DUMBSTRUCK

When I see a TV show with a ventriloquist theme I watch it! If there is a ventriloquist comedy special on DVD, I'll buy it! And when there is a ventriloquist themed movie that is out in a theaters, You bet I'm there. The only problem is there isn't to many ventriloquist type movies in theaters...Until Now!! Hip hip hooray!! Thank God For "DUMBSTRUCK"!! ....Well not so fast! You see, we have a problem Houston!! The movie is only coming out in a selected number of theaters. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?!?!?!? Absurd!!!

As I sit here and ponder my dilemma, I ask, "Why is the movie being viewed in a limited area and who chooses these areas? Why couldn't the studio just put the movie out everywhere?" I imagine the bottom line is Money! And from what I understand it is the Money!! First the movie will go into a few selected theaters to see how it does. If it does well then the studio can put the movie in more theaters. If it doesn't do well then it will go to DVD. You would think that making copies of the movie would be inexpensive, but to make a copy of the film print can cost anywhere from $4000.00 per copy and up. Think of all the theaters just in your state and then of all the theaters in the USA...That's a lot of Theaters and a lot of MONEY!! So by testing them movie in a certain market, the studio can find out what there next plan of action is without losing there shirt!

From the promo footage that I have seen, The movie looks Great and I can't wait to see it! I can only hope that the movie does well enough that I can go see it on the Silver Screen! If not, I'll have to wait for the DVD, and watch it in the comfort of my own home on the TV Screen!

All the Best To "DUMBSTRUCK"

Coming Soon....

Mike Palma's

Ventriloquist Workshop


http://ventriloquistworkshop.com/






I will be building both full size Professional figure (38-40" Tall) and Semi Professional figures (approx 34" Tall). I also hope to carry a line of Ventriloquist related items including Vent Novelty items, Vent Books and DVDs in the very near future! So... Stay Tuned!!!

"IT'S COMING !!!!!!!!!"

I can't say anything yet, But "IT'S COMING !!!!!"

Keep checking back, because not only is it coming, but "IT'S COMING SOON"!!!!!!

Tedious work ahaed!!

Here's a little trick I use to get a smooth head and face. I use dark primer paint to cover the head. When the primer dries you can see all the little imperfections that need to be filled and sanded. This is a long and tedious process But well worth the effort when finished!!! I still have a few spots to fill and sand, but he is coming along! Remember, make it as smooth/ flawless as possible before you make your mold and you'll save a lot of time finishing the head once the head is cast!

Casting with Magic Sculpt!

This is how I used to cast my heads. I would then reinforce the head with fiberglass. It made a very strong head, but it is very time consuming.

For someone wanting to make one or two figures/ heads, this is an easy and fairly inexpensive way to cast a head.

For more information on building your own figure you check out my earlier posts and also check out a wonderful book called, "Figure making can be fun" by Mike Brose. Mike has written this great how to book which he sells on his web site http://www.puppetsandprops.com/home.html

Al Stevens has also written on not only figure making, but mechanical installation which can also be found on Mike's web site. It is located under the "Fred Project"

Happy New Year!!

Well a new year is here and I want to wish all a Very Happy New Year! As for me, I have some New and Exciting Projects and Shows in the works! Here is a few pictures of where all the magic happens! It's my Magic/ Vent room! Over the years of performing, I have collected a large number of magic apparatus and magic/ vent paraphernalia! Enjoy these photo's!!

ventrilo-ett figure

As you can see by his face, Eddie is very happy to have his very own ventrilo-ett figure!"

This is a fun little figure you can take anywhere! You can purchase them at mahertalk@aol.com