My own theme park
First off, Derrick, I was trying to help you realize that dreams can come true but dreams that huge are less likely to come true. It could happen, but may not. Go for it. Just don't be dissapointed if nothing turns out. There are a few Coasterbuzzers who are trying to build a park as well. They know how difficult it is with the red tape and money and all. Just look at the limbo the Oz theme park is in, and they even have money.
I also know a LOT about the recording industry, probibly as much as I know about the Amusement industry. My rock band was together for 8 years. We shopped and shopped for a lable to sign us but no one wanted anything to do with us. We where pretty popular too. It probibly had something to do the the talent of the frontman (me).
We had a mailing/fan list of over 1000 people. We sold close to 900 of our self funded CD. We were booked for gigs every weekend. People in the front rows sung the lyrics to our songs and wore our T-Shirts. We opened for big named artists when they came to clubs near our town. Yet none of the record companies gave a crap.
Breaking into the music biz is a somewhat overshot dream as well. I say the same "go for it" as I said before. I mean just look at Dolly Pardon.
And plenty of African-Americians have broke into the acting/music biz as well (Will smith come to mind firsthand), but I don't think that even they have the resources to "build thier own park".
I don't mean to "destroy your childhood fantisies (Anyone remember the Ren and Stimpy episode this was from?)", however just keep in mind that some one who is a little older than you had the same dreams when he was a kid as well and things didn't quite work out as planned.
Try it and good luck.
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I regret to inform you that Lakemont Park is my homepark.
Mark W. Baruth said:
after all, TLC made about $30K each from their first record.
Yeah and they're the best selling female group of all time, LA ripped them off when they got signed
Where in NYC do you want to build it? It would be awsome if you could find some place in Manhattan!
(The little angel on my right shoulder tells me I shouldn't be asking, but the devil on the left is saying this is too good to pass up.)
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If the shoe fits, find another one.
*** This post was edited by ravenguy98 on 11/14/2002. ***
I don't mean to "destroy your childhood fantisies (Anyone remember the Ren and Stimpy episode this was from?)", however just keep in mind that some one who is a little older than you had the same dreams when he was a kid as well and things didn't quite work out as planned.
Try it and good luck.
Dexter,
If you don't mind me asking, what was the name of your band? I may remember you. By the way, you are NOT old!!! :-)
Derrick,
Just go with your dreams and don't listen to people who are just trying to bring you down. Dexter has some very sound advice though.
It's great to have so many dreams but you should set your goals realistically. I admire your ambition though. The best advice I can give is to learn as much as you can about the amusement industry before you even think about spending a dime. Maybe it would pay to attend some conventions like the IAAPA? I have always wanted to attend that (maybe next year) and work for some parks and attend college before you strike out on your own.
As far as the recording business, that is something that you should do yourself. I know of a lot of bands who got royally screwed without knowing anything about the entertainment business. They thought just getting "signed" that they were immediately going to be rich. Sure, they got a nice "advance" to buy expensive crap but what they didn't understand is before you see a dime the record company has to recoup that money for the promotion, recording costs, etc. A lot of bands end up with bad deals, and a ton of debt if they are not careful. Some of these bands also signed most of their rights away without consulting with a good lawyer. SO please be careful! On the other hand, I know of bands who were more successful (or street smart) by taking control and doing their own managing, recording, publicity, etc.
As far as building your own park, maybe you should consult with the Koch family, I am sure they can give you some great advice.
Why NYC? I have a better idea Derrick......come to WV and buy out Camden Park (please!!!!) and turn it into a monster of a theme park, but don't tear down the Big Dipper, Whip, or the other flat rides. You could also revamp the Thunderbolt Express. New York has plenty of parks. Go to another market. :-)
Tina
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Feel The Adrenaline....
www.intenserides.com
*** This post was edited by coasterqueenTRN on 11/14/2002. ***
I have the same dream actually. But while researching, I've decided not to shoot for the biggest or baddest park but be realistic. $100,000,000.00 is a LOT of money! Phwew, look at all those zeros. I wouldn't expect to get that money from the entertainment business as it is EXTREMELY choosy (I've looked into that too.) You probably have a better chance at winning the lottery than getting into the celebrity business (musicals alone are not going to get you 100 million dollars unless if you are absolutely exceptional and are chosen for original cast several times.)
I have looked into several ways of making the money and I got to say that the thing I keep coming back to is investors. That's right...people that have money dying to get more. However, to be taken seriously you need an extremely good education and years upon years of research and development of the park plans (which costs money too.) Basically it's incredibly difficult to start a theme park unless you are born into money. This country really doesn't have equal opportunities, but I'm not complaining, the best of luck, weigh your odds and options before expecting to open a $100,000,000.00 theme park at the age of 35.
My #1 goal in life is to own my own theme park. I just want to get people to know me while I'm young. That's why on the other hand I want to sing/act so I can have more money to go to the park consturction. That's all the entertainment business will be for me when I'm out. My goal is to just own my own thme park.
*** This post was edited by Derrick Whitsett on 11/14/2002. ***
MRKARNO said:
If you are so good at Math, then you would probably know a lot about probability, correct? You might also know the law of averages, correct? My estimated probability for anyone to make 100 mil. in music is 1/100,000. The 100,000 is the number of people in the business. Also, you can just look at the income tax limits based on percentage of the population. I hope that you make it, but first of all, you will need to go to a 4-year college and maybe get an MBA if you really hope to succeed. I would go to your park if it meets your dreams, but I sincerely don't think it will. Good Luck on your 20 year road.
I'm only in the tenth grade. I do know some of those math problems you asked but I'm still learning. I learn more soon. Very, very soon.
Anders said:after all, TLC made about $30K each from their first record.
Mark W. Baruth said:
Yeah and they're the best selling female group of all time, LA ripped them off when they got signed
I *TOLD* them not to sign with Master P. Lesson here: Rap musicians do not necessarily good agents make...
*** This post was edited by rollergator on 11/14/2002. ***
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If the shoe fits, find another one.
ravenguy98 said:
C'mon dude! Where do you want to build it? There has to be room in Manhattan somewhere! Or do you want to build it somewhere else in NYC?-----------------
If the shoe fits, find another one.
I was thinking Manhattan, but I live in Brooklyn. The park might be in Manhattan because that's where everyone basiclly goes. Or somewhere in NYC where you might have to drive at least 30-1 hour to get to the park.I damn sure don't want the park in Coney Island. The boardwalk and park is to small for a mega park.
a mega park........wow, keep dreaming. It is possible, but your odds are as follows:
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, to 1. Good luck...lol
*** This post was edited by B&M ROCKS on 11/14/2002. ***
Derrick Whitsett said:
I learn more soon. Very, very soon.
I'm sorry. I don't mean to be an ass, but this just has me on the rotflmao.
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You must be this dumb to ride Viper. -SFGAdv.
Ok kid if your still reading this thread first of all good luck
second it takes hundreds of millions of dollars to build a new park from scratch and thats not counting managing it(maitanence insurance employees ect..)
My suggestion would be if you really want to try to run your own park is to think small A family entertainment center,Putt-Putt,arcade,kiddie park,water park or something along those lines This will get you experience and if succesfull could lead to mega park ownership
Just keep in mind that most parks have major financial backing these days and that 2 of the last few parks to open that didn't, have been through very rocky times including partial closure and being sold to a chain(Visionland& Jazzland ) And I can't think of any family owned parks that have opened in recent years
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JOHN
RCT INSOMNIACS
KIMBERLY LAKE INC.
coasterqueenTRN said:
Dexter,
If you don't mind me asking, what was the name of your band? I may remember you. By the way, you are NOT old!!! :-)
The name of my band was TUKKER. We were very popular here in the central PA area, however we never seemed to get gigs anywhere else. We DID play in York, PA once at some little Hotel/Bar.
TUKKER has been done for a few years now and I still get stopped in the streets by people who are/were fans. Ironicly, I just took a little seasonal job at a toy store, and the girl who hired me was so excited about "TUKKERs lead singer" wanting to work in her store. It's crazy.
It's funny that you mention Camden Park. I grew up in Huntington WV and Camden was my homepark. I would even go as far as to say it is where I discovered this obsession with amusement parks in the first place. On topic, I had a "childhood fantasy" about turning this little park into a giant theme park. I even mapped it out over top of a Camden Park map I got from the office.
And YES, I am old. I'll be a WHOPPING 29 next month. I'm not too old to rock. I am planning on starting another band after I move to State College this Jan. but it will only be a hobbie and not as serious as my last project.
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I regret to inform you that Lakemont Park is my homepark.
Mark W. Baruth said:
1. The Rolling Stones. 2. There is no number two. I would suggest learning a little bit more about the way recording contracts are structured, D-after all, TLC made about $30K each from their first record. Most recording artists end up owing their labels money. Sarah McLachlan owed her label 5 million after her first three records.
Dreams are great, but they should be founded in reality. I wish you the best of luck, but please, put some thought into things before you post.
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http://www.rockandrollconfidential.com
I can name some more: Master P, Sean Puffy Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Money Cash Millionaires, or the same cats that sang "Bling Bling" (I may be wrong on the name of the last one).
On another note Derrick, keep you dream alive. I am sure many people doubted Disney back in the day. As long as you keep your foot planted and nevcer lose sight of your goal. I am a living testament to that.
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http://www.rockandrollconfidential.com
rollergator said:
Anders said:after all, TLC made about $30K each from their first record.
Mark W. Baruth said:
Yeah and they're the best selling female group of all time, LA ripped them off when they got signed
I *TOLD* them not to sign with Master P. Lesson here: Rap musicians do not necessarily good agents make...
*** This post was edited by rollergator on 11/14/2002. ***
When did TLC sign with Master P now? I may have missed something. And by the way, their alleged claim is that they were ripped off by Pebbles. LA Reid ripped off Tony Braxton. Ay el chisme!!!
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I, am nobody, and nobody is pefect!
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I, am nobody, and nobody is pefect!
Sorry, 'Tuan, didn't mean to confuse ya. Amongst us "sports enthusiasts", there's ALWAYS a bit of room for a chuckle about Master P. Ricky Williams (N.O. Saints, now with the Dolphins), signed the WORST deal ever signed by any major sports figure in the past couple decades. Master P. had Ricky sign a deal that bascially guaranteed him cab fare to and from the games, and I'm sure made Master P. some money along the way. Ricky W. is an amazing, awesome back, a great combination of speed and power, and got NO money (in relative terms of course). So, I was simply comparing rip-offs....TLC definitely got *shafted* as did Ricky....
The lesson: when you DO become famous, rich, or whatever, make sure you have GOOD "money people" watching YOUR back....the record execs, the pro sports franchises, they didn't become MEGA-wealthy without watching their own.....
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