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DanielCoyne Special user Western Massachussetts 544 Posts |
Hey folks,
I'm helping a young adult author with a story about a teen magician. I'm looking for a decent illusion for making members of the football team disappear in a school show. They can be in on it. I remember seeing plans for a home-made way to pull this off, but can't find it now. I don't need to share exact workings of the illusion, but enough for her to realistically describe the effect from the audience perspective and some of the challenges in pulling it off. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks, Daniel |
David_N New user Lancashire, England 93 Posts |
Hi Daniel
How about an elevated platform of the type you find in schools with a simple frame around it which holds a set cloths up forming a large cube. The team enter the cube one at a time. When they are all in the cloth sides are torn down and they have gone. Method: The rear of the table has a black art panel hinged on with gaffer tape. At the beginning of the routine the panel is up enabling people to walk around the back of the illusion and have their legs seen underneath. As the team enters, the panel is kicked down allowing them to exit the back of the prop and roll under the back (black)stage curtain which is carefully lifted by backstage hands just enough for them to slide under. That's about as simple (but effective) as this type of illusion gets. |
DanielCoyne Special user Western Massachussetts 544 Posts |
Beautiful!
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Scott Alexander V.I.P. 1471 Posts |
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David_N New user Lancashire, England 93 Posts |
For what it's worth I was unaware of the plans that Scott has pointed out. The information I passed on was in good faith and no attempt was made to plagiarise another's work. When money is tight but stage conditions are available then Black Art is frequently selected as a weapon of choice by cost conscious illusionists. I advised Daniel how I would approach the problem he posted; if any duplication of effect (or method) occurred then this is down purely to the limited number of practical techniques available to achieve a given effect.
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Blair Marshall Inner circle Montreal, Canada 3660 Posts |
David,
I think Scott was only pointing out another discussion thread on the same topic with a source for more info. As you indicate the method you describe has been around for years (century?) and I don't think it plagiarises anyone's work. There are several books on the subject of black art some really old, and a couple of current ones. Blair
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David_N New user Lancashire, England 93 Posts |
Blair,
I took no offence about Scott's post and did not regard it as a dig at me but a helpful link for anyone interested in exploring this principle. I merely wished to put the record straight in case of any unintended ambiguity. I have the greatest respect for Scott, who is a very talented and creative artist. As you said these type of effects were being done in the Victorian era and with great success. For those getting into Black Art, 'Darwin's Inexpensive Illusions' is a good place to start. No detailed blueprints but lots of basic sketches for BA effects on a budget. |
Scott Alexander V.I.P. 1471 Posts |
No digs here...this was the starting point for one of my AGT appearances. I thought it would be a helpful resource.
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Chris Stolz Inner circle Mississauga, Ontario 1958 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 12, 2017, David_N wrote: The above is a good reco. My book on Black Art has one of the most detailed sections on methods and lighting that has been published in recent years as well. Get both!
Chris Stolz
BLACK ART BOOK: Hiding In The Shadows. |
motivationalmagic Regular user Pennsylvania 179 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 4, 2017, DanielCoyne wrote: Daniel, have you ever had the pleasure of seeing Copperfield perform Thirteen? Really awesome vanish of a group when seen in one of his live shows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0jfXUsncAE |
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