DONE WITH SHEEP!!!!
Ahem - Helter Shelter: The Movie has been released.
Crawling forth from the twisted mind of Bizzaro, the Optical Illusionist, comes Helter Shelter: The Movie.
A visual guide to the book of the same name, Helter Shelter will take you on a journey through the gruesome details of the Razor Blade Illusion Mystery as well as the haunted 13th Street Morgue.
The first video of its kind to explain the intricate workings of the razor blade illusion as well as tips, tricks, advice, and even a few unique effects exclusive to this video including the never before seen Bizzaro Fan Stand.
With a special appearance by Randi Rain and music by Alex Can't Sleep, Helter Shelter: The Movie is a rare treat for those souls willing to take a brave look inside. MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Availible at fine magic dealers all over the damn place or check out the official HS:TM page.
I hate to be a shameless self-promoter... but I am.
For those of you who didna like the book, you probably won't like the video...
but buy it anyway!
Bizzaro.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
I have noticed a VERY weird tend in magic as of late. Overly complicated methods and very particular handling to make a minor miracle happen. Problem is there are TONS of magic effects that freak people out on a daily basis. How do you compare one to another?
Does a coin appearing in an ice cube have a stronger effect than say something that takes less set up and props than the Pothole Trick? Both are equally strong but totally different and impossible.
Healed and Sealed is a great effect. However look at Coin in Can (Sinful). Same prop, but no set-up on one of them. Both are STRONG magic. The reason I think about this is because of the effect Frozen I saw recently. It had a GREAT idea for how to produce "Icy breath" but the things you had to do to get a coin in an ice cube is a bit much and fairly impractical for the working professional. (Really good for the casual "Street thug" magician. Don't get me started on that tho')
All I can say is I don't want to plan my day so carefully that I have to know how many ice cubes to make the day before and how far I can go before I lose all my props and get a soggy pocket. It so damn odd.
These kids today have no idea what it is like to be a working pro. They think harassing a person on the street with some ladybug in a pocketknife is magic. (To this day I have no idea how Goldenhersch keeps track of them damn butterflies he uses so well)
On another note that is very similar in song and dance, one of my magical fiends and I were discussing how there are a lot of card tricks out there but not very many GOOD ones. I agree and would like to add UNIQUE good ones. How many collectors or ace assembly tricks are there? K-RIST!! Too many to count. KISS baby..
The shortest way to a good time is a straight line.
Just ask my ex-girlfriend.
Bizzaro.
Does a coin appearing in an ice cube have a stronger effect than say something that takes less set up and props than the Pothole Trick? Both are equally strong but totally different and impossible.
Healed and Sealed is a great effect. However look at Coin in Can (Sinful). Same prop, but no set-up on one of them. Both are STRONG magic. The reason I think about this is because of the effect Frozen I saw recently. It had a GREAT idea for how to produce "Icy breath" but the things you had to do to get a coin in an ice cube is a bit much and fairly impractical for the working professional. (Really good for the casual "Street thug" magician. Don't get me started on that tho')
All I can say is I don't want to plan my day so carefully that I have to know how many ice cubes to make the day before and how far I can go before I lose all my props and get a soggy pocket. It so damn odd.
These kids today have no idea what it is like to be a working pro. They think harassing a person on the street with some ladybug in a pocketknife is magic. (To this day I have no idea how Goldenhersch keeps track of them damn butterflies he uses so well)
On another note that is very similar in song and dance, one of my magical fiends and I were discussing how there are a lot of card tricks out there but not very many GOOD ones. I agree and would like to add UNIQUE good ones. How many collectors or ace assembly tricks are there? K-RIST!! Too many to count. KISS baby..
The shortest way to a good time is a straight line.
Just ask my ex-girlfriend.
Bizzaro.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Free tricks for all!!
I'll make a real post soon, but here is a little something I devised recently and now you too can confuse people with modern technology!!
Bizzaro.
Bizzaro.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Nothing's ever easy...
It's hard work to make something easy look good. As magicians we do seem to forget that the simplest tricks are sometimes the most effective. Human beings are inherently notorious for making things more difficult on ourselves than need be. In reality, the simplest solution is the best or most effective.
It's almost... too easy.
Sponge balls are a good example. The solution to how it's done is so BLOODY obvious, but it's so easy that no one notices. (And those that do, well can't fool everyone aye?) Even something as easy as double lift showing the wrong card, then putting it in THEIR hand, and showing it change is more effective than ANY sleight of hand you can pull off.
The quickest path between two points is a straight line.
It's true. No reason to convolute something that doesn't need it. No reason to dress it up like a weasel for it to be clever. As magicians we forget the effectiveness of a simple trick. Possibly because there is no challenge in it for us AT ALL. Whatever the cause' the solution is to merely remember thus:
Work Smarter, Not Harder.
Bizzaro.
It's almost... too easy.
Sponge balls are a good example. The solution to how it's done is so BLOODY obvious, but it's so easy that no one notices. (And those that do, well can't fool everyone aye?) Even something as easy as double lift showing the wrong card, then putting it in THEIR hand, and showing it change is more effective than ANY sleight of hand you can pull off.
The quickest path between two points is a straight line.
It's true. No reason to convolute something that doesn't need it. No reason to dress it up like a weasel for it to be clever. As magicians we forget the effectiveness of a simple trick. Possibly because there is no challenge in it for us AT ALL. Whatever the cause' the solution is to merely remember thus:
Work Smarter, Not Harder.
Bizzaro.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Repetition, part deux...
Before I talked about how doing the same thing over and over again makes you good at it. Now let's talk about choosing the stuff to DO over and over again. There is a lot of CRAP that comes out everyday in magic. Lots of it is a one trick baloney pony while others take way too long to reset or might be a tad cumbersome. (I'm looking at you ladybug from a drop of blood trick.)
Any pro table hopper will tell you re-setting is a blessing in your guise. Not only in effect but also pocket management. When it goes back in the way it came out is a wonderful thing. (That sounded kinda dirty) The reason I even bring up a lot of this stuff is recently I have been hired to perform daily at a local theme park and tend to do the same 10 minute set over and over again. (Gathering a crowd isn't the problem, it's getting them to go away.) If I had to walk over behind a wall or some such and reset some prop, it would A: Reflect bad on me and 2. Prolly piss off the people who hired me.
There is an old effect I used to do when I was much younger, but have had no reason to perform it anymore. I wanted to bring it back because it fits the character I portray. Problem is it required a rather annoying set up that wasn't always reliable. I put my strange melon to work and came up with a way to not only make it INSTANTLY repeatable, but also make it more believable and easier to perform as I can handle the props freely and without guile.
The reason I tell you this is that some effects, while NOT easy to reset or repeat, can be made to be so. You just have to teach and train yer brain to think a problem thru at every angle. If you want to do something, but can't find a way, don't give up. There is always a way. Nothing is impossible.. except for the things that are.
So when looking for your next effect or purchase in magic, think about where and when you are going to need it. How to bring it in and out of play and if it fits your character and flow of the show. When you can perform an effect relentlessly, day after day, with no futzing with a lengthy reset... that my children is when you are on your way on the path of enlightenment.
Reach Nirvana without that pesky shotgun.
Bizzaro.
Any pro table hopper will tell you re-setting is a blessing in your guise. Not only in effect but also pocket management. When it goes back in the way it came out is a wonderful thing. (That sounded kinda dirty) The reason I even bring up a lot of this stuff is recently I have been hired to perform daily at a local theme park and tend to do the same 10 minute set over and over again. (Gathering a crowd isn't the problem, it's getting them to go away.) If I had to walk over behind a wall or some such and reset some prop, it would A: Reflect bad on me and 2. Prolly piss off the people who hired me.
There is an old effect I used to do when I was much younger, but have had no reason to perform it anymore. I wanted to bring it back because it fits the character I portray. Problem is it required a rather annoying set up that wasn't always reliable. I put my strange melon to work and came up with a way to not only make it INSTANTLY repeatable, but also make it more believable and easier to perform as I can handle the props freely and without guile.
The reason I tell you this is that some effects, while NOT easy to reset or repeat, can be made to be so. You just have to teach and train yer brain to think a problem thru at every angle. If you want to do something, but can't find a way, don't give up. There is always a way. Nothing is impossible.. except for the things that are.
So when looking for your next effect or purchase in magic, think about where and when you are going to need it. How to bring it in and out of play and if it fits your character and flow of the show. When you can perform an effect relentlessly, day after day, with no futzing with a lengthy reset... that my children is when you are on your way on the path of enlightenment.
Reach Nirvana without that pesky shotgun.
Bizzaro.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Andrew Mayne has lost his damn mind...
150$... for THIS?
And some of you are going to buy it aren't you? You people make me sick.
I hope a midget saws your legs off.
Bizzaro.
And some of you are going to buy it aren't you? You people make me sick.
I hope a midget saws your legs off.
Bizzaro.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Way of the future, way of the future, way of the future....
Repetition is part of our job as magicians. When you do a show on the street, in a restaurant, in a trade show, or in a setting such as a theme park or similar venue, you will be doing the same thing (With a few variations here and there) over... and over.. and over again.
It comes with the territory. The best thing about this is it will make you better, strong, faster than before. Of course you have to pay attention and enjoy what you're doing. This is where the art of improv and audience management comes into play. If you are one of the kind who gets ruffled easily if the crowd is messing with you, then you need more work and flight time. The best of the best of anything can filter out distractions or use them to their advantage.
This over and over again performance lets you find the best possible way to perform an effect and how to handle the crowd. What lines that do or do not work, the timing that gets the best reaction, and in some cases, when NOT to speak.
If you can secure a job where they pay you and you are not having to busk for tips then even better. The pressure is off of you and you can focus on the task at hand. Mind you performing in any of the aforementioned venues is working the trenches. It tests your resolve, skill, and definitely your patience.
The problem with most of the magi "Street" youth today is they are looking for the next big thing to make them an Asshat. A good bit of advice from any old worker is It is better to do four things well, than do 100 things badly". In this type of situation it is favorable to make an act that will be the best it can be that you can slip new stuff into and out of at will to keep it from getting stale as well. Having a few stock lines and using the crowd as your main source of lines and jokes is also a good idea.
By doing repetitions like this you will gather a rolodex of lines, moves, and tricks you can use at your disposal and make them seem like they are fresh and new, but in reality, you can cull them forth from your brain when they are needed.
Why do I feel I am repeating myself?
Bizzaro.
It comes with the territory. The best thing about this is it will make you better, strong, faster than before. Of course you have to pay attention and enjoy what you're doing. This is where the art of improv and audience management comes into play. If you are one of the kind who gets ruffled easily if the crowd is messing with you, then you need more work and flight time. The best of the best of anything can filter out distractions or use them to their advantage.
This over and over again performance lets you find the best possible way to perform an effect and how to handle the crowd. What lines that do or do not work, the timing that gets the best reaction, and in some cases, when NOT to speak.
If you can secure a job where they pay you and you are not having to busk for tips then even better. The pressure is off of you and you can focus on the task at hand. Mind you performing in any of the aforementioned venues is working the trenches. It tests your resolve, skill, and definitely your patience.
The problem with most of the magi "Street" youth today is they are looking for the next big thing to make them an Asshat. A good bit of advice from any old worker is It is better to do four things well, than do 100 things badly". In this type of situation it is favorable to make an act that will be the best it can be that you can slip new stuff into and out of at will to keep it from getting stale as well. Having a few stock lines and using the crowd as your main source of lines and jokes is also a good idea.
By doing repetitions like this you will gather a rolodex of lines, moves, and tricks you can use at your disposal and make them seem like they are fresh and new, but in reality, you can cull them forth from your brain when they are needed.
Why do I feel I am repeating myself?
Bizzaro.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Gone Fishin'...
I was having a conversation with a friend of mine earlier tonight about your favorite rocker/goth/emo/poser, Criss Fishing Rod. About his performance style and exposure hurts sideshow and magic. I said I disagree and here is why...
First off: He is enabling weirdos to be more tolerated due to exposure thru the sheep machine that is the media. People will call up agencies wanting someone like Criss, but they can't afford him. They will be directed to the nearest sideshow performer or demented magician.
Secondly: No matter how much you see stuff on TV there is NOTHING like seeing it live. Glass walking, fire eating, putting needles in your flesh? Seeing that in the comfort of your own home is one thing. Seeing it live, raw, and uncensored is a totally different animal. You can see, touch, hear, and even smell it. This is why sideshows and magic have survived for years and will continue to for years to come. People have a desire to feed their freek and they are lucky enuff to have folks like us to help them live vicariously thru others.
So despite how I feel about emo boy selling his artistic integrity for a buttload of cash, every negative space has a positive inside of it.
The lure has been set. Let's see who bites.
Bizzaro.
First off: He is enabling weirdos to be more tolerated due to exposure thru the sheep machine that is the media. People will call up agencies wanting someone like Criss, but they can't afford him. They will be directed to the nearest sideshow performer or demented magician.
Secondly: No matter how much you see stuff on TV there is NOTHING like seeing it live. Glass walking, fire eating, putting needles in your flesh? Seeing that in the comfort of your own home is one thing. Seeing it live, raw, and uncensored is a totally different animal. You can see, touch, hear, and even smell it. This is why sideshows and magic have survived for years and will continue to for years to come. People have a desire to feed their freek and they are lucky enuff to have folks like us to help them live vicariously thru others.
So despite how I feel about emo boy selling his artistic integrity for a buttload of cash, every negative space has a positive inside of it.
The lure has been set. Let's see who bites.
Bizzaro.
Monday, June 11, 2007
I had a fan of this blog (Who knew) clamor for something new. For those who feel the same way, sorry for the delay. We have actually been fairly busy believe it or don't. Blame Misty Lee for some of that.. and congratulate her. She has big things ahead of her but I will not spill it myself. Go join her message board and get the info from her directly.
Regardless, I do have a little thing I have wanted to post about so while I await a phone call, I shall share with you thusly.
I was in a local nightclub I frequent (And test out new material) and someone I am acquainted with... a non-magi mind you, exclaimed this, and I quote - "Magicians aren't overrated, just their Persona." With no provocation or anything. He just blurted it out. (After watching some magic mind you but still..)
What does this say to the rest of you? Think about it. A free thinking non-magician believes most of us have a personality that we deem higher than we maybe should... sound familiar? Are you one of.. THEM!?
It is true. We put a lot of self-importance on what we do. Sure magicians bring happiness to kids, and the sick, and the inebriated... but in the grand scheme of things do we cure disease or find a way to end hunger? Let's face it, these new clothes we have on don't really exist and I for one am not afraid to stand up and say that we're all just naked and lettin' it all hang out.
Sure magic has changed people's lives and blah blah blah. There are no absolutes in this world and exceptions wait around every corner to bludgeon the rules and steal it's wallet. That, however, is not my point.
Don't be so self important. Seriously. Accept your role as a cog in the great machine. We choose this life to entertain others and ourselves. Maybe make a little scratch in the process. If you can make one person a day smile then you're doing a good work. Even if you don't do magic to make it happen. This world is full of enough turmoil and asshats already. Plastic people, false faces, and fake body parts. Let's stand up and be real for a little while hunh? It's your call.
Stand and fight.. Hoora!
Bizzaro.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Obviously nobody else is going to step up here and tell you the emporor is naked so I will be your vindictive force in this crazy magical world. Be warned all of you unscrupulous hack bastards... Bizzaro is watching you. (like Santa Claus but without the gifts.. or the coal.. or any reason to look forward to me watching you while you sleep.)
Video editing tools are available to every jackenape with a torrent program or even a copy of Windows XP. What does that mean for you the consumer? Easy. Doctored footage and tricky E-llusionist editing. All in the name to get you to buy a crappy lacluster demo video. Can't see it live? We'll cornhole you with flashy lights and annoying music. Why Here's One Now!! First off, if watching this you can't figure it out, get out of magic. Seriously. Second, whoever made this SERIOUSLY needs to learn how to do a crossfade.
So hear me now color changing rose guy... YOU HAVE MADE THE LIST!! You are an asshat and will be called forth on it here along with ever plastic bag, green bottle, rose spinning kokbite that follows you. Fear the list. Also let that be a warning to anyone else who decides to make mis-leading demos online. I'll find yer ass and tell the whole world about your deceptions...
Or at least the 5 people who still read this anyway.
Bizzaro.
Video editing tools are available to every jackenape with a torrent program or even a copy of Windows XP. What does that mean for you the consumer? Easy. Doctored footage and tricky E-llusionist editing. All in the name to get you to buy a crappy lacluster demo video. Can't see it live? We'll cornhole you with flashy lights and annoying music. Why Here's One Now!! First off, if watching this you can't figure it out, get out of magic. Seriously. Second, whoever made this SERIOUSLY needs to learn how to do a crossfade.
So hear me now color changing rose guy... YOU HAVE MADE THE LIST!! You are an asshat and will be called forth on it here along with ever plastic bag, green bottle, rose spinning kokbite that follows you. Fear the list. Also let that be a warning to anyone else who decides to make mis-leading demos online. I'll find yer ass and tell the whole world about your deceptions...
Or at least the 5 people who still read this anyway.
Bizzaro.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
"I love noise and this life that it makes..."
So I was at the bus stop after picking up some of our Helter Shelter books to send out. (So if you're waiting you won't have to wait much longer.) Ran into a friend of mine and a friend of hers. I started doing magic for an innocent by-stander. The person who I had just met decided it was fun to explain how I was doing some coin manipulation.
I merely laughed and said "Don't lie to them like that." They were of course convinced that I was holding the coin behind my fingers or some such.. which is totally wrong. It was a Ramsey Subtlety. They also cited my sleeves at some point. So I decided to screw with em'.
I wear a trenchcoat... mostly all of the time. I'm a dork. Anyway, I can sleeve buicks and the pockets are great for ditching things into. SO I rolled up my sleeves, did a crappy sleight to throw them off, then in the moment or relaxation, I ditched the coin in my pocket but kept going like I was holding. I pretended to pass it from hand to hand a few times and then opened both hands slowly. The look on the skeptics face was, as always, priceless.
I told this story because I wanted to make a point. Don't let them win. If they think they know what's going on, throw them a curve ball. Some people can follow sleight of hand. They just can. It's a thing. However, if you sneak in a ringer,a gaff, or something else, they will have to stop and think. At that point, STOP! Be happy with your accomplishment.
I could have just as easily used a thumb tip or whatnot, but if your conviction is strong enuff, people will believe anything you tell them. What saves me in situations like that is knowing my wardrobe. Your costume/ outfit/ way you dress should always be taken into account. A true ninja is a master of himself and his environment.
Magic magic ninja's whut?
Bizzaro.
So I was at the bus stop after picking up some of our Helter Shelter books to send out. (So if you're waiting you won't have to wait much longer.) Ran into a friend of mine and a friend of hers. I started doing magic for an innocent by-stander. The person who I had just met decided it was fun to explain how I was doing some coin manipulation.
I merely laughed and said "Don't lie to them like that." They were of course convinced that I was holding the coin behind my fingers or some such.. which is totally wrong. It was a Ramsey Subtlety. They also cited my sleeves at some point. So I decided to screw with em'.
I wear a trenchcoat... mostly all of the time. I'm a dork. Anyway, I can sleeve buicks and the pockets are great for ditching things into. SO I rolled up my sleeves, did a crappy sleight to throw them off, then in the moment or relaxation, I ditched the coin in my pocket but kept going like I was holding. I pretended to pass it from hand to hand a few times and then opened both hands slowly. The look on the skeptics face was, as always, priceless.
I told this story because I wanted to make a point. Don't let them win. If they think they know what's going on, throw them a curve ball. Some people can follow sleight of hand. They just can. It's a thing. However, if you sneak in a ringer,a gaff, or something else, they will have to stop and think. At that point, STOP! Be happy with your accomplishment.
I could have just as easily used a thumb tip or whatnot, but if your conviction is strong enuff, people will believe anything you tell them. What saves me in situations like that is knowing my wardrobe. Your costume/ outfit/ way you dress should always be taken into account. A true ninja is a master of himself and his environment.
Magic magic ninja's whut?
Bizzaro.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Magicians are sly.. really. I mean who else would have YOU pay to be a product tester? Oh the huge manatee. I think these guys don't know hos this works. You either hand out free products or PAY people to test your stuff.
By thinking you are involved in some big deal, you too will feel vindicated to spend your hard earned money, better spent on a book or video, to buy a shirt you could make yourself that works on basic mathematics. Do I sound a bit jaded? Maybe I am. Who knows.
Regardless, in other news: Helter Shelter: The Movie, despite small set backs, is moving right along. The movie itself is done and some of the special features are being tweaked/finished right now. It should be out, with luck, late June. If you wanna see some screen shots and get better updates on the DVD release go Here.
Nothing else to talk about today. Jog off.
Bizzaro.
By thinking you are involved in some big deal, you too will feel vindicated to spend your hard earned money, better spent on a book or video, to buy a shirt you could make yourself that works on basic mathematics. Do I sound a bit jaded? Maybe I am. Who knows.
Regardless, in other news: Helter Shelter: The Movie, despite small set backs, is moving right along. The movie itself is done and some of the special features are being tweaked/finished right now. It should be out, with luck, late June. If you wanna see some screen shots and get better updates on the DVD release go Here.
Nothing else to talk about today. Jog off.
Bizzaro.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
So I decided to hop by ellusionist's website to see if anything amusing was going on there. Seems they have been reduced to novelty playing card peddlers as of late. The only thing they are pushing really on their main page, aside from those aforementioned decks, are Dan Harlan's Hover Card.
I actually liked this trick... especially when it came out A LONG FREEKING TIME AGO!! I never understood ellusionists deal with repackaging effects from so long ago like it was a big deal. Mind you, that happens in magic a alot... but not usually with a full page ad in a magic magazine. I digress.
Hover card is indeed what they say. Very impactful. Downside? he handling. (Unless they hand changed it a bit since it first came out.) I had to find an alternate that made me feel better about doing it.. and I did. I even showed it to Harlan back in Austin at a TAOM. This was back when he resembled Joey Lawrence (WHOA!) The only drawback initially (Unless they fixed this too) was the gimmick was brittle and once it broke, there was no real repairing it.
So my suggestion to you is to buy the gimmick, sans instructions and stuff, and just play with it. Most magic doesn't grow or evolve without play. (Neither do most relationships for that matter) Do yourself a favor and jump in feet first.
I promise you, it's deep enuff.
Bizzaro.
I actually liked this trick... especially when it came out A LONG FREEKING TIME AGO!! I never understood ellusionists deal with repackaging effects from so long ago like it was a big deal. Mind you, that happens in magic a alot... but not usually with a full page ad in a magic magazine. I digress.
Hover card is indeed what they say. Very impactful. Downside? he handling. (Unless they hand changed it a bit since it first came out.) I had to find an alternate that made me feel better about doing it.. and I did. I even showed it to Harlan back in Austin at a TAOM. This was back when he resembled Joey Lawrence (WHOA!) The only drawback initially (Unless they fixed this too) was the gimmick was brittle and once it broke, there was no real repairing it.
So my suggestion to you is to buy the gimmick, sans instructions and stuff, and just play with it. Most magic doesn't grow or evolve without play. (Neither do most relationships for that matter) Do yourself a favor and jump in feet first.
I promise you, it's deep enuff.
Bizzaro.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
So in the first Street Magic Magazine article, there was a big deal made about how magicians should NEVER wear leather ever. Now while I believe there should be a weight limit posted on a lot of clothing made of leather, vinyl, and latex that is neither here nor there.
How magicians dress has become a sorry state of affairs in the past many years. Take for example these guys. If you took away the text, would you know what they were selling or even what they do for a living? Hell no it would look like an ad for some target clothing.
In some vain attempt to make magic look normal and mundane on the street, we have lost something all gay men and metrosexuals already know.. DRESS TO IMPRESS!! Either be the best dressed or most noticeably dressed in the room. You go to a fancy party to do magic or a corporate function and show up in a T-shirt and pants your ass will NEVER be hired again.
Magicians have always been the ones who stand out. Back when all magicians were wearing robes and chinese garb, Houdin put on the evening wear of the time.. a tuxedo. (Which, much to my disdain, seems to have stuck.) Penn and Teller wear matching grey suits. It's not flashy or gaudy but it fits perfectly into what they want to accomplish. By wearing something that subdued, what they do creates more of an impact and does not give anything away. If they came out dressed like freaky sideshow carnies, the impact of their magic would be lessened.
Stage manipulators and dove workers have great attire (Some of them) and it makes them recognizable and usually fits into their theme somehow.
So next time you decide to dress like a homeless man, remember you are an entertainer and should stand out as such. Blending in to the crowd hurts you and your magic. Just say NO to Wal-mart clothes!
Besides, you don't want to look like an Asshat do you?
Bizzaro.
How magicians dress has become a sorry state of affairs in the past many years. Take for example these guys. If you took away the text, would you know what they were selling or even what they do for a living? Hell no it would look like an ad for some target clothing.
In some vain attempt to make magic look normal and mundane on the street, we have lost something all gay men and metrosexuals already know.. DRESS TO IMPRESS!! Either be the best dressed or most noticeably dressed in the room. You go to a fancy party to do magic or a corporate function and show up in a T-shirt and pants your ass will NEVER be hired again.
Magicians have always been the ones who stand out. Back when all magicians were wearing robes and chinese garb, Houdin put on the evening wear of the time.. a tuxedo. (Which, much to my disdain, seems to have stuck.) Penn and Teller wear matching grey suits. It's not flashy or gaudy but it fits perfectly into what they want to accomplish. By wearing something that subdued, what they do creates more of an impact and does not give anything away. If they came out dressed like freaky sideshow carnies, the impact of their magic would be lessened.
Stage manipulators and dove workers have great attire (Some of them) and it makes them recognizable and usually fits into their theme somehow.
So next time you decide to dress like a homeless man, remember you are an entertainer and should stand out as such. Blending in to the crowd hurts you and your magic. Just say NO to Wal-mart clothes!
Besides, you don't want to look like an Asshat do you?
Bizzaro.
Monday, April 30, 2007
This one goes out to Nena...
Alain Nu found out I am one of those filthy online "magic bloggers" (Mainly cuz' I told him) He replied, "Write something nice about me." Now I know he was mostly kidding. Lucky for him I have nothing bad to say. Lemme weave you a story.
Many many ago back in Austin, TX, TAOM was going on. They had brought in some heavy hitters. One of the nights of shows was Mystery School guys. (Of McBride Fame) Now Alain Nu is known for his mental feats and mindboggling metal bending and flatware mutilation. VEry few have probably ever seen his stage act. An almost surrealist piece that involves mime and a red balloon. Defintely worth seeing.
He has a brilliant effect with a post it note that appeared in the February 2004 issue of MAGIC (Go here and scroll down to Josh Jay performing the effect.) Also if you happen to have seen On the Road with Asher and Wilson you probably saw him do his mock Thumb Tip Routine which is also quite brilliant.
He has been all over TV and media and whatnot... and yet he still is gracious enuff to return my Myspace messages when he can. Nice guy and one day I'll treat him to some ice cream.
I wonder what he'd do for a Klondike Bar?
Bizzaro.
Alain Nu found out I am one of those filthy online "magic bloggers" (Mainly cuz' I told him) He replied, "Write something nice about me." Now I know he was mostly kidding. Lucky for him I have nothing bad to say. Lemme weave you a story.
Many many ago back in Austin, TX, TAOM was going on. They had brought in some heavy hitters. One of the nights of shows was Mystery School guys. (Of McBride Fame) Now Alain Nu is known for his mental feats and mindboggling metal bending and flatware mutilation. VEry few have probably ever seen his stage act. An almost surrealist piece that involves mime and a red balloon. Defintely worth seeing.
He has a brilliant effect with a post it note that appeared in the February 2004 issue of MAGIC (Go here and scroll down to Josh Jay performing the effect.) Also if you happen to have seen On the Road with Asher and Wilson you probably saw him do his mock Thumb Tip Routine which is also quite brilliant.
He has been all over TV and media and whatnot... and yet he still is gracious enuff to return my Myspace messages when he can. Nice guy and one day I'll treat him to some ice cream.
I wonder what he'd do for a Klondike Bar?
Bizzaro.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Watch this...
I present to you Exhibit A in my essay on "Shit That Magicians Do That Make Me Wanna Kill".
Ok so first off, some magicians should stick to what they are good at. In Steinmeyer's case, inventing and writing. Much like John Kennedy, he is a good creator of magical stuff... not so much demonstrating it. That aside, lemme point something out - That damn bag.
It has weight to it. If you have ever handled a lunch sack in school or made lunches for yer kids you can tell the difference between empty and not so empty sacks. So my questions is, Why not find someway to make the bag look very lightweight? Sure it's not a glaring obviousness, but it's a subconscious thing that sets off people WTF Meter. (Patent Pending)
This is not the only instance this kinda thing annoys me. Have you EVER seen a version of the Vanishing Bandanna where the Devil's Hank at the end looks empty? Looks more like a large squished banana inside a square of badly stitched fabric. Magic is full of little things like this. I am a big believer in the little details. IF they're there you don't notice, but if they weren't there you would.
So yah, a lightbulb jumps around. Big whoop. The bag changing places with the lightulb.. cool. Bag in lightbulb.. not too bad. Reason for doing it? No fackin' clue. Hey it's the Magic Hostel. The people who go there are usually so inebriated they'll clap for anything. (and I'm not just saying that cuz' they won't hire me. I've been there and seen it with my third eye. Eee Ee Eee Ee)
I like all magic... but I will find flaws in most of it. Even my own.
Especially my own.
Bizzaro.
I present to you Exhibit A in my essay on "Shit That Magicians Do That Make Me Wanna Kill".
Ok so first off, some magicians should stick to what they are good at. In Steinmeyer's case, inventing and writing. Much like John Kennedy, he is a good creator of magical stuff... not so much demonstrating it. That aside, lemme point something out - That damn bag.
It has weight to it. If you have ever handled a lunch sack in school or made lunches for yer kids you can tell the difference between empty and not so empty sacks. So my questions is, Why not find someway to make the bag look very lightweight? Sure it's not a glaring obviousness, but it's a subconscious thing that sets off people WTF Meter. (Patent Pending)
This is not the only instance this kinda thing annoys me. Have you EVER seen a version of the Vanishing Bandanna where the Devil's Hank at the end looks empty? Looks more like a large squished banana inside a square of badly stitched fabric. Magic is full of little things like this. I am a big believer in the little details. IF they're there you don't notice, but if they weren't there you would.
So yah, a lightbulb jumps around. Big whoop. The bag changing places with the lightulb.. cool. Bag in lightbulb.. not too bad. Reason for doing it? No fackin' clue. Hey it's the Magic Hostel. The people who go there are usually so inebriated they'll clap for anything. (and I'm not just saying that cuz' they won't hire me. I've been there and seen it with my third eye. Eee Ee Eee Ee)
I like all magic... but I will find flaws in most of it. Even my own.
Especially my own.
Bizzaro.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Watched the Art of Astonishment: Vol 1 DVD earlier. I want to say the teo coolest things I got from that was the Un-shuffling Rebecca routine and the foil/coin trick. (Sneeeeky) Paul Harris' stuff can be very hit or miss and sifting thru his books can be a VERY mind numbing task. I liked the DVD cuz' it grabbed a lot of the weird/visual/magical effects he has had without going overboard. (Tho' the staged people recounting the tricks to themselves thing I thought was time that would have been better spent putting in one or two more effects.. but whatever. Not my DVD. That's over here.)
Now many people know Paul Harris' as the roving, barefoot, hippy, kung-fu the legend continues kinda magician. However, from things I have heard he is making BANK designing theme park stuff. Who knows. I DO know he has made a habit of slapping his name on other people's stuff to help them get their effects out there. I like that idea and don't at the same time.
Ok so quiz time: What phrase do Kevin Parker, Daniel Garcia, Wayne Houchin, and Greg Rostami all have in common? Click Here to find out.
Tell me I'm lying?
Bizzaro.
Now many people know Paul Harris' as the roving, barefoot, hippy, kung-fu the legend continues kinda magician. However, from things I have heard he is making BANK designing theme park stuff. Who knows. I DO know he has made a habit of slapping his name on other people's stuff to help them get their effects out there. I like that idea and don't at the same time.
Ok so quiz time: What phrase do Kevin Parker, Daniel Garcia, Wayne Houchin, and Greg Rostami all have in common? Click Here to find out.
Tell me I'm lying?
Bizzaro.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Let's do a DVD review!!
Andrew Mayne has found himself a nice little niche in the magic world by offering up inexpensive (And sometimes under-developed) magical ideas. His latest bit of merchandise, entitled Maynia, has 5 effects on it. I recently got the chance to see it, so here are my thoughts.
Popfist - First off, do yourself a favor and don't Google that phrase. You WON'T magic. My only problem with this effect is that anyone who isn't a Jehovah's witness will know exactly what you used to make little crappy paper streamers come from your fist. Essentially, he is playing up the point that the loud noise created will get people's attention. Mind you, doing that in a family restaurant might cause trouble... or some old person's ticker to stop. Be careful with this one.
Death Finger - Card stab with your finger. If you can't figure out your own method for this, then study magic a bit more. Not a new idea, but they needed filler I guess.
Finger Saw - This effect is an extension of a trick Lee Asher has on his site (or did have, it's been a while and I am too lazy to go look). So, as usual stepping on the shoulders of giants. IT happens.
Stab'd - With the ridiculous trend of the, "Look at me no stab myself with a pointy thing" effect in magic, this offering is one on the cheap. A bit hokey but can almost be done impromptu. (Which is the one strong point of the effects on this DVD) I can't say too much bad about this... but also not much good about it. It's just what it is.. and looks like.
Drawn From the Light - This is my fave and really the only reason I watched this video in the first place. I like the idea of making a drawing of a light bulb light up on a pad of paper. The way to accomplish it is not bad either. Personally I would get a light that matches the yellow glow of the magic light bulb he uses, but whatever.
So as the saying goes, If you can get one good, usable effect from a (Insert form of media here), then it was worth the money. (A good phrase to remember when you realized how much you paid for some items.) My only problem is, for someone who is supposed to be a film guy, he can't seem to make his video's look very professionally done. Sure, there are some shiny graffics and whatnot, but.. the backgrounds could be a little less... jiggered.
Whatever that means...
Bizzaro.
Andrew Mayne has found himself a nice little niche in the magic world by offering up inexpensive (And sometimes under-developed) magical ideas. His latest bit of merchandise, entitled Maynia, has 5 effects on it. I recently got the chance to see it, so here are my thoughts.
Popfist - First off, do yourself a favor and don't Google that phrase. You WON'T magic. My only problem with this effect is that anyone who isn't a Jehovah's witness will know exactly what you used to make little crappy paper streamers come from your fist. Essentially, he is playing up the point that the loud noise created will get people's attention. Mind you, doing that in a family restaurant might cause trouble... or some old person's ticker to stop. Be careful with this one.
Death Finger - Card stab with your finger. If you can't figure out your own method for this, then study magic a bit more. Not a new idea, but they needed filler I guess.
Finger Saw - This effect is an extension of a trick Lee Asher has on his site (or did have, it's been a while and I am too lazy to go look). So, as usual stepping on the shoulders of giants. IT happens.
Stab'd - With the ridiculous trend of the, "Look at me no stab myself with a pointy thing" effect in magic, this offering is one on the cheap. A bit hokey but can almost be done impromptu. (Which is the one strong point of the effects on this DVD) I can't say too much bad about this... but also not much good about it. It's just what it is.. and looks like.
Drawn From the Light - This is my fave and really the only reason I watched this video in the first place. I like the idea of making a drawing of a light bulb light up on a pad of paper. The way to accomplish it is not bad either. Personally I would get a light that matches the yellow glow of the magic light bulb he uses, but whatever.
So as the saying goes, If you can get one good, usable effect from a (Insert form of media here), then it was worth the money. (A good phrase to remember when you realized how much you paid for some items.) My only problem is, for someone who is supposed to be a film guy, he can't seem to make his video's look very professionally done. Sure, there are some shiny graffics and whatnot, but.. the backgrounds could be a little less... jiggered.
Whatever that means...
Bizzaro.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)