Book Trailers (tm) & Author Web Sites discussion

I got an email from my (self) publisher the other day stating that they had a "special" on book trailers with voice over, with an author video at author's location. The sale price is $8,498.00. I know I've been in a cave for the past 6 years writing my series, so can someone tell me if that is a resonable price? I'm totally in the dark on fees.
Kathy

Seriously? All I can think is OUCH. Of course, I know as little about it as you do.

I am amazed to see companies charging rates like that for trailers. We charge between $450 and $750 depending on the amount of C.G.I. and video footage required in the trailer.

If you are unsure of the market, the best thing to do would be to compare quotes from trailer production companies. Here is a link that may help: http://bookscreening.com/links/

Thank you very much Eric. I thought it was off the wall steep, but then like I said, I haven't been in the market for one as yet. I imagine the price includes travel for them to film at the authors location. Still, it would take a LOT of book sales to offset that expense. $450 - $750 does sound reasonable. Will keep you in mind.
Again, thank you! kgc

No problem, Kathy. I'm glad I could help.

I can vouch for Eric. He's doing book trailers for me and he's doing a great job! I've had a lot of compliments on the one he did for Bad Company. I don't know what all the others do but I can't see where they would be able to do anything better than what he's done for me.

Hi Kathy! $8K, wow! TRDMC for you. The book intro you have on your website isn't bad. Just sounds a little corny. With a digital camera and camcorder and some dramatic dubbed in music (due to the WAR theme), you can do your own book trailer for free. After all, you are a "self" published author, right? You're welcome to check out mine. It's a slide show, for starters. I plan to do a talking video next. Others on this site have done their own, as well, and have done a terrific job. ZD

The voice is a professional radio announcer. The commercial played on radio stations in Central Florida for several weeks. Got me book sales which is what advertising is supposed to do. wink
Since I own the copyright, figured I'd get a few more miles out of it. I just thought 8 grand was a little steep for a book trailer, and needed some feedback to let me know whether I was off base or not.

He definitely has a great voice! And good for you for having it played around Florida!!! ZD

Kgcummings wrote: "I got an email from my (self) publisher the other day stating that they had a "special" on book trailers with voice over, with an author video at author's location. The sale price is $8,498.00. I..."
Ooohh La La Kathy. As Jaimey said and triple OUCH!
Try having a look at what can be done on your own first, then if that's no good, at least you know what you want for your $8.5k (seems a lot though)
I just finished my trailer, you could start there.
http://www.goodreads.com/videos/show/...
Wishing you all the best whatever you decide. I'd love to see it when done. Andy

Great job, Andy! Now that's what I'm talking about, Katy. You can take a look at mine on my Profile page too, if you like, although it's a bit more subdued than Andy's. That'll give you some ideas. ZD

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fus...

Zoodoc wrote: "Great job, Andy! Now that's what I'm talking about, Katy. You can take a look at mine on my Profile page too, if you like, although it's a bit more subdued than Andy's. That'll give you some ide..."
I watched your teaser and thoroughly enjoyed it. As ZooDoc said, the difference between the two teasers is night and day, when it comes to telling the tease in a graphic way, so the quality to expect from “professionals” should be a lot higher. I watched about six teasers on You Tube from P2 productions, which appeared amateurish and although the books are varied, the teasers were not. Not what I’d expect for paying good money I haven‘t got. I found it curious that I couldn’t find a website for them either.
ZooDoc, I tried to leave a comment, but had to sign in etc. I would have written-
“The mini video trail for War Star Rising: The Legend of Toucan Moon takes you on a tranquil meander down a pre-Columbian Maya history in a sympathetic way. ZooDoc has made good use of the colour from this civilisation and made me want find out more. A perfect tool for young people to learn a little more history in an entertaining way.”

Andy wrote: Try having a look at what can be done on your own first, then if that's no good, at least you know what you want for your $8.5k (seems a lot though)

Hi Andy, I have/had no intention of spending that kind of money! I really and truly just wondered if that was the current market charge. It seemed way out of sight to me, and I wondered if I was in tune with the times.
What I have on my web site is not a trailer. It's a photobucket slide show that I created using the words of the radio announcer to coordinate with the photos. I've gotten a "job" with a national Veterans organization as a result of it. Whoo hoo!
Big smiles, Kathy

Thanks Andy, you're too kind. May I use that blurb?

Kathy--double Whoo hoo!!!

ZD

Kgcummings wrote: "
Andy wrote: Try having a look at what can be done on your own first, then if that's no good, at least you know what you want for your $8.5k (seems a lot though)

Hi Andy, I have/had no intent..."
Kathy, I love the image of using the TV switching channels and the posh guy's voice over. Fab!
Majority of the trailers I've seen are basically a slideshow, they're just using MS Windows Movie Maker to make it appear as a movie; mine was. You can do it, try it. If you get stuck, then I'm here for you, that's what friends are for? Just tell me to shut up if I sound like I'm preaching. I'm just trying to help really.
Maybe the next one could be the view through a sniper scope with the background sounds of battle and Dear John letters etc? I say this without frivolity.
Well done on the benifits gleened from the TV pics/movie. Best regards. Andy

Wow! Eric, fantastic site. Are you with COS Productions?

would never tell you to shut up Andy! My 87 year old mother would punish me severely! Thank you for the tips. I don't have movie maker on my raggedy lil computer, but one day I'll upgrade and have a blast as I used to with power point several years ago.

My books are more of the effect war had on families than war stories so I feel the gun site would be misleading. I have a lot of time to think this out. And thank you so much for your generous offer to help.
Your friend, Kathy

Kgcummings wrote: "would never tell you to shut up Andy! My 87 year old mother would punish me severely! Thank you for the tips. I don't have movie maker on my raggedy lil computer, but one day I'll upgrade and ha..."
Aaahh (penny drops in the slot) A message for those who either don't know or care what personal carnage is left after the war, that's not news-worthy.
Please excuse my ignorance, Kathy and all, that my stupid statement affects. :-{

Nothing stupid about anything you said Andy. As I read what you wrote, I actually did see in my minds eye, scenes that were shared with me through a sniper scope... Just as you suggested. If I ever gather just war stories and put them in a single book, that would be the way to go without a doubt! Now turn that frown upside down... smile! :-)

Kgcummings wrote: "Nothing stupid about anything you said Andy. As I read what you wrote, I actually did see in my minds eye, scenes that were shared with me through a sniper scope... Just as you suggested. If I eve..."
He he he, chuckle, chuckle, grin. :D
Lovely day. I'm going to the Highland Games and let my face, neck and arms get all crispy in the sun. See ya later.

Rowena wrote: "Wow! Eric, fantastic site. Are you with COS Productions?"

Thank you for the kind words, Rowena! I am not affiliated with COS. I work solely with Living Jacket :)

Eric wrote: "Rowena wrote: "Wow! Eric, fantastic site. Are you with COS Productions?"

Thank you for the kind words, Rowena! I am not affiliated with COS. I work solely with Living Jacket :)

"
Hi Eric. I just want to say WOW!
I have watched a lot of trailers before I done my own (skint - no money) and after visiting Living Jacket website, I was blown away with the quality. SUPERB! Best I've seen so far in the professional front.
I'll say it again - WOW! I wish I could afford it. If I bring out a full length novel, I'll be hungry for a Living Jacket potato. Hot and full of goodness.

Thanks Andy! I appreciate it. If you do order the Living Jacket Potato, extra cheese and bacon are on the house :)