Galvaston World Classic inks video deal
- Thread starter Tom In Cincy
- Start date
FWIW, I have talked withthese guys on thephone mumerous times and I am convinced they have the best intintions here. I full believe the money is there and will be at payout time.
Mayb, just maybe they are on to something here and I agree with a lot of others , "that a little knowledge is a very helpful thing". They ar eworking hard on this event and nobody is trying to screw anyone.
My big concern is that this has been tried over and over with the gautee of a big 1st place and ???????? about the rest of the field. It rarely works and it sours any chance of a repeat event becasue turnout is not what they weere sold on and it ends up being quite costly.
Just look at the IPT. Kt was sold on the idea that there would be 64 at all his qualifiers and he had trouble after the first couple at getting 16. It ended up costing him a pretty penny after that and I don't care how rich the host of the party is, when it gets to be alsoing proposition, they look for ways to get out. That is my fear here.
With agaruntee of $40000 for first and no formula for 2nd, Well, many will shy away as this is an expensive event to attend. I agree it is a bit misguided, but I will wager that all intentions are good and that what they garuntee, wil be there..
It is a bloody shame that with all the experience in this industry, people can't put their heads together and put available cash together to insure a great event and one that works for all concerned. For the life of me, I can't see why or how someone with a little guidance should ever lose money on something of this magnitude. I tis just ridiculous. But, if I were King, I would change alot of things.
One thing allof us should have learned from the IPT thing though is that we should be very careful what we wish for. The only thing that kept the IPT from being the savior of Pool was that it wasn't founded by a real HUMAN BEING!
Don't make us play 20 questions...
So, how about letting the rest of us in on who Hot Ticket Entertainment is. What was their "old" name? A quick google search on "Hot Ticket Entertainment, LLC" only turns up the press release referred to by the OP. If they are, as you say, "experienced and highly competent" professionals with a track record of providing high quality production of billiard events, I would think several AZBers would know who they are.
Just asking...
So, how about letting the rest of us in on who Hot Ticket Entertainment is. What was their "old" name? A quick google search on "Hot Ticket Entertainment, LLC" only turns up the press release referred to by the OP. If they are, as you say, "experienced and highly competent" professionals with a track record of providing high quality production of billiard events, I would think several AZBers would know who they are.
Just asking...
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I am guessing Hot Ticket is a new name for Sphereagon (sp) entertainment. The guys who JR Calvert has been working with who did Shannon's tournament after the Derby this year. I spoke with one of the principles of the company at the BCAPL Nationals but do not remember his name. I heard they were going to change the name so I am guessing it is the same guys.
One of the Taylor Road guys mentioned that they had a practice/action room and were interested in having us there and that we should talk. I gave them a card and never heard anything else. The days of TAR covering other peoples events are pretty much over because we always take a bath when we try. The other reason we will not be going is that quite frankly these guys don't seem to know what in the hell they are doing. That may not be a bad thing, but I for one am not ready to tie my reputation to an unknown entity.
I would be very happy to see this thing work, more money in pool is a good thing. We will see I guess.
One of the Taylor Road guys mentioned that they had a practice/action room and were interested in having us there and that we should talk. I gave them a card and never heard anything else. The days of TAR covering other peoples events are pretty much over because we always take a bath when we try. The other reason we will not be going is that quite frankly these guys don't seem to know what in the hell they are doing. That may not be a bad thing, but I for one am not ready to tie my reputation to an unknown entity.
I would be very happy to see this thing work, more money in pool is a good thing. We will see I guess.
Maybe a qualified BCA instructor will back him.
The guys talked about in the press release ARE the guys from Spheragon Entertainment. I don't know about all the other things going on with this tournament so I'm only speaking on behalf of the quality of work that they produce.
The guys at Hot Ticket entertainment actually work in TV production in and outside of the pool industry. They don't just produce streams every once in awhile, they are contracted by companies to produce TV Commercials and other videos for them. This is not going to be an everyday stream with a $500 or $2000 camera. This will be a full blown production with a large camera/production crew, several camera angles (much like the edited versions you see on TV but this will be live) and additional features not seen in other streams. They some of the best quality equipment in the business and the capability to run commercials throughout the live stream.
I do not know details about how this contract is structured so I don't know if the commercials for this event will, in fact, be adding revenue to the tournament pay outs but I do know that they will be using this as an avenue to not only give the sponsors more recognition but to bring in more sponsors from outside the industry. If sponsors realize that they can be reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers through these actual commercials vs. a displayed logo or banner (which they also have the capability to do) I can see that being much more attractive for them.
I honestly don't want to get into any arguements in this thread because several people obviously have strong feelings one way or another and I didn't post this to spark a fight or any negative feelings. I just wanted to shed some light on the details of what they are capable of.
The guys at Hot Ticket entertainment actually work in TV production in and outside of the pool industry. They don't just produce streams every once in awhile, they are contracted by companies to produce TV Commercials and other videos for them. This is not going to be an everyday stream with a $500 or $2000 camera. This will be a full blown production with a large camera/production crew, several camera angles (much like the edited versions you see on TV but this will be live) and additional features not seen in other streams. They some of the best quality equipment in the business and the capability to run commercials throughout the live stream.
I do not know details about how this contract is structured so I don't know if the commercials for this event will, in fact, be adding revenue to the tournament pay outs but I do know that they will be using this as an avenue to not only give the sponsors more recognition but to bring in more sponsors from outside the industry. If sponsors realize that they can be reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers through these actual commercials vs. a displayed logo or banner (which they also have the capability to do) I can see that being much more attractive for them.
I honestly don't want to get into any arguements in this thread because several people obviously have strong feelings one way or another and I didn't post this to spark a fight or any negative feelings. I just wanted to shed some light on the details of what they are capable of.
I don't really know why some many people get so fuzzy about not knowing everything about this event. When we go to other sporting events, we don't know the in's and out's, we make up our mind if we are going and pay the price. If you don't feel comfortable about whats going or how things are getting handled, than stay home and hear about it later.
As for the event, I hope everything goes well. I will be there to support it as much as I can. I have my room and vacation days ready and I am really anxious and excited about being there. I will treat it as just another tournament, if 10 people show up, well I will make it 11. See uall there.
As for the event, I hope everything goes well. I will be there to support it as much as I can. I have my room and vacation days ready and I am really anxious and excited about being there. I will treat it as just another tournament, if 10 people show up, well I will make it 11. See uall there.
Well im a bit sad that TAR isnt going to be a part of this. I enjoyed the action room during the DCC. I felt like I was there. Im sure they have their reasons for their choice in the video production company for this event. I wish everyone involved much success in this massive undertaking. I pray that it draws record numbers. I hope to be there front and center on the weekend. Good luck Taylor Road!!!
Big Frank
Big Frank
I have no clue whether this thing is going to be a flop or not, but it sounds like a self-fulfilling prophecy to me.
I think that ANYONE on this forum who furthers skepticism about this event but also states that they "hope it works out because it'd be good for pool" should be banned for a week. If you do not have any legitimate claims with legitimate proof as to a reason why this event is corrupt or will be horrible and a waste of people's time and money... then shut up. Stirring the pot is only going to lower the attendance of this event and ruin what could have been the next DCC, or not.
My point is, there is reason to doubt all kinds of events but we don't sit here and try to think of every little kink and micromanage the decisions made by the people who put events together. Let the event take place and then you can make your judgments.
I think that ANYONE on this forum who furthers skepticism about this event but also states that they "hope it works out because it'd be good for pool" should be banned for a week. If you do not have any legitimate claims with legitimate proof as to a reason why this event is corrupt or will be horrible and a waste of people's time and money... then shut up. Stirring the pot is only going to lower the attendance of this event and ruin what could have been the next DCC, or not.
My point is, there is reason to doubt all kinds of events but we don't sit here and try to think of every little kink and micromanage the decisions made by the people who put events together. Let the event take place and then you can make your judgments.
From all I am ready about this event... it seems the payouts will be the cheap part. They are spending tons a cash and I see no reason why the won't pay the players. I am going to try my hardest to make this event.
Is that how you judge everybody Tal?...by who can beat who on the pool table? Why don't you back yourself? I expected more out of you. I haven't asked any questions that haven't been asked here before...many times. Lots of people have concerns about this event, and they may be well founded, or not. Those concerns may affect whether someone goes, either as a participant, or to watch...or they may not. It's definitely "wait and see".
Several positive things have happened already...the venue & spectator ticket pricing; "guaranteed" big money for 1st place; Diamond's involvement; hiring a well known TD; and now 'free streaming'. Those are all well and good, but still says nothing about how the events will be run, for the benefit of the players. For example: Do you know that the format for the team event is billed as "all-star" teams (this comes directly from the promoters)? Do you think amateur teams are going to commit hundreds of dollars to come play in an event where they have ZERO chance to win? A few may, but it certainly won't be the hundreds of teams that they predict. Things are still very vague about who is qualified to play in what event (amateur vs. pro), and how those determinations will be made. Maybe things like this will be cleared up, prior to the event. For the players, I hope so...
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Several positive things have happened already...the venue & spectator ticket pricing; "guaranteed" big money for 1st place; Diamond's involvement; hiring a well known TD; and now 'free streaming'. Those are all well and good, but still says nothing about how the events will be run, for the benefit of the players. For example: Do you know that the format for the team event is billed as "all-star" teams (this comes directly from the promoters)? Do you think amateur teams are going to commit hundreds of dollars to come play in an event where they have ZERO chance to win? A few may, but it certainly won't be the hundreds of teams that they predict. Things are still very vague about who is qualified to play in what event (amateur vs. pro), and how those determinations will be made. Maybe things like this will be cleared up, prior to the event. For the players, I hope so...
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
I'll back JoeyA against Scott for $500 9ball race to more than 6. Anyone want to back Scott?
Joey
Now I am all for Pool moving forward and new events but I think I side with most of the comments I have read on AZ.
The kind in AZ that tried a Pro event Guaranteed the money also.
Honestly we are about 2 months away and things are still being decided.
MOST of the pool commmunity still doesnt know about the event. I am guessing 65% do not know anything about it.
Are there even Flyers around the country in pool rooms?
They would like amateurs but have the Am leagues been contacted?
If the Video company has a great reputation and simply changed the name then why not mention it?
Why not mention anything that the have produced?
I also can't imagine ANY organization boycotting sharing information with the number 1 rated website in its genre. AZB is the place to get the information out and it should have been out MONTHS ago.
I am really hoping for success for the Taylor Road Group but as a promotion company they have not shown much. I can't get over how major questions have not been address.
Even the announcement of the Production Company seems late. Shouldn't this have been worked out a few months ago.
Note to Taylor Road... while I dont think you have been perfect I think you for the attempt and hope that its great. If I can get there then I will support you. If not please find ways like merchandise or PPV streams so that non-attendees can contribute as well. In fact having quality merchandise (shirts etc) BEFORE the event and a couple months ago would have been great.
Pool players and fans have been burned or disappointed so many times in the past its hard to be openly optimistic. Answering all questions and being overly prepared will or would have helped with this. Good Luck
It has to begin from the ground up! Look at Golf.
Im going to chime in with a little Golf analogy because I think it really makes sense regarding this event.
Golf has its four major championships every year. Tournaments that are all run by different entities including one that is a private entity and only sanctioned by the PGA tour (the masters). Pool - at this point - seems to have 3 majors, if you will. It has the DCC, the BCA vegas event, and the US Open 9 ball. This event could be pool's 4th major, and lets hope it exceeds everyones expectations!!
Do you think the golfers on the pga tour back in the 20 and 30's complained about the different tournaments that were started by different groups of people or promoters in the different cities?! They didnt! They showed up and played! and appreciated having a place to apply their talents. A tour cant come before its tournaments[/B], as is evidence by the failure of the IPT. The PGA tour started because an entity was necessary to sanction the different tournaments that grew on their own. Of course the scene is a little different now with the fed-ex cup events and the rest of that gravy train mumbo jumbo that is the result of the wild and profitable popularity of professional golf, but lets face it.. pool is at a very regressed point right now, very similar to The PGA tour in its earliest days. It needs consolidation and support to truely progress.
I guess I just feel that faith ought to be the operative ethic. Faith in people that want to give the best of the best the chance to compete against each other for enough money to make it worth their while. Faith in the idea that if enough of these tournaments become successful, then someday Pool will have a sanctioned professional tour to organize all of them. Sure it will never exist on the level of Golf, but the point is it could exist! However, it never will if people continue to sit on the rail and take pot shots!
Im going to chime in with a little Golf analogy because I think it really makes sense regarding this event.
Golf has its four major championships every year. Tournaments that are all run by different entities including one that is a private entity and only sanctioned by the PGA tour (the masters). Pool - at this point - seems to have 3 majors, if you will. It has the DCC, the BCA vegas event, and the US Open 9 ball. This event could be pool's 4th major, and lets hope it exceeds everyones expectations!!
Do you think the golfers on the pga tour back in the 20 and 30's complained about the different tournaments that were started by different groups of people or promoters in the different cities?! They didnt! They showed up and played! and appreciated having a place to apply their talents. A tour cant come before its tournaments[/B], as is evidence by the failure of the IPT. The PGA tour started because an entity was necessary to sanction the different tournaments that grew on their own. Of course the scene is a little different now with the fed-ex cup events and the rest of that gravy train mumbo jumbo that is the result of the wild and profitable popularity of professional golf, but lets face it.. pool is at a very regressed point right now, very similar to The PGA tour in its earliest days. It needs consolidation and support to truely progress.
I guess I just feel that faith ought to be the operative ethic. Faith in people that want to give the best of the best the chance to compete against each other for enough money to make it worth their while. Faith in the idea that if enough of these tournaments become successful, then someday Pool will have a sanctioned professional tour to organize all of them. Sure it will never exist on the level of Golf, but the point is it could exist! However, it never will if people continue to sit on the rail and take pot shots!
clearly someone can't take a joke.... jeez.
Are you planning on attending this event Scott?
Well yes, that's exactly how I judge everybody. Doesn't everyone?
You know, from an SPF point of view, I think you may need to add a little more Pause before the Finish of your keystrokes.
Frank,
Unfortunately AZBilliards Main Forum has not been well received by people outside of the forum. The tone of the Main Forum is one of all-knowing and all-seeing attitude and I share part of that blame. The know-it-all attitude has never been a way to make friends and influence people. I know you know that as well as anyone.
Professional players have come on this forum only to be harassed and sniped at by people who are anonymous for the most part.
Promoters and other business people are scarce as hens teeth on this forum including some of the best known names in the pool world. These people cut a wide circle around AZBilliards because of the mine field that it has become. If they do post, its through other people or they drop in for a moment and are gone for weeks and months at a time.
Anonymous people from all walks of life can challenge a person's character, sexuality, their ethnicity, their religion and just about anything else that they choose to do. It is unfortunate but about the only hard head that I know that frequently posts on AZ and is a solid member of the pool business is John Barton of www.jbcases.com. John is an exception to the business people that might frequent AZ Billiards. He is a seasoned veteran of the RSB days as well as this forum and other forums. John enjoys a strong debate and has a thick hide and knows how to give as well as he gets. Most business types have chosen to avoid confrontations that John handles so well.
I don't blame them one bit for not posting on AZ Billiards. As a business person, I wouldn't want to paint a bullseye on my own back so that anonymous posters and others can take shots at me. No, I would just read the posts, consider what is written and do what I plan to do without running through the mine field.
The fact that many business people just do not see the value of posting in a forum of this type. Even Allen Hopkins who has been in scores of difficult situations in his life chooses to avoid the forum like the plague.
OK, he doesn't type that well. Neither does Keith McCready but he can get someone to type for him if he chooses to post and does; infrequently albeit.
JoeyA
Joey, FYI MANY people in the billiard business make good use of these forums and for good reason. Those that don't only handicap themselves and the events they are trying to promote. JMHO of course.