CHOPS & Associates
brings to life 3D animated characters for trade shows
and special events, by booking performances using the
Digital Puppeteer (tm) combined with its custom characters.
In order for this new and unique form of
computer art to have the full impact, we have the ability
to provide a turnkey solution, that incorporates talented
actors, high quality video displays and our animation system
running on reliable Pentium computers. Following are some
of the considerations involved in preparation and production.
PRE-SHOW PLANNING -
Customer and producer review and organize elements of the
show, including audio/visual requirements, venue, transportation
and accommodation logistics, the show theme and approach,
scripts, soundtracks and other presentation content. Customer
and producer establish budget guidelines, confirm booking
dates, exchange deposits and contracts.
SHOW PREPARATION -
Custom characters are designed and tested. Scripts are
written, multimedia content is produced, staging and logistics
are examined, site surveys (if necessary) are performed.
Talent is auditioned, trained and rehearsed. Sales, marketing
and public relations objectives are discussed.
SHOW DAY(S) -
System is set-up and integrated into venue, with complete
sound checks and video testing. Talent gets settled and
rehearses, if possible. Press conferences are held. Then
the show is done, and the equipment is packed up for the
next one. Occasionally, the system is moved to the hospitality
suite or cocktail reception for the party.
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH
PERFORMANCE FEE AND SYSTEM RENTAL - Basic pre-show
planning, including: logistics, venue requirements, budget
guidelines, confirming booking dates, exchanging deposits & contracts.
Basic show preparation, including: release of limited
rights to use CHOPS image for promotional purposes for
the event only, rehearsing and training talent, discussing
sales and marketing objectives, staging and logistics
review. Show Day(s), including: arrival and set-up of
equipment, testing and sound checks, dress rehearsals,
press conferences, the booked performance itself by sit-down
comedian Gary Jesch as CHOPS, presentation or trade show
work in the customer's booth. Post-mortem at end of appearance,
dismantling and removal of equipment.
We will also include the Bubble Screen system
in our package, for those who like the effect of a round
screen and jet-black stand, at a small additional fee for
shipping and handling.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED WITH PERFORMANCE
FEE AND SYSTEM RENTAL UNLESS OTHER ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE
Additional presentation scriptwriting, content
production of multimedia layers, additional display equipment,
custom character creation, talent auditioning and compensation,
licensing of existing characters or talent, unusual staging
requirements that involve extra expense or man-hours (including
moving to another venue the same day). Also not included
are some of the various display and control technologies
that are offered.
TRAVEL EXPENSES ARE
NOT INCLUDED - In most cases, travel expenses
will be invoiced at our cost for direct reimbursement
from the copies of charge slips attached to the Chops & Assoc.'s
invoice. Normal expenses are generated by paying for:
priority air fare for one or two persons (producer and
talent), a minimal surcharge for our system, rental
of display system, and hotel and meals per diem.
AVERAGE EXPENSES FOR ONE-DAY SHOW (Estimated)
| Air fare (one person, round trip, 21
day advance) |
$150-$800 |
| Excess Baggage fee |
$50-$100 |
| Rental car (2-3 days) |
$100-150 |
| Hotel & meals (2 days) |
$250-$350 |
CUSTOM CHARACTERS
ARE AVAILABLE - Custom characters can be created
on request, by quotation. Price depends on the level
of complexity, amount of artwork that needs to be created,
need for selecting, training and compensating talent
and the amount of time necessary to set up the Digital
Puppeteer control system. On receipt of payment in full,
CHOPS & Associates delivers all rights of ownership,
copyright and title to the customer. If payment is not
received in full, CHOPS & Associates retains all
rights as artist and creator, and all performance rights.
In all cases, CHOPS & Associates will retain the
right to use the customer's artwork in self-promotion
materials, even after all rights have been delivered
to the customer.
BOOKINGS AND CONFIRMATIONS -
It is CHOPS & Associates' policy to guarantee all bookings
on a first-come, first served basis. All contracts and
agreements should be finalized two to three weeks prior
to the appearance or presentation. Late-notice services
can be provided in some cases, subject to availability.
Audio visual equipment needs vary from one
performance to another. The computer system will be hooked
up to video presentation equipment that already exists,
or we can help you rent what you need.
Once written estimates are furnished, clients
will be asked to pay a 50% deposit to hold the performance
date. You will receive a written confirmation from us that
CHOPS or another character will perform as requested.
CANCELLATIONS - Cancellations
are permitted up to 20 working days of the scheduled date
with a full refund (less any prepaid expenses). Cancellations
within 3-20 working days are subject to a service charge
of 15% of the performance fee deposit, (plus all expenses
incurred to date) and when cancellations occur within 3
days of the first day of the scheduled performance, the
deposit will not be refunded (plus the client will be billed
for expenses incurred to date, such as changes in airline
tickets & lost deposits).
Additional paperwork for CHOPS performances
or performances by other characters may include:
- Scope of Work - description of show,
time & location, setup information, schedule of
performance, services and tasks to be performed
- Schedule of Rates and Payments -
description of rates, charges, estimated expenses,
fees, terms & conditions
- Progress Reports - when appropriate,
where multimedia content is layered into show, or where
character development and training is needed
- Expense Reports - Detailed form,
showing expenses actually incurred
- Confidentiality & Non-disclosure
Agreements - in cases where sensitive material is handled
by talent and/or CHOPS & Associates staff or contractors
- Rights - description of works and
their legal owners, and rights licensed
- Travel Itineraries - full description
of arrival and departure times, accommodations
- Tax forms - W-9 forms will be completed
on request
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