Opportunity for footbag in Uruguay, how to go about it?

PoisonTaffy · Post by **PoisonTaffy** » 11 Oct 2010 12:20

I just came back from a visit to Uruguay, where I was fortunate enough to be introduced as a footbag player to a very wealthy man who owns soccer teams in Uruguay. The person introducing me briefly explained what footbag is (solo sport, small bag, similar to freestyle soccer), and the man asked me to send him something to see in case he or his fellow rich investors are interested in introducing the sport to Uruguay with their moneys.

I don't know how much of a shot this has, but I want to give it my best shot by sending the best we have to offer, and this is where I'll need some advice.

I thought of sending two short video snippets, one to pique interest and the second to provide a closer look.

I haven't given this a whole lot of thought of research as I just got back, but right now I have in mind about 20 seconds from Vasek's night run in Worlds High from Prague 08 (starts at 4:05), and Anz's slow motion video (like, 0:45 - 1:30) from Berlin 09 video contest. I realize of course that whatever videos I send will require the authors' permission.

I may also include a short text (describing, for instnace, the different types of competitions, the countries in which footbag is played at, etc), and could use some help/advice with this as well.

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » 11 Oct 2010 12:29

What about something like Sick 03?

You want to send him something that makes footbag look like it would have appeal to a large group of people - a dvd that looks professionally made and presents footbag in a "cool" light might be the way to go.

PoisonTaffy · Post by **PoisonTaffy** » 11 Oct 2010 12:34

I thought of short videos for two reasons, one is that I know he's busy and boring him might not be a good strategy, and the second is that freestyle footbag tends to look repetitive and boring to untrained eyes.

However I completely agree that the spirit of the message sent should fit your second paragraph.

Corey · Post by **Corey** » 11 Oct 2010 12:43

I would send them a video with amazing camera work. Perhaps "The Compromise" "Reindeer Games" "Lappi SD" or that Felix Zenger one orthe first half of that Milan Benda fourkast video. BOTS works too but how many non footbaggers would watch 35 minutes of subtitled finnish?

Have you though about sending equipment? A few sandbags or 32 panels with the Uruguayan flag.

PoisonTaffy · Post by **PoisonTaffy** » 11 Oct 2010 13:59

I feel dumb that it didn't occur to me right away that I should also send a footbag

Thanks!

Both videos you suggested convey to me a sense of niche sport, which contradicts Jeremy's correct suggestion that it should convey an appeal to large groups of people.

I thought about Footage from Berlin finals on that big impressive stage, but I can't recall an especially well shot run.

Jorden · Post by **Jorden** » 11 Oct 2010 16:49

I'd say yes to Sick 03. It's the best promo we have to date.

Footbag with Urugayan flag is a nice idea, but might come off as ass-kissing.

Send some different samples (crochet/sand/32/etc.) with a note listing the materials/filler, current price ranges, which are better and why, etc.

Also:
- your business card/contact info
- good websites of professional players/footbag shops
- links to footbag.org FAQ/Countries listing/Events listing
- other links to professionally done footbag videos (Felix, Eli, Tina, Berlin, etc.)

I wouldn't recommend boring them with the history or talking about net or golf.

JM

Muffinman · Post by **Muffinman** » 11 Oct 2010 17:02

Footbagger007 wrote:I would send them a video with amazing camera work.

Exactly.
The Felix video or this Worlds promo with Matthias would be top choices for me to show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui3qiH7fAEI

Maybe one of these and then something with crazy frame rate and slowmo like the Anssi one.

PoisonTaffy · Post by **PoisonTaffy** » 12 Oct 2010 03:29

I thought Jeremy was talking about footage of sick 3 competitions, I've never heard of this video before.
Freedom Footbags seems to be offline and youtube has only a teaser.
Any other channel to obtain it?

The Berlin video is great, I forgot that it was so good. Good call.

I want to send it asap so unless it's very easy to get sick 03, I'll send the Berlin Promo and the SlowMo Ansii.

Senor Grommet · Post by **Senor Grommet** » 15 Oct 2010 16:26

The BEST way for you to help promote footbag in Uruguay would be for you to put the entrepreneur in contact with the organizer of the South American Footbag Championships, in Caracas, VZ in December. If he were interested, he could attend and see it for himself.

His name is Victor Lezama. Email: [email protected]

He is a young, devoted player and organizer with the newest growing footbag club in South America.

If it were me, I'd point him to footage of both net and freestyle.

Anz · Post by **Anz** » 16 Oct 2010 03:00

Which ever video you decide to send him, you should also let them know that they can fly these players to Urugay and perform live for them. If he's really that wealthy it shouldn't be a problem and it's really much better than a video.

PoisonTaffy · Post by **PoisonTaffy** » 16 Oct 2010 03:47

Thanks for the contact, Jeremy, I will definitely include it. I'll also email Victor myself to let him know I've sent his contact to someone.

I'll also include your comment, Anz, I agree it's worth mentioning.

I'm going to finalize my submission today and mail it tomorrow. Will post here if/when I get news about it.

Thanks everyone for your help!