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Magic Monkichi Elite user Ontario, Canada 401 Posts |
Hey all;
A friend and I are doing some research into having a custom built stack of boxes built. We are lookin for some insight and opinion on an idea...what do you guys think of a 'segmented step style' base instead of the tradtional bevel? (ie as reference, something similar to that under Chalet's Jam illusion) What're your thoughts? Thanks in advance. Matt PS: I've posted this in Grand Illusions, and the Workshop, not sure which would be best. |
John Bundy Regular user USA 193 Posts |
Bevels work best over large areas. When crammed up in something small like a base for the stack, they can be humorous. Consider from what angle the audience will see the base in most situations. From above, below or at eye level and decide what will do the most deceptive job. Perhaps even splitting the difference and stepping above and beveling below.
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jcsum Loyal user Singapore 217 Posts |
Yes, I agree that a bevel-base can look bad and obvious on a small area. I'm not sure what look/ thematic feel you are going for, but I would go for a step base design that looks like a dolly or trolley wtih handles on castors - which is what the bottom box is technically supposed to be on - a base that can move the prop around.
One step can be the platform or base of the dolly/ trolley. The upper step can be disguised as a pallet that the bottom box rests on. This pallet is finished in natural wood colour to create visual separation between the bottom of the box and the dolly platform. To make the upper steps even thinner, you can have an additional 1" inner step underneath platform step, inside the castors. With the edges beveled at 45 degree angles + a dead black finish, it will be virtually invisible but gives you a valuable additional 1" of space. A sheet metal bottom will allow another 1/4" of give; or more if you give the bottom a slight V-bend. Legs will not be necessary if you use over-sized castors (at least 4"). The large castors also visually proportionate the thickness of the base. All too often, small thin legs or small castors make an otherwise decent base look bad. It calls undue attention to the base. Since this is not a full base, the above result should make it look very thin. Hope this makes sense. Best, J C PS Oh, and I also personally think that a Wakeling-stlye ball feet design does not work as well on a small area base, as in the Chalet-style JAM. That design is more effective only if the overhang is large and the area is large. Otherwise, the result is a too stout look. In any case, the space required for the Stack of Boxes is not that much that you would need to go with that design for more deception.
J C Sum
Project ONE: The Solo Illusionist http://www.SoloIllusions.com The World's Largest Free Online Illusion Resource http://www.IllusionBooks.com The World's Most Comprehensive Resource on Kabuki Drops http://www.MagicKabukiDrop.com Creating Highly Successful Entertainers http://www.BackstageBusinessAcademy.com |
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
I think you're talking aesthetics here more than utility. I don't see why it would make much of a difference, as long as you have the same amount of space inside. Rand Woodbury's "Base Book" or video should tell you what you need to know. Also, any illusion builder/designer will know what dimensions will work.
Amos McCormick P.S. There is a Stack of Boxes with a "combo-style" base for sale right now on Magic Auction.
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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jcsum Loyal user Singapore 217 Posts |
I think there is more than aesthetics invovled. A step base is generally more visually deceptive than a bevel base, especially for a small area as John Bundy pointed out. So, with a modern step base design as detailed by Rand Woodbury, you attain a level of visual deception. The lines make all the difference as Rand points out in his book.
However, with a step base of constrasting materials/ colours such as a wooden pallet on a metal platform, psychological deception is achieved on top of visual deception. The mind cancels out the possibility of space combined between the two parts of the prop. That's why with a good base, you can look at it and not believe that there is enough space to contain a personal. However, a badly design base, even with the exact same dimensions and even thinner will still look bulky and box/ coffin-like. Many modern illusion designs, use this approach to create a more deceptive look to the base. Often, as a result, a greater aesthetic is achieved. Mark Parker pointed this out in a recent post with regards to Brett Daniel's Marilyn Monroe illusion prop, which I believed he saw live. J C PSAnother thing to add with regards to 'form' and 'function'. Swedish Illusionsit Joe Labero featured a stack of boxes on his TV special. It comprised of several silver suitcases that were stacked on a posh-looking luggage trolley. (The kind used in good hotels by bellboys. Naturally, it was custom-built and larger than the standard ones)The result was a deceptive base that the audience psychologically dismisses as a solid piece because the mind tells them that is is just a luggage trolley. And naturally, it was visually deceptive and aesthetically pleasing as well.... not to mention completely logical and credible as a production.
J C Sum
Project ONE: The Solo Illusionist http://www.SoloIllusions.com The World's Largest Free Online Illusion Resource http://www.IllusionBooks.com The World's Most Comprehensive Resource on Kabuki Drops http://www.MagicKabukiDrop.com Creating Highly Successful Entertainers http://www.BackstageBusinessAcademy.com |
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
My mistake... I interpreted Matt's original post to say that he was looking for opinions on appearance.
Amos McCormick
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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jcsum Loyal user Singapore 217 Posts |
No prob Amos, glad that there are people contributing to the thread and helping out other Café-users.
Hope you are enjoying my books! Best, J C
J C Sum
Project ONE: The Solo Illusionist http://www.SoloIllusions.com The World's Largest Free Online Illusion Resource http://www.IllusionBooks.com The World's Most Comprehensive Resource on Kabuki Drops http://www.MagicKabukiDrop.com Creating Highly Successful Entertainers http://www.BackstageBusinessAcademy.com |
Magic Monkichi Elite user Ontario, Canada 401 Posts |
Hey guys;
Thanks for your help thus far, lots to think about now haha. much appreciated Matt |
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