a long way in showing that her presence is so powerful that it engulfs you. If you let her know that her presence is worthwhile, she will always be happy with the relationship. Letting her know that she is a big influence to you will encourage her to do more in order to boost the relationship.
Moreover, telling her that her passion is beautiful and you will definitely take her to another world. This is because you are no longer focusing on her appearance but on a certain passion she has. The passion could be gardening, reading, helping the poor, etc, and by emphasizing on this passion, you are demonstrating that you appreciate what she is doing. She will also be inspired to be more involved in what she loves since you have shown that you love her for who she is.
If you tell your girl that you have not met someone like her, you are definitely going to leave her breathless. This is because you are actually telling her that she is very unique compared to other girls (and even boys) you have met or dated before. Consequently, you should let her know what is so special about her that you have not encountered in other people. For instance, you can bring up what stands out about her character so that she will be happy and encouraged to keep it up.
In order to sweep your girl off her feet, you can tell her that you want to spend the rest of your life getting to know her. This is more specific and different from saying that you want to spend the rest of your life with her. By saying that you want to spend the rest of your life getting to know her, she will know that you are planning to be with her for a long time.
Get lovely quotes to send to the woman you love in order to boost your lovely relationship by visiting Lovelysquotes.net.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8034475

Format for Writing a Screenplay - What You Need to Know

What format for writing a screenplay is one of the major stumbling blocks of the budding writer. But it doesn't have to be, as there are numerous scriptwriting aids, downloadable information and examples available, in all aspects of screenplay writing. Why then, you may ask, are questions still being asked on the web. For example I found this writer asking...
"Help! I've been told that one must use a 12pt New Courier font with page margins of 1.5" on left side (for binding) and 1" on the right side, top and bottom. I'm confused, because when I read sample scripts, they invariably seem to be able to cram more lines and character spaces on a page. How?
I agree that your script should be presented in the format the industry expects. It not only makes you look more professional, with the Final Draft being more pleasing to the eye, but more importantly YOUR HARD WORK will be less likely to be thrown out.
Your content and story maybe the next blockbuster, but without that presentation you will fall at the first hurdle.
Oh, I nearly forgot - Follow the rules yes, but if you look closely at some examples, you will see that they have reduced the line spacing slightly, to 'cram in more lines'. A good tip but don't overdo it. Remember it still has to be pleasing on the eye.
OK. It is true that you must format your screenplay, and it does not have to be hard; if you follow the rules. It will become easier the more you practice, and that is where your valuable time should be spent most.
Keep to the rules and learn the four main elements: Sluglines, Action, Character Names, and Dialogue. How to present them, and their positioning, are a subject in themselves and another article, but they are important, to the format and content.
Even if you use screenwriting software, it's important to have the basic knowledge of screenplay formatting so that your Final Copy looks thoroughly professional.
I hope this has been of help and I wish you well in your screenplay writing, whether it be for Film or Television, Drama or Sitcom.
Learning any skills, whether for business or pleasure, takes time, practice, and confidence in ourselves. We will never know everything in our chosen niche market, but we can accelerate and time manage our knowledge, to concentrate on the action of doing, rather than studying. Invest in yourself.
I will be continuing to write more articles relating to this subject, but you may also be interested in a free download here on 'How to Write Screenplays'. To get your copy, just go to http://screenplaywritingknowhow.info/. I know it will be of help.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8029479

Top Ten Reasons Why Batman Always Wins

There is not a single comics' fan who does not know Batman. Actually, he is the most popular superhero of DC comics. Despite the fact that Batman does not possess any superpower that typical superheroes have, he is capable of defeating any villain he encounters no matter how strong they are. Here are the top ten reasons why.
Reason Number 10: The Bat Cave
One of the reasons why villains cannot win against Batman is that they cannot find him. The bat cave serves as the headquarters and hiding place for the Caped Crusader. The cave are also equipped with supercomputers connected to cameras that batman installed around the city. This gives batman the edge over his enemies, because it allows him to monitor what they are doing.
Reason Number 9: He Does Not Trust Anyone
Unlike other superheroes who trust anyone easily, the word "trust" is not in the vocabulary of the Dark Knight. He views everyone as potential enemies including his friends in the JLA (Justice League Association). In fact, in the movie "JLA: Tower of Babel", it was revealed that the Bat have formulated specific strategies on how to defeat each member of the JLA.
Reason Number 8: Money Is Power
The Bat is the most powerful superhero when in terms of money. He is a multi-billionaire, which in turn allows him to devise any weapon he would need in order to defeat his enemies. In one episode of Justice League Animated Series, the Dark Knight was able to thwart the plan of Lex Luthor by bribing one of his minions.
Reason Number 7: Highly Skilled in Martial Arts
If villains think that they can take down the Caped Crusader easily, because he does not have superpowers, then they are wrong. The Dark Knight is a master of martial arts, allowing him to defeat any villains in hand-to-hand combat. In Marvel vs. DC crossover, batman was able to defeat Captain America in a fight, another superhero who is expert in hand-to-hand combat.
Reason Number 6: Secret Identity
The Caped Crusader is fully masked, which makes it hard for any villain to recognize his identity, unless they have the same X-ray vision as superman. Furthermore, his personality as Bruce Wayne is different from his alter ego. Everyone view Bruce Wayne as a playboy billionaire. No one can guess that he is actually batman.
Reason Number 5: Master of Stealth
Another reason why villains cannot win against Batman is that he is a master of stealth. He does not fight them head on, but rather hide in the shadows and wait for the perfect time to attack. Furthermore, he only operates at night and with his black costume, he is literally invisible in the dark. No matter how strong the opponent, he or she cannot win if he cannot see the Bat.
Reason Number 4: Gadgets
The Dark Knight has hundreds of gadgets and weaponry he can use to take down villains and super villains. He has different types of batarangs that can do heavy damage to his opponents. He also has the bat mobile and bat plane that is also equipped with powerful weapons. Furthermore, with his money, he can invent any gadgets he can use to achieve his purpose.
Reason Number 3: No One Scares the Bat
Batman is afraid of bats when he is still a kid. In fact, this is his greatest fear. One of the reasons why he has chosen to be batman and be in a bat cave full of bats is to overcome his fear. When he successfully overcomes his fear of bats, he becomes capable of overcoming his fears when fighting villains, regardless of their strengths and powers.
Reason Number 2: A Beautiful Mind
What the Batman lack in strength, he fills them up with his intelligence. Batman is always a hundred steps ahead of his opponents. When he fights a powerful villain, he will not come with nothing, but rather with a solid plan on how to defeat him or her. He would plan for everything, including worst-case scenarios.
Reason Number 1: He Is Batman
Search the net on why Batman always wins; the fans answer will be, "Because he is Batman!" Whether you are a fan of batman or not, you must always accept the truth that he will always win, simply because he is Batman.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7993750

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

What Are The Most Enjoyable Nightlife Activities?

Nightlife is the spirit of a city that exists outside of a person's regular boundaries and comfort zone. When it comes to the person, this way of living exists to allow the common individual to let loose and experience new things.
When going out with your friends and enjoying a night on the town, it is easy to fall into the typical activities most people participate in when trying to experience new things and have fun. The most common is planning with your friends to go bar hopping but you end up reluctantly staying at one bar or have to go to a restaurant because you have friends who are underage and can't get into bars yet. The best way to enjoy nightlife is to plan an evening where everyone involved can have a great time.
Some of the best things about the nightlife have surprisingly nothing to do with alcohol at all. Music can help identify a person with his or her personality. One person may be withdrawn and require the need to express himself or herself with music and another may just love to listen to it. There is always a venue or establishment with musicians performing so that could be an option. Another option is physical activities like bowling or mini golf. Although not what you would first think of when describing the nightlife in a lot of cities, there are many establishments that have night hours so you can enjoy yourself with a few friends.
One thing that people take a while to warm up to is karaoke. Many bars offer nights where they have karaoke and often it is more for the amusement of others than actually finding the next music star. There are also festivals that will have carnival type festivities. They also have games and food in multitude. Lastly and probably one of the oldest forms of nightlife are movie theaters. Movies have been around for over 100 years now. Originally called motion pictures, they are a common thing to watch with families, romantic partners, and friends.
A common misconception is that in order to enjoy yourself it has to be a trendy place. In our society today, culture has shown that we have a multitude of people with different identities. Basically, not everyone is going to enjoy going to see the newest indie rock band at the local small but well-known music club. If everyone were the same, then there would be no room for businesses trying to be innovative and create special events. It is the healthy competition between companies that helps cities around the nation and the world help generate brand new business opportunities. This is just another evolution of the business of entertainment.
If you're looking for a fun and exciting way to enjoy the portland nightlife, then check out the environment of McMenamins. Learn more about their locations and venues at: http://www.mcmenamins.com.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8031910

When Customers Are Rude and Wrong

There are fewer harder tasks faced by a customer service assistant than when the customer they are dealing with is rude. However, if that customer is also dealing with the company because they are unhappy with a product they've received or have a complaint of any description, and they're actually wrong, it can be incredibly difficult for the advisor to correctly guide them.
Explaining something to a customer is a skill in itself as once you are completely ofay with the processes of whatever product you are endorsing, it is human nature to become blind sighted by your ability to use the product. Being a good customer advisor means that you must learn empathy with the customer and share your learning experiences; in essence you must both remember that at some point you were just learning too. Engaging with the customer in this way should also allow you a way in to try and tame some of the irritation they are expelling, which will allow you to break down their barriers and express yourself suitably.
A rude customer is one thing, the best attitude is to just point blank ignore it and continue to treat them in the same way as you would any other customer but one who is rude and bordering on aggressive must be advised to calm down. As a customer service advisor you have a right to defend yourself from any rudeness or aggression but you also have a responsibility to both other customers and the company - both need defending and/or protecting. Other customers do not deserve to be put in an uncomfortable situation and therefore if you are confronted by a customer who refuses to stand down or be polite it is imperative that you learn the best way of phrasing "please sir/madam, there is no need to speak in that manner".
There are dozens of different ways of saying it and occasionally it is possible to spin your sentence so that you sound as though you are being light-hearted but so that they are fully aware of the gravity of the situation. Most customers will retreat, even if just a little, if they are told that if they do not calm down they will be asked to leave. This is of course in the in-store version, over the phone the advisor is in a different position with different responsibilities and rights.
Once you have calmed the customer down to a point of being able to speak with them without losing your head to their bite, you can coerce them round to listening to your explanation of whatever their enquiry is. Most customers are only rude when something has gone wrong so have a little bit of sympathy, call on your charming side occasionally and maybe be a little economical with the truth. You can spin things so that the customer feels unique and so that responsibility is removed from them and this makes them more inclined to relax - largely the biggest concern is for their wallet!
Remember, if you enjoyed this article or found it of benefit to yourself then why not subscribe to our page and you will be informed of all the most recent articles we upload. Speaking with a member of the team at Wonga or Orange will allow you to ask any further questions about customer service, so use one of the following numbers: Wonga contact number or Orange contact number.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8039227

Ten Ways to Improve Your Magic

Below are 10 ways to becoming a better magician, performing better magic and ultimately getting more bookings.
1. Dress Smartly - first impressions count and dressing smartly will show that you are serious, your client will be proud to have you perform to their guests.
2. Use good quality props - if you are a card magician make sure you use good looking cards which look the part. Currently I use Theory 11 Artisan Decks because the box is gold embossed and looks awesome when doing a rising card trick. Also the cards are lovely to hand out as souvenirs.
3. Constantly improve your magic and learn new methods. Penguin Magic does a great subscription system where every Sunday a new magician gives a 2-3hr lecture on magic. Tons to learn and great exposure to lots of different styles of magic.
4. Join a magic oriented forum where you can chat with other magicians, keep informed of new magic releases and get help when you need it.
5. Find a magic dealer that you trust and has a good inventory and ordering system. If something is advertised on the site, you want to know that it is actually in stock! Moreover a good magic store will always give you advice if you need it on a trick.
6. Go to a magic convention! Not only will you see tons of new magic for sale, but you can meet other magicians, learn new tricks and watch lectures and competitions.
7. Constant practice - practice your card sleights infront of the TV, infront of the mirror, on the bus - in fact any time you are waiting around. Practice on your girlfriend, wife, mother, brother, sister, best friend - practice to the cat if you need to! Many magicians have something called 'The Wife Test' - if the trick fools the wife - you know its good!
8. Make sure you have good quality business cards that impress and that people will want to keep.
9. Get yourself known by offering your services out to charity events and other worthy causes free of charge. You will gain valuable practice, have the opportunity to hand your card out and do your bit for the community.
10. Get yourself a Flaming Wallet - go on you know you want to - AND its actually one of the coolest ways to hand out your card.
Regards
Peter Dove
Magician
If you want to learn from the best or simply book a magician for your next event go to http://www.peterdovemagic.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8001772

How To Inspire Your Attendees To Share Your Content On Facebook?

Virtually all event presenters have understood the significance of integrating social elements into other marketing strategies. They have deliberated combining social media to the level of all their campaigns and promotions.
Sharing online is powerful as it is seen as credible and trustworthy and we will believe our friends before a marketing message from a brand. However, letting individuals to share their campaign with societies they know will not be that easy. They ought to give them a powerful reason to share and socialize.
Check the following strategies which can help you and your event to motivate your attendees to do social sharing on Facebook and Twitter.
  1. When our fans and attendees share any content, acknowledge their efforts by growing the payment. We can create a campaign wherein the more individuals share among themselves, the more all of them get profit. The feeling of collective profit increases the group dynamics among visitors. They are interested to perform when they feel that others can also get the same benefits.
  2. We should give our attendees and fans something exclusive and special in return for sharing our content. This is a great promoter, as it will make them feel superior. Another way to prize our fans is by letting early or exclusive access to content. It can also be somewhat or anything that has never been released for public consumption.
  3. People are respectable in nature. If we offer an easy way for them to help, then they will definitely do and it will also improve our business at the same time. We can run a fundraising campaign that is geared to a superior cause. Make sure to add our social elements to maximize the results.
  4. Let our attendees and fans contribute and assist in creating the offer. We should ask for the viewer's suggestion to choose which free products should offer or ask them to vote for discounts that they want to receive. Giving them the power to assist will help ensure that they share our content.
  5. One more essential characteristic of attendees and fans is their wish to be known for their proficiency and activities. Being recognized for something they have shared or contributed is an influential motivator for any social activity. When we have figure out our top attendees and fans, we can consider them as part of our marketing mix and reward them by recognizing their contribution either on our Facebook fan page or our website.
This is not important which techniques you select, the important factor is to integrate social media in a way that stares the attendees in the face and compels them to want to share on social media.
Please share your creative ways and techniques to encourage people in sharing content and activities.
Kevin Vernon works for https://www.yapsody.com/, an online event ticketing system that allows you to create events for free and also offers you to sell tickets to your events online without any fees or operating costs. You get all the facilities like box office, reports, multiple payment gateways and delivery options all for free! Sign Up today at https://www.yapsody.com/ and make your events more successful!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8018056

How to Turn Your Garage Into a Photography Studio In 5 Easy Steps and Save Lots of Money!

Recently, large photography studios have closed their doors. Now is the time to open your own photography studio* and save lots of money!
Review the five steps below to help get you started.
1. Decide where to store all of the stuff that is already in the garage. You can purchase a shed for the backyard, place items in your attic, box the items in stackable boxes and place them on shelving, have a garage sale, or rent storage space- which costs less than renting an office.
2. Paint your ceiling, walls, and garage floor (if needed). I recommended using flat white, black, or an 18% grey paint so the color and sheen doesn't interfere with the outcome of your photos. Note: A stain is better for your garage floor for high traffic studios.
3. When designing your workspace, it's important make to sure it's clean and neat. Focus on creating areas with backdrops, props, lighting, and a small desk for a computer/printer. If you have room, include a sitting area and table to display your work or a dressing folding screen for quick costume changes. If you want to keep the garage door, then you could remove the center track, wires (use an electrician), and chain, but keep the outer two garage rails in place so you can open and close the door manually and lock with a key. This allows you look more like a studio instead of a garage. Consider a wall mount air conditioner if it you have scorching hot summers and freezing winters.
4. You can purchase beautiful backdrops, props, and two or three photo lights inexpensively from Amazon. The third light could shine on your backdrop or a boom light could be used to highlight the hair. I recommend Vector Soft Box for portrait lighting.
5. Your studio decoration should include replacing current lights in the garage ceiling with spot lights so you can turn them towards your wall decorations. Hang up to four of your large (36x48) photographs with your business name.
Bonus information: You can purchase most of your supplies at your local hardware store like Lowe's or Home Depot. Most photography supplies can be purchased at Amazon, or B&H Photo. You can purchase props at Amazon and art supply stores like Michael's, or online at Jerry's Artarama. Contact a local air conditioning company to install your unit so you don't have water leaks into the garage.
*If you are not sure if you are allowed to run a home business in your garage, then you should contact your county zoning before you begin this project.
The steps above take a couple of weekends and a little bit of hard work, but saves you a lots money!


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