If I wanted to ( and I do ) put together a dvd of some tricks and have the dvd for sale or give away after a performance... How can I find tricks that are public domain and there would be no infringement on these..Does anyone know of any trick that are for sure public domain. How can this be confirmed?
I know there is already a dvd or two that can be purchase with full permission to make as many copies as wanted... I wish I could afford that but I can't so, I'm on a mission to make one for myself.
I'm looking for 10 - 20 nice easy to do tricks.
Looking forward to your suggestions.

That's a tough one. If it's in a book that was printed with a copyright notice before 1976, but after about 1920, the book is probably still copyrighted. Any book published during or after 1976 is probably copyrighted as well.

These CD's that you can buy off eBay that have "public domain magic" are often actually knockoffs of copyrighted or proprietary material. Don't fall into the trap of republishing that stuff.

Why don't you come up with some of your own stuff?

Once again, Bill offers great advice that helps everyone!!

Bill,
He is talking about performing on a DVD and then selling it, not republishing old books.

A "pitch" DVD in other words.
James

Yes a pitch dvd...after the show if you want to learn some really cool easy to do magic I have a dvd available for x mount of dollars.

" Back Of The Room Sales"

the LOC has a search query.
you know the name of publications
or ISBN# you can find when they
were published easier.

plus if they were re-published as
a second edition with a new copyright
you don't have reserach further.

its a great tool.

I'm even on there!

When I was writing my "Learn Magic" instant author kit for back-of-room sales, I used tricks that I taught in my magic classes at Circus Camp. The teaching methods, presentation, writing and illustrations/photos were all by me. They are basic beginner tricks that you'll find in just about any kids magic book. I didn't bother to track down the source of these tricks because they are so common. Things like the cut force, cut and restored rope with an envelope, folding a coin in paper to vanish it, etc.

I did chat with other more knowledgeable magicians who felt the tricks I included were "safe" and good for beginners. This may be the easiest approach for you to take. However, be aware that putting together that book took a long time and a lot of effort. If you want to make your own book or dvd, keep that in mind. It will probably be cheaper in the long run to buy one that's ready to go and looks good.

I'm not a lawyer so don't quote me, but I would think that a dvd of you performing and or teaching, is fine because it's you? Again I don't know this for sure, but I would suppose?

Putting these effects on a new DVD is also considered republishing. Publishing an effect is the act of making it public through whatever type of media you've chosen. The information Bill gave is actually pretty good. When I last checked on Wikipedia, the cut-off date for Public Domain material was 1923. Anything before was fair game (provided it wasn't republished with a new copyright after that date).