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Chris "linkster" Watson
Special user
England
564 Posts
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Posted: Feb 18, 2003 12:10pm
Hi Curtis
Firstly I would like to say how much I have appreciated all your ideas and input in the coin section here at the Café over recent months. I know it has been invaluable to many.
I have a couple of questions really, firstly when you build a routine do you have any set criterea which you follow in order make sure you have a strong routine?
You also mention in another posting your pet project is to create an angle proof coins across, what in particular are your considerations when constructing a routine of this sort?
Thank you in advance
Chris
www.sambucaboys.co.uk
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Curtis Kam
V.I.P.
same as you, plus 3 and enough to make
3419 Posts
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Posted: Feb 18, 2003 3:22pm
Chris,
I usually develop routines in one of two ways, either:
a) from a desired effect, working out the best method, or the opposite,
b) finding the optimal way to utilize a new move or strategy.
Recently I have been working on effects in which the spectators do more than just watch or hold things. They take an active role in determining the outcome of the effect. This is a good example of "top down" routining.
I have also just developed a new routine by tinkering with a classic, and asking myself why it works. Once you can regognise the author's thought process, you can decide if you agree or disagree with his approach. Only after you have made this analysis should you set out to make changes.
Regarding the "Perfect coins across" I believe I said that it was a past goal, something you decide you need pretty early on, and improve throughout your career.
In this case, the effect is set already. It's just a matter of finding techniques that satisfy the conditions you've set. The last time I wrote a coins across, my goals were to have each jump build, to perform without a table or sleeves, and to use only three coins. I did not want to do the visual coins across, I wanted to capture all that was good about the "closed" variety of "across". (i.e. the sound elements, the sleeve comedy, both of which are generally absent from the visual coins across)
The result is the Beijing coins across routine on P2. If you have the DVD, you know that there are other constraints, too, but I think the routine is a success.
The most useful comment on this is something Jim Steinmeyer has said, roughly, "design your effects for the real world". In other words, don't state conditions that are only satisfied by real magic. Too often, we are stuck seeking a solution for the "angleproof impromptu vanishing elephant." That's a waste of time.
I have recently been shown a Sankey approach for the last coin of an "across" and I like the technique. It involves backclip, so it's a little iffy anglewise. I may include it in a routine I'm still working on, a simple "across" for situations where everyone is standing, looking down on your hands. Fingerpalm technique is impractical here.
I hope that helps, what are you working on?
Is THAT a PALMS OF STEEL 5 Banner I see? YARRRRGH! Please visit The Magic Bakery
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Chris "linkster" Watson
Special user
England
564 Posts
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Posted: Feb 19, 2003 11:37am
Hi Curtis,
Thanks for the insight, I especially liked your comments
" the most useful comment on this is something Jim Steinmeyer has said, roughly, "design your effects for the real world". In other words, don't state conditions that are only satisfied by real magic. Too often, we are stuck seeking a solution for the "angleproof impromptu vanishing elephant." That's a waste of time"
I am certainly guilty of sometimes looking for the perfect sleight as opposed to developing effects to utilise the ones I know.
With regards to routines I am working on, I guess there are three really... The "one coin routine" which as ever is my pet project..you can find it at www.coinmagic.com under that title if you would care to take a look (any thoughts would be appreciated) The other is a three coins across which currently involves a himber vanish, hang pien chen and a variation on the cardini steal( it's still work in progress, but it seems quite good for a stand up routine) lastly I am playing with spellbound and trying to pull apart your Newyork spellbound and my other favourite Chris Kenners Hellbound Spellbound...seeing if there is a way of doing a double or tripple change only to have two completely different coins to finish...( Ask me again in about 10 years on that one!!!)
Thanks once again Curtis...don't suppose you fancy having the coin convention in sunniest England next year do you??? Alas I don't think I'll make it to the coinvention this year...keep us informed on the DVD though!!!
Regards
Chris
www.sambucaboys.co.uk
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Curtis Kam
V.I.P.
same as you, plus 3 and enough to make
3419 Posts
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Posted: Feb 19, 2003 1:54pm
Chris,
Good luck on the projects, they sound interesting. I also have an "open file" regarding the one-coin routine. I add to it whenever something new comes along, and I consider whether new things might fit in. Sort of like a jazz musician collecting riffs, or card guys collecting ambitious card sequences.
Just recently, I put together a repeat coin through hand sequence the final penetrations being quite visible. (think muscle pass at the palm of your hand) That would be a good addition to the OCR. Also, a good "coin in the eye" sequence. I have a new one, and so the OCR2003 is coming along.
I'll leave it to you for a while, and see what you come up with.
I would like to take the coinvention on a european tour, imagine a traveling band of coin fanatics roaming the country...frightening.
Is THAT a PALMS OF STEEL 5 Banner I see? YARRRRGH! Please visit The Magic Bakery
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