Is $50 too much?

crabbypatty · #1 (**permalink**) 04-17-2007, 01:33 PM

My child was in a dance recital. Parents were told not to video during the performance and silly me, I listened (unlike MANY other parents). I missed most of the show since I was volunteering backstage (again, unlike many/most parents)

The recital DVD is $50 which I find ridiculous, although it is professionally shot and edited.

How indulgent would it be for me to buy one?

disneysteve · #2 (**permalink**) 04-17-2007, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crabbypatty

How indulgent would it be for me to buy one?

Only you can answer that question.

Personally, I would contact a couple of the parents who knew better and took their own videos and ask them to make you copies.

Ima saver · #3 (**permalink**) 04-17-2007, 02:24 PM

I think it is a bit much. we had a little thing we performed many years ago, and our copy was only $15.

DebbieL · #4 (**permalink**) 04-17-2007, 04:38 PM

I wouldn't pay $50 for it.

sunsetssplendor · #5 (**permalink**) 04-17-2007, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disneysteve

Only you can answer that question.

Personally, I would contact a couple of the parents who knew better and took their own videos and ask them to make you copies.

I agree. I'm sure if you provide the vhs the parent may even do it
for free. People are just money hungry these days.

pearlieq · #6 (**permalink**) 04-17-2007, 05:58 PM

That's insane!

Time to get the other parents together and pay hardball with the studio. You don't need to paying tuition, recital feeds, and getting extorted for a wildly overpriced video.

nanamom · #7 (**permalink**) 04-17-2007, 08:38 PM

I agree $50.00 is silly. The other parents will have zoomed in on their darlings but that is still better than supporting the exhorbitant prices the studio is charging. I'd find another dance school!

Hot dog · #8 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 06:16 AM

I would see if any of the other parents followed the rules and go in with them to buy and make copies of the professionally done cd.

disneysteve · #9 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hot dog

I would see if any of the other parents followed the rules and go in with them to buy and make copies of the professionally done cd.

I like that idea, though it isn't the most ethical option since copying a professional DVD isn't exactly legal.

robex · #10 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 07:03 AM

I would ask for a free copy since you were helping backstage!

poundwise · #11 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disneysteve

I like that idea, though it isn't the most ethical option since copying a professional DVD isn't exactly legal.

That assumes that the DVD is copyrighted, which, in a case like this, it may or may not be.

I don't think I would buy it or copy but I do think I would protest like crazy and the next time around I would have my camera in-hand. Sounds to me like they set the parents up.

"How can we sell some DVDs?"

"Let's keep parents from bring their own cameras! Then they'll have to buy ours!"

"Brilliant!"

I don't think so.

tgavin71 · #12 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 07:11 AM

I was in exactly the same position as you. I worked back stage as well.
But I had to put my order in for the dvd before the show even started. We were told the same. No videoing. Copy right etc etc.
I bought the dvd. No worth $50 but the look on my daughters face when she points out to visitors where she is is priceless. We've had to make back up copies as she plays it nearly everyday and practices the dances of other classes as well. For me it was money well spent.

Our dance teacher gave all the volunteers a gift voucher. I never used mine. This year I'm going to ask for the dvd instead.

disneysteve · #13 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poundwise

I don't think I would buy it or copy but I do think I would protest like crazy and the next time around I would have my camera in-hand. Sounds to me like they set the parents up.

I don't entirely agree. There is a good reason not to allow cameras, just as there is at Disney in the dark attractions. The cameras get in everybody's way. Ever sat through Hall of Presidents when the idiot in front of you had a video camera on his shoulder? Even a smaller camera often has a very bright monitor that is quite distracting if you are in a darkened room. If there are 20 or 30 parents with cameras, I think it poses a distraction from focusing on the performance.

lieweheksie · #14 (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 09:58 AM

Yes it is too much for a DVD- but you are buying memories- priceless
maybe other family members would share costs- grand/god parents/?

fairy74 · #15 (**permalink**) 04-19-2007, 10:14 AM

50.00 is a lot! I don't think I'd pay that much. If you do decide to, could you contact the dance school about finding a cheaper videographer. It sounds like they are out to fleece the parents...

FrugalPixie · #16 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 10:22 AM

I would first try to borrow a copy of it from another parent. $50 sounds really high!

PRICEPLUS · #17 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 01:02 PM

Fifty dollars sounds a bit high. I would not pay that kind of freight for my daughters recital. I would look for a new dance studio. Just my .02 cents!

disneysteve · #18 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 01:13 PM

Several people have suggested finding a new dance studio. I don't think that is the right answer. The dance studio isn't the one selling the video. It sounds like it is an outside videographer. I say to complain to the studio so they know everyone is upset and they can look for a more affordable video service.

We had a similar problem a few years ago at my daughter's school with school photos. They had gotten really pricey and lots of parents complained. The next year, guess what. They brought in a different photographer to do the school photos whose prices were much more reasonable. We didn't transfer schools because of it. I just think leaving the dance studio is not the right response to the problem.

fairy74 · #19 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 03:01 PM

I totally agree with disney steve. To make it easier for the studio, if you have the time just call around and get a few comparison prices to present to them. Granted if the current videographer is someone's brother in law or what not, you may not be able to get rid of him, but it's worth a try...

MonkeyMama · #20 (**permalink**) 04-20-2007, 03:03 PM

Wow - that is bad.

I just wanted to say I see the angle on not wanting all the parents in the way with their cameras. But my husband does a lot of video work and I can not imagine gouging people for $50/DVD for a kid's dance recital. Yeesh. I mean how many kids are there? Seems like they could charge $5-$20/pop if they got everyone to buy some. It takes time and effort to produce a DVD, but not that much to replicate it for a large number of people. Sounds like quite a rip if you ask me.

Complaining to the Dance Studio would be #1.

& I am going to tell my dh to start selling his wares more I guess - I had no idea so much money to be made.