Kelly Miller Circus Pushes Power in Website Video Samples, But Do They Give Too Much Away?

UPDATED, 10/4: See Paul H's comment

Back to the promise of John Ringling North II, should I reinstate my "obsession"? I just revisited his website, and to my surprise and provisional delight discovered a couple of professional promo videos, one 15 seconds, the other twice that, that are, through and through, professional. The promos are clean, to the point and strong: "At last, a real circus!" Good hook. "America's one ring wonder!" Excellent.

This tells me, despite my earlier concerns, there is somebody over there minding the marketing store. Sometimes, that is. Read on.

Also to be found on the same website are video clips, not professionally produced, from five of the show's acts in a You Tube gallery. On balance, they fairly impress, but they offer prospective patrons probably too much. Contained therein are clips lasting from a brief effective half minute to over four minutes. Yes to the former, NO to the latter.

Such a video should tease and not satiate. Should not give too much away, which is exactly what happens with Armando Loyal's six well handled elephants -- did you hear me, six -- more than Ringling? -- earning over four minutes. It does not make marketing sense to me.


The good: Casey McCoy's cage turn, clocking in at 37 seconds, making hay with yet another winning item (I've only seen this guy's work in the world of You Tube): One of his agile charges on hind legs approaching another tiger and jumping over it erectly with captivating dexterity. You can hear the crowd's proper appreciation.

Single trap enthusiast Nikia, A "first time in America" import for North II, fills the air with fast-moving energy and abandon.

Some very cute tricks in Roxie Montan's dog and pony drills, but not easy to make out in less than ideal lighting. Too bad these clips could not have been shot under a full tent.

Of course, the show-stopping Poema kid charms the crowd, I just don't understand the value in giving so much of the act away.

Music comes through as strongly supportive and relevant as I recall on my visit to the show in Brewster, NY. Classical ringmaster John Moss III's announcements are resilient and to the point without being overbearing for a one ring frame.

Okay, Kelly Miller loyalists. Yeah, I'm still here. Still have a pulse. Before you lurch forward with irrational exuberance, spell check your profanity.

[photos, off Kelly-Miller website, from above: Adrian, Jr. and the Poema family; Casey McCoy]

9-24-10