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JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
Just got a booking call for a 45 minute illusion show that would include "3 large illusions." I told them I probably couldn't do it but I would look into it. I have a very nice custom flying carpet that is more deceptive than the run of the mill. I then pitched them zombie as a 2nd illusion and then went for it. However, there is still a 3rd which I don't have. I will probably not go through with this offer, however it got me thinking. What would you guys recommend for one or two easy to store and transport "large illusions?" An actress I know would make a great assistant. Thanks.
Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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Daniel Faith Inner circle Neenah, Wisconsin 1526 Posts |
Sounds like you should pass this one on. You don't have 1 large illusion according to your post. You may be able to count flying carpet but to me that isn't a large illusion as large illusions are thought of. I could be wrong on that one. Just my opinion. Zombie definitely not.
Perhaps you could rent a zig zag or shadow box etc,.. But then you would need a rehearsed and polished show with these illusions. If it was me, I would pass it on to a friend.
Daniel Faith
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JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
Thanks, Dan. That's what I was thinking. But the offer (and the money) got me thinking. What illusions would work for an easy transportable illusion show. Especially a big wow ending. I've got a bunch of illusion books, including Jim Sommers, but I wanted to get opinions. Thanks in advance.
Jim PS: I have played my flying carpet on stage to very good effect. As I said, it's better than most commercially available.
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
Hey Jim,
There are a number of things that qualify as illusions. Generally, we magicians think of something like a box style illusion or something as substaintial in size, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the lay audience always thinks of it that way. A pack small, play big illusion could be a Sack X routine with a hoop cloth. In the 1980's a lot of performers were doing a comedy strait jacket escape ala Harry Anderson. Now the trend seems to be toward the Gypsy Rope Tie ala F & W. Both of these could constitute an illusion. A head box (flaming head box, dagger head box, twisting head box) could qualify as an illusion. None of these would take much to transport. The success of these effects rides on creating an entertaining routine, perhaps with some appropriate music and then you and your assistant acting the part. Done this way, each of these effects (and any effect I guess) should get a good audinece (and client) response. Size doesn't matter. It really is what you do with it that counts. Be entertaining. All the best, Rob |
amazingcarrington Veteran user 307 Posts |
The Losander Floating Table packs small but plays very well.
A hidden gem is Duke's Dye Version. Ends up producing a 24 foot rainbow silk streamer across the stage. I've used this in many shows and it gets a bigger reaction than some of my bigger illusions. Available through Abbott's. Good luck. |
Frank Simpson Special user SW Montana 883 Posts |
I bought a MAK guillotine about 22 years ago that I still use. It is a great closer, and I have about a 5 minute comedy routine for it. It easily fits in the backseat of a car and can count as a large illusion. A sub trunk is also hard to beat if you do it quickly and do it well. It's a bit bigger to transport, but other items can fit inside it...like a guillotine!
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JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
Great ideas, guys. Thanks. This is starting me thinking.
Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
Transfigmigration (Jim Gerrish PVC Pipe book #2, item 1) has got to be the world's simplest Illusion that packs flat and plays big, and with the PVC pipes, it can be done with just a performer and an assistant. Next easiest in the 2 person category would be Shadow Triangle Illusion (PVC Pipe book #1, item 1), Caged Animal Illusion PVC-01-06,Staked Out Escape PVC-01-09, Square-Square PVC-02-02, Puppet Show Illusion PVC-03-01, Cage Sub Trunk PVC -03-08. Having any of these built and stored in a closet, perhaps brought out on a regular basis for rehearsals between shows, would qualify you as an Illusionist (although by Jim Gerrish's standards, a very cheap one, but to him that's a compliment, not a put-down).
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Hello James,
A guillotine/head chopper is my first recommendation. (Didn't you just sell a head chopper on The Magic Café?) A quality chair suspension is also great. By that, I mean one that will easily hold an adult, rather than the models that are just appropriate for child. I've been amazed out how good the response is to my chair suspension routine. (It's a true Harbin Chair Suspension, where the board is removed.) As tired of seeing it as magicians are, the substition trunk is probably the most practical strong illusion you can buy. (It can be done surrounded and people are really amazed by it.) Although I was never able to come up with a routine I liked, a sword basket is another practical illusion. Michael |
JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
Thanks, guys. Thank you, Michael. It must've been another jim who sold the head chopper.
Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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g0thike Special user 722 Posts |
James,
You might consider passing it on, illusions are huge investments. I passed on a show that wanted tiger & lions recently. I got a few illusions and I am based in Los Angeles and will throw in a referal fee for you. G0THIKE |
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
If you're not ready, don't scramble at the last minute to try to be something you're not. Get a few illusions, and prctice them until you are good enough for the NEXT time you get this request (or, go out and sell the show when ready.)
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MichaelKent Special user 560 Posts |
I've never heard of anyone asking for a show based on the number of illusions like this. Granted, I'm a stand up guy, but is this a normal thing? -- for someone to say "i'm looking for an illusionist to perform three large illusions?" Seems strange to me.
mk |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Hello James,
Now, I remember. It's Ron Reid who's selling a head chopper. Here's the link to his post on the Café: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......9&12 Sorry for the mixup. Michael P.S. It looks like a really good price as it sells for $795 on the builder's site. |
JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
Starpower,
read my post please. Thanks. Thanks, Michael. Gothike, I'll contact you next week. Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
Jim,, Noticed you are in La too...
I have a hand full of illusions can work something out with you... Check out my site.... PM if you are interested.
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
jkesler Loyal user 246 Posts |
Jim,
If you are interested in performing illusions...I would suggest reading a few books on illusion/stage shows(ie.Illusion Show Know How). I would also suggest becoming an assistant to an illusionist for hands on learning. Best of luck, James |
WayneNZ Inner circle New Zealand 1013 Posts |
A packing crate sub trunk would be my first choice.
Packs in the car , and plays huge. |
haywire Special user Philadelphia 760 Posts |
Don wayne's floating ball can fit in a bowling bag...
Great effect and cheaper than most if you can find them... Steven |
MattWayne Special user Manhattan, NY | Studio City, CA 624 Posts |
Now- this show has a heck load of potential here. I do a touring show, and do I have huge giganto illusions? Hmmm- negative. Welllll---> depends on how you look at it. Or- not how YOU Magicians look at it. Let us break down a portion itsy bitsy bit of my routine,
-Gene Anderson newspaper (classics never fail!)- good standup/larger than life illusion. -Malini Egg bag; comedic in nature. Part of it is done to music and involves a ton of participation out in the audience. (classics never fail! Strike two!) -Multiplying Bottles; wowzers not a big illusion, but packs small plays to crowds of 500 and more! (Classics strike again! Strike three) -Executive production (Bowling ball from briefcase. Not a classic, but a good opener. Ball one.) -Cardiographic (Classic card rise from notepad. Ball two) -Vanishing Bandana (Comedic bit- nice stand up bit. Never fails. Ball three) -Kevin James Floating Rose (Elegant, but yet illusionary. Ball Four. Walk to second) -Ropes, ropes, and more ropes. (depends on the show. Usually do a Pavel routine. Sometimes just a comedic rope routine using no-cut scissor set.) -Depends on the show, but I have material of the same small/big nature. Anything from a comedic ring routine to illusions themselves. I think in my opinion this show that you're shy about doing; you could do! Just need to consider the magic, and not their requests as much. If a person says, "Hey, I want three illusions" and that's all they say- heck it's only up to your imagination. I think one of the greatest illusions I do is the Gene Anderson Paper Tear. That's magic. I do that LIVE every single night. And every time I get applause and delight. Says something about what really is magic to a spectator. Illusions are only as good as how the presentation around the illusion is. Sure I could stand up there and be Mr. Mysto and be a box pusher, but why when that box with swords in it doesn't even compare to impossible multiplying bottles and the reactions from the routine??? I think you should go for it. Best regards, Matt Tomasko
Matt Wayne
The Celebrity Magicianâ„¢ www.CelebrityMagician.com / youtube.com/celebritymagician / twitter.com/RealMattWayne / Facebook.com/CelebrityMagician Creator of, 'Got a Light?' and others. Spokesperson behind, TouchTricks |
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