COMING IN 2008!......"Hands-Free Puppets!" T.M. by Axtell
Animatronic puppets for your show! Both for Vents and Non-Vents! We have been working with an animatronics expert to bring you this amazing new concept!
For Ventriloquists, imagine an Axtell puppet you can secretly operate by remote control from a distance! When you are not operating it, it stays "alive" and watches your show!
For Magicians and non-ventriloquists, imagine having a talking & singing Axtell character with you, entertaining on stage! (pre-recorded custom voice and synched movements all pre-programmed for you). While on stage it stays "alive" and watches your show, but when you want to trigger the next segment...you push a tiny secret remote control button and it springs to action!
Lots of AXcitning surprises coming soon...as you have come to AXpect!.
If you are interested in these Animatronic Puppets.....email me & let me know ..... steve (at) axtell . com
This message has been edited by axtell on Dec 14, 2007 9:01 PM
Maybe...a duplicate orangutan for my Gonzo...so I can switch it to the animatronics figure after a vent act...and make it watch the next part of the show or something like that
So, is this going to be like a sophisticated Teddy Rupskin?
I also wonder about the amount of control we will have over it. Can I manipulate it live? Does it use a CD and a special code to perform pre-recorded movements? If so, will I be given the tools to pre-record my own movements to my own audio?
Will we be buying a mechanism that can be put in any puppet, or will we be buying a new character with all the gizmos in it?
Steve at least has one thing down: He's darn good at getting a buzz going!
PS: Steve, I'm still waiting for a hand puppet with moving and blinking eyes. Will this technology finally make my dreams come true?
Actually, I thought the puppets were already doing all the work themselves! I just have to bring an Axtell out and the crowd is glued. Personally, I'm afraid of a strike if you give them their own controls. I would be reduced to being the designated driver!
And Rob, I could swear that one of the Divas winked at me the other day.
The VENT model can be manipulated Live like a Hands-Free Puppet.
The MAGIC model is pre-programmed. You would control when it goes into it's next bit. A show would contain 10-100 bits. Whatever you require. You could use AxTrax.....record your own bits for the character....or write them and we will record them. We program the character and ship it to you!
The voices can be recorded by you, but the motion system is proprietary and we need to do that for you...we will provide that service.
You can choose from our puppet line (or we can create a custom character) and we build it into them. You don't just by a robot and put the puppet over it. It's much more involved than that.
I hope we are also good at delivering more than "buzz". We also deliver a great product and solid support and customer service on our stuff. We are here for you!
PS - we can put blinking and moving eyes in now. We often do. It's a custom thing but yes, the robots could also have that.....but it can get pricey.
Ax
This message has been edited by axtell on Dec 28, 2007 7:17 AM
Yes Wanlu....you could do that switch in your show. There would be a noticeable difference in how it moves of course....the human arm and hand is more sophisticated than any assembly of servos could ever be. Our God is amazing! That said, we have some new technology that is far better than some of the animatronics you have seen in the past. I will let the videos speak for themselves. They will be up soon!
Ax
This message has been edited by axtell on Nov 6, 2007 7:40 PM
It will be the most expensive and valuable product we've made to date. We are trying to keep the critters under $5,000. I'll have more info on that soon.
Videos will be shot next few weeks!
Ax
This message has been edited by axtell on Dec 14, 2007 9:04 PM This message has been edited by axtell on Nov 20, 2007 9:08 PM
We had an unfortunate Forum hiccup and lost some posts. We have updated the web page for the Hands-Free puppets and separated the VENT and MAGIC versions into different pages. Here is the layout right now:
What an amazing product, I guess dreams can come true!
Here is my 3 1/2 cents worth:
1. What programming would you like preset in the character when you receive it?
If I were to purchase a hands free puppet I would like to have the ability to control it both remotely by an assistant and/or have the magician/vent use the small hand held remote control device to control the puppet. It sounds like both of these are available options, I just wasn't sure if the puppet would be wired so that it could use either format.
I would also like to have the puppet(s) maintain their unique characteristics, such as dragon smoke and movable wings on the dragon, or the turtle's ability to have it's head go into its shell.
I would like to see the puppets be programmed for more than one routine, if possible.
2. How would you most likely use this in your show?
If purchased I would use the hands free puppet along the lines of a side kick or straight man.
3. What characters in our line are the most interesting to you to think about being on stage with you besides the Toucan and Chimpanzee?
I would like to see the following puppets hand free (Listed in level of interest):
* Dusty Dragon
* Laughin' Louie
* Leonardo Lion
* Gator
* Jack-O-Lantern - Puppet would be seasonal, so this could effect sales volume.
* Snowman - Could become animated when you put his hat on like Frosty, although there may be some copyright/trademark issues here. This puppet would also be more seasonal and thus take more time to recoup the cost of the puppet.
4. What other features do you hope they will have?
* Eye movement. (Left/Right, Up/Down, Open/Close)
* If it is not too much to hope for - some facial movement on puppets with latex heads.
* Maintenance program for the robotic hardware. (for a fee)
* Ability to have the puppet reprogrammed for new routines. (for a fee)
* Fairly quite mechanical operation.
* Maybe there could be different pricing options based on the level of robotics the puppet contains.
I really like the Auto-Alive feature and the optional headset microphone to control the mouth.
Mike...thanks for the very thought out post! All of what you have requested will be possible with our system! In addition I just posted an updated overview list. I'll put it here for you to see all the features. Please folks...ask your questions here and I will do my best to answer them.
OVERVIEW of the Entire Program (subject to change).
REMOTE CONTROL VENT PUPPET:
Use the key fob to control mouth and 2 head positions.
Use the key fob to turn on Auto-Alive (automatically moves from a chip)
Does not have an mp3 player and cannot be programmed.
Will cost less than the Magic Verision
REMOTE CONTROL MAGIC PUPPET:
Has 3 different MODES to operate in:
a. MagicTrax from the Mp3 player (programmed by Axtell as in our videos)
b. MotorMouth Mode. Playback voice recordings you make and mouth moves.
c. Total Control Mode. Operate the joysticks for total control.
MagicTrax Mode:
MagicTrax run off an mp3 player and are special Axtell encoded mp3s that have specific animation synched to voice. They can contain music and sound effects like in our demo videos. They are arranged in order in the mp3 player playlist. Axtell Expressions Studio burns the animation to the MagicTrax mp3 file. We will have many free ones available for download, and will offer a service to make custom ones with your name....or you can record your own voice and we can add specific moves to the character for a fee. Auto-Alive (random movement) is burned into the end of each MagicTrax mp3 for 10 extra minutes, so you don't have to turn it on or off...it's always there at the end of a bit. If you need more than 10 minutes, you can add it into the playlist. When you are ready for the next bit, you just advance to the next mp3 in the playlist with the tiny transmitter key fob.
MotorMouth Mode:
You can record an mp3 with voice only on the left track, and on the right track you can have music & sound effects. Switch the Control System to MotorMouth mode, and hwne you play it back the mouth will be moving in synch with the voice you recorded on the left track. All the other servos will move using "AutoAlive" which is a chip with some presets for Left Center and Right dominanace (depending where it is standing). MotorMouth Mode enables you to impulsively record a bit in your own voice, and immediately play it back with full animation on your own without Axtell involved in the production. You can advance to the next MotorMouth track with a key fob. You could have a whole list of MotorMouth recordings in a playlist for your whole show with synchronized mouth movements as long as the body moves can be random. (You don't have to use the MagicTrax Mode unless you need specific actions from our programming. )
Total Control Mode:
You can control the joysticks for specific movement for any of the servos whenever you want to. You could have an assistant off stage operating the character live and even providing the voice with a microphone. You don't need to use the programming at all. You can also have the operator wear a headset microphone plugged directly into the Hands-Free control system and when you have MotorMotor mouth mode selected you can speak into the microphone, and it will trigger the mouth to synch up to the sounds you make! This frees the operator's hands for just the other servo movements...without having to move one for the mouth (but you still can if you want to).
Other Features and Options are coming out like synchronized VIDEO programming (use a TV or display monitor with the character for song lyrics, powerpoint, sales presentations....Different switches (toe, ankle, belt, back, etc.), moving wings, blinking eyelids, moving eyes etc.
All the above is subject to change as we finish up development. There may be some things that would cause one or more features above to be combined, or need to be explained differently but that's where it's kind of standing at this moment in time.
hi all,
happy new year.
my name is denis coffey. i'm from dublin ireland.
i m a puppeteer. i works all over ireland.
i,m interested in expanding my shows.at the monment i'm useing
sunny puppets with great suscess. i hope to here from you soon
i' very interest in the animatronic and remote puppets for both my adults and kids shows. yours denis.
The beautiful thing about these is that you can record your own voices for the programming! Irish accents will not be a problem! Thanks for stopping by and saying hi!
We will begin to take orders in Feb so depending on how many orders we get at that time, we will establish a waiting list and begin to fill orders. We will try to have some built up by the time that happens of course.
We can't start the waiting list yet, or take any money because we are not 100% with all the details of the components and the final prices.
Thanks for your patience and as soon as we have the prices and the buy buttons, we will make the announcement.
The last minute additions that are causing our delay are WELL WORTH the wait! You won't believe the final system!
A few questions I would like to know about the hands free puppets - The puppet and the remote control - I take it that they have rechargeable batteries. How long do they take to charge and how long do they last in performance? Considering the puppets are going to be quite expensive, what kind of warranty do they come with? Also, do the puppets come with a stand or storage case or would you have to buy them separately?
The Rechargeable batteries should last 2-3 hours from a single charge. We are testing that now. They are cleverly stacked in the stand so you don't see them!
The stand is included.
We are looking into cases now. I'll have more information soon.
While they still cost a lot, we are bringing the price of these (animatronic characters) down from $25,000 or more...so for what you are getting, they are finally affordable. This is top tech animatronics folks....I hope you can see it. This is a revolutionary idea....a paradigm shift! My buddy Ron has figured out how to get the cost of animatronics way down...and he looked around for the best characters available and he came to Axtell. It's a great game...and you are the winners!
Thanks for the questions! Ask more...we're in this together.
Ax
This message has been edited by axtell on Jan 8, 2008 11:23 AM This message has been edited by axtell on Jan 5, 2008 6:26 PM This message has been edited by axtell on Jan 5, 2008 4:16 PM
Did I read this right? That the batteries are 25,000 but will be a bit less? What am I missing here? or is this a mis-type and we're talking 2500 for the hands free vent puppet
Chris no not the batteries...what I am saying is that animatronic characters of this quality usually cost $25,000 or a lot more. We are bringing the prices way down below $5,000! It's a revolution in the animatronics world with this new innovative technology!
Ax
This message has been edited by axtell on Jan 8, 2008 11:22 AM
now Tony...you above everybody should know this isn't the place to sell your old batteries. : )
There is something really cool about the rechargable batteries in our Hands-Free Remote Control Puppets. They are hidden in the top pole of the collapsable stand! They last for 3 hours and their is a universal charger for them for any country.
I'm so glad that is cleared up. After years of talking with hobby shop/rc control owners I had given up on getting something like this done. I want at least the second one, youcan toucan.
I am disappointed that the price will be so high. I will still put one on my wish list though. I do have a couple of questions: If I were to purchase the Magic Puppet can I also use it as a Vent puppet... can I stll controll the animatronics without keying up the next prerecorded script with movements? I think this would be a big plus for getting in those ad libs from time to time. Is the memory (pre-recorded scripts and movements) stored on some type of memory card so that more than 1 bit can be saved and used in different shows as needed? Will the puppet be simple enough for the average computer user to learn how to program the movements...perhaps something like Vox Proxy where certain animations can be clicked and added to the slide show (Power Point) and of course sound can be added as well. Each new slide would be kind of like a new bit as you press the fob for the next segment of your show. I feel as though, owner programability with a simple, user-friendly, choose-click-and-drag type of interface, (Or something equally as intuitive) would be expected for the "Ball park" price you have shown us. A complete new show may sometimes have to be written in 1 to 2 days, or even overnight, which would cancel out the possibility of sending a puppet in for re-programming. What would be the cost of a re-program?
Thanks, J.B.
Good questions JB....I'll take each one here (all technical is subject to change in development):
"I am disappointed that the price will be so high. I will still put one on my wish list though. "
We haven't announced the prices yet. : ) Don't forget that we are bringing the price for this high level of animatronic character down from $10-$25,000 or more. We have figured out a way to finally bring the costs down so that many more performers can afford them (under $5k!)
"I do have a couple of questions: If I were to purchase the Magic Puppet can I also use it as a Vent puppet... "
The internal structures are very different between the two types of Hands-Free Puppets: Vent & Magic. We are hoping to have an upgrade to the magic, which would be to add-on the Vent version. The Vent will cost less than the Magic version, because it does not involve the Hands-Free Magic Control System. There is nothing automated about the Vent, just a real-time controllable vent puppet.
"can I still control the animatronics without keying up the next prerecorded script with movements? I think this would be a big plus for getting in those ad libs from time to time."
With the VENT you have all the real time control from a keyfob without any automation.
With the MAGIC you have several choices: Automation from MagicTrax coded mp3s .....MotorMouth automation from audio only mp3s you record yourself.....Real Time Total Control from the joysticks on the Hands-Free Magic Control System. You can still have real time control for adlibs by using the joysticks on the control system, however you would need to match the voice, or record your own MotorMouth tracks. The control system can be anywhere on stage where you can hide it, or you can have it off stage being controlled by an assistant. The assistant can either advance to MagicTrax or go real time. Since the MAGIC keyfob controls the mp3 player, it requires the addition of a different keyfob transmitter and another receiver in the puppet, to upgrade and add the VENT to the MAGIC. We are considering this upgrade option, but its not final yet. Many things are still being finalized right now.
" Is the memory (pre-recorded scripts and movements) stored on some type of memory card so that more than 1 bit can be saved and used in different shows as needed? "
Your MagicTrax and MotorMouth mp3s are stored on the mp3 player. Your computer sees the mp3 player as a removable drive so you just drag them on, but you can store 500 songs 4 min each on the 2 gig space. You can have a backup on your computer, CDs, etc. You can organize the mp3s into playlists for different shows and have multiple options available to you. It's up to you.
"Will the puppet be simple enough for the average computer user to learn how to program the movements...perhaps something like Vox Proxy where certain animations can be clicked and added to the slide show (Power Point) and of course sound can be added as well. Each new slide would be kind of like a new bit as you press the fob for the next segment of your show. I feel as though, owner programability with a simple, user-friendly, choose-click-and-drag type of interface, (Or something equally as intuitive) would be expected for the "Ball park" price you have shown us."
We are making it as simple as possible and that is VERY important, especially with busy stage performers in mind. You will have some self programming options like MotorMouth (automatic synched mouth movement to your recorded audio tracks & automatic Auto-Alive with preset positions. Other options are being considered. The "MagicTrax" are very complex and programmed by Axtell Expressions in our studio. Many will be made available, and included free with the Puppets. More info coming soon.
"A complete new show may sometimes have to be written in 1 to 2 days, or even overnight, which would cancel out the possibility of sending a puppet in for re-programming. What would be the cost of a re-program?
Thanks, J.B."
You don't need to send the puppet back to have it re-programmed, or to add additional programming. We can help you with new MagicTrax mp3s all via email. We send you the new mp3s and you drag them into the mp3 player on the Control System. You can also record your own tracks, email them to us and have us add custom programming to your recording. Our custom studio services will be $75/hr for writing, music, voices and animatronic programming, if you want to use us. More info coming.
I appreciate the well thought out questions. Please ask more..clarity is important.
Ax
This message has been edited by axtell on Jan 12, 2008 6:13 AM
We will be making our Dusty Dragon Puppet as a hands free puppet probably in April or May. Email me about your shoulder puppet question...I've had some ideas there too. steve@axtell.com
We're getting closer! The electronics are nearing completion! We shot some more video of the chimp in action today...we should have it up by the middle of next week! It's amazing!
Blinking Eyelids and Moving Eyes are indeed an upgrade you will see available in the future. We will probably also offer it as a retro-fit upgrade for those that buy it without at first. We'll see. UGH!.....so many, many options!
Wow. I'm beginning to think it might be easier just to get a real chimp and teach it to talk! So many things to think of! That's what I like about the forum. So many ideas come in.
i love it but i already have a bird puppets with the fake arms. will i be able to purchase just the mech inside to fit the bird puppets i already have to save cost? plus it the stand optional?
This message has been edited by axtell on Jan 31, 2008 10:13 AM This message has been edited by axtell on Jan 31, 2008 9:45 AM
AX-tually, since you already have a toucan you are set to really wow the audience. You can have the puppet in a regular skit and then bring him offstage and make the switch. You then bring out the remote control toucan on a perch (have him moving a little as you bring him out) and set him in place. They will think it is the same bird!
"A bird on the stand is worth two on the fake arm." Isn't that an old saying somewhere?
Right Tony.... this will be a common way to use them...as a puppet first, and then when it comes to life on it's own after you put it away. For BEST results order the two puppets at the same time, so they look identical...same freshness, age, exactly the same painting, etc. Once you spend the money to get into the Hands-Free, a little more for a perfectly matching puppet is worth it (if your old puppet looks too different).
Daniel, no...they are totally different, and we need to build it into a new puppet. The puppet "skin" is a very small part of the cost, but the bodies are a little different in design. The stand is not optional because the bird needs to be mounted to the stand in order to be connected to the batteries (hidden inside the stand pole!) and because it uses it as a foundation for the moving back and forth of the new body leaning. Look again at the Toucan WINGS video to see the new awesome body leaning that is now standard!!!
Just a note to let those of you who are really technical and want to be able to fully program your own characters....we will have that available in an optional system!
HERE IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET FREE PROGRAMING (for the Magic Version)!
Please either post or email me (steve@axtell.com ) with types of statements, reactions, bits, jokes, etc. you would like to have in your Toucan or Chimpanzee. We are recording and programming starting this week and we might put many of your suggestions into the characters as a pre-programmed feature for all to have. Examples are
Introductions (not using your name of course)... think of creative ways to do this.
Finales - Goodbyes - Outros (fun ways to end your show with the character)
Song ideas (we might even produce the music free for a few of the first ones!)
Bits of Biz - like the 3 part hungry / popcorn bit I did with the Toucan.
Magician's assistant - Waving a wand - saying magic words -
Tricks - mind reading bits - picking out a "random card", etc.
Reactions to your show - Things like "Oh Wow! That as a Great Trick!", "Oh that was funny...it reminds me of a story..."
Funny Poems - Limericks - special occasions
etc.
Now's your chance...you may have to pay for it later! Thanks!
How durable will the hands free puppets be for packing, traveling and doing shows in close quarters? Any idea how long a hands free puppet should be expected to last, if properly cared for? What kind of maintenance would be required?
They will come with a normal use 1 year parts and labor warranty from the builder Ron Palmer. He will also give full phone tech support free. We will create a user forum so people can discuss ideas and technical questions too. Right now we are beta testing them and working out all the bugs, so the units will be reliable and durable. Having said that, they are electronic machines, so rough handling, falling to the ground, getting kicked, car wrecks, etc. could harm them, and void the warranty. In those events Ron would still be able to repair them at a fair price.
I got this email from a customer and I thought I would share it to help clarify what you were watching. The video is at http://www.axtell.com/remotemagic.html
Q At the opening, when you cut to the full body shot, the Chimp was rocking around and then looking off to his left with a kind of upward stare - just reminded me of my son after caffeine... full of energy and looking the other way when I talk to him!
A Ha! Live chimps are like that...I've worked with them before. But the programming is totally controllable. He can just sit there and look over at you...or go spastic. It's up to the the programmer. Get the programming system and you can create the moves. That was all done by live control so someone was pushing the joysticks around in that video. I will have MANY more demo videos to show how you control things. By the way on the VENT Chimp, the moves you have with the fob are the same as Toucan. Head rotate two preset positions, mouth, and auto-alive. In the auto alive mode he will look around (just like the Toucan) and will have added movements, body rock, head up and down, head tilt. Not too much of this because it's passive. We have to keep it very simple for the vent version because you are alone on stage with the keyfob.
Q I work with my right hand, so when you did the Toucan, that registered to me because I could see him on your left, where I would probably place him. On the video, you went through and showed us which directions he faced so we could see the pivot from Vent to Audience, how he talked and moved when interacting with the vent and the auto-alive mode so we could see it in action. I liked that demonstration!
A Yes I don't actually have a demo puppet of the vent chimp in my hands yet....so the video of the chimp is just the LIVE version with Ron moving joysticks. It did simulate a good idea of the incredible range of moves you can get.
Q With the Chimp, he was by himself most of the time, and when he looked off to the left, the range of movement amazed me, but I got the feeling he was turning his back on me! (I guess I should go to therapy...)
A That was just one video. Any control you have with the Toucan you will have with the Chimp (except wings!).
I'm very glad to get your perceptions because others are probably thinking this too.
Q Can the Chimp be made to pivot and look where we want similar to the Toucan? On the auto alive mode, is he looking all over, or is he looking mostly at the vent? (Again similar to the Toucan.)
A In Auto-Alive it has 3 settings for dominance. LEFT - CENTER - RIGHT. You pick one. He will dominantly look that way (at you)...just like the Toucan.
Thanks for taking the time to respond on these questions! I know how busy you are with this release
