Ha imagine if someone showed up with a laser illusion gimmick they had made.

Some info for you guys...

I got a 2nd call from them today. I didn't respond to the first invite because I was thinking about something. I was wondering if they were going to be making people look like idiots and degrading them like they did on AM Idol. I decided that if they were, then I wouldn't go to the audition.

When I received the 2nd call today I asked Shelley if NBC wanted to make people look like idiots like they did on Idol. She said that NBC didn't know yet. Also, it sounded from some other things she said, they are having a hard time getting people for the auditions. Perhaps magicians and other performers (good or bad), since they aren't a dime a dozen compared to singers (as Idol has brought to the public) that enough people are boycotting the show to avoid degration and further lower the publics perception on this and other arts.

Derek Merdinyan

She told me the same thing

Let me tell you a little about "reality" television:

It ain't real.

We were supposed to be on the first episode of "30 Seconds To Fame" on FOX a couple of years ago. They flew us to L.A., treated us very well, but when it came time to shoot our spot, they announced us as "two buddies from Mississippi who work in a casino together", rather than as two professional entertainers. The idea of course, was to pass off performers as regular joes and to make fun of some of them. Fortunately for us, the audio didn't work during filming and we where told our segment could not be used. They asked if we would be willing to come back and re-shoot if the show was picked up for the next season. We said that we would think about it, however Danny and I decided between the two of us that we would not.

Sure enough, in September of that same year they called asking us to fly back to L.A. to re-shoot. We said no. The producer himself actually called me at home asking personally. I asked him if they still planned on passing us off as non-performers. He would not give me an answer. At this time he was a "hot" commodity since he was also a producer of "Who Want's To Be A Millionare". We still said "no". There went our big break. Of course, how many of the acts do you actually remember from 30 Seconds to Fame?

These auditions are mostly "grass roots" marketing campaigns designed to stir coffee-break conversations around the country. They are not really concerned with "talent". Do I really know what I'm talking about? I was the host of one of these campaigns in 1999 called the "Fox Family Fest". Do a Magictimes.com search of it with my name and you can read more.

On the last episode of American Idol, one of the perfomers had done a Creed song. Simon stated that "do you really think Creed would be caught dead on this show?" This tells you that he considers his show is really about amateurs, not professionals. Now, do you really think Simon is going to be nice to any magician?

Tony Brent
Orlando, Florida
Outta Control Magic Show

Be very careful with this concept. I'm friends with a Last Comic Standing and an AI runner-up...and while they don't regret the AI experience at all, they explain that LCS and AI flat out own you...lock, stock and barrel. Read the contract VERY carefully...even for the auditions...because (according to them) the LCS and AI contracts claim ownership of all submitted promotional materials, all offers originating from your televised audition and competition and all future appearances that occur due to your LCS and AI audition or competition appearance.

Both performers say that while they are earning far more than they probably would have on their own, it is a very small percentage of what other stars at their level are drawing...and while the LCS runner-up has some control over his appearance schedule, the AI runner-up has no control over his appearance and recording schedules. The AI star explains that he'd heard that AI filed suit to claim a huge chunk of William Hung's appearance and recording incomes because he was "discovered" through AI.

It seems to me that if you submit your hard-worked and expensive magic promo materials, photos, demo videos and so on to the AI-type program...they will claim ownership over it and you...and anything you succeed in doing through their promotion and exposure of your skill...whether you make the finals or not. Any act that you perform during the audition or competition becomes theirs.

I admit that I'm getting this second hand...and both performers had to beat around the bush because they are forbidden by contract to discuss their contracts or speak negatively against the LCS and AI experience...so I may have easily misunderstood by reading between the lines. Still...it seems right in line with what I understand about the "Big Time". I am not an accomplished performer any where near that level...but if I were...I would have serious second thoughts about simply signing over all rights to an act that I've sweated blood and tears over.

Everyone:

Please read the Associated Press story that ran this week that I posted elsewhere in "Did you hear the latest?," under a different thread. There, you will find all the information on the new show, from the AP. Thanks!

Here is the Tuesday, March 28, 2006, Associated Press story on the new Simon Cowell television variety contest show. It is not just magicians, but every type of entertainment. And it is open to people of all ages--everyone, actually. This story contains all the needed facts, and the dates and locations of the first round of auditions. The first tryout date is scheduled for April 6, in Los Angeles, according to the AP.

Mar 28, 9:18 AM EST

Cowell Goes for Variety With New TV Show

By LYNN ELBER
AP Television Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Simon Cowell's new TV talent show promises to be a real circus.

Singers, comedians, jugglers, animal acts and anyone else hungry for stardom will be welcome on "America's Got Talent," the summertime series that Cowell, the tart-tongued judge on Fox's "American Idol," is producing for NBC.

Group acts or singles, old or young - all are eligible to try for the $1 million prize, he told a telephone news conference Monday.

"You can be 2 years old, 100 years old. You can be the next Destiny's Child, you can be the next Jackson 5 or you can be the next David Copperfield," Cowell said. "This is a show literally open to anybody."

Auditions dates were announced Monday, with tryouts set for Los Angeles on April 6-8; Chicago, April 12-13; New York City, April 17; East Elmhurst, N.Y., April 19, and Atlanta, April 22-23. Would-be contestants also can apply online.

An air date for the series has yet to be set, NBC said.

Cowell, an English record-company executive who became a celebrity on "American Idol" and was part of its British precursor, "Pop Idol," said he's a longtime fan of American shows that featured a variety of performers.

The "time is right" for a contest open to performers of every stripe, he said. Cowell won't be a judge on the show but very qualified "A-list" celebrities have expressed interest, he and fellow executive producer Ken Warwick said.

Cowell was asked about whether he was aware of Wayne Newton's "The Entertainer," which ran on E! Television Network last year and had a similar goal of showcasing diverse talent.

"Yes. And I hated it," he said.

For such shows to work, Cowell said, it's crucial to include the audition process. In "America's Got Talent," as in "American Idol," viewers will learn who makes the cut in the five city auditions and then see further dismissals as the semifinals unfold in a Los Angeles studio.

How the semifinalists are dumped will be "very brutal," Cowell said. He didn't offer details.

Cowell, who's joined ranks with the "American Idol" producing team on "America's Got Talent," is apparently intent on giving every American - and every TV network - a chance for fame and fortune: He's also producing "American Inventor" on ABC.

"American Idol" is a consistent ratings leader for Fox. "American Inventor" scored as a top-20 show in its March 16 debut against college basketball but now has to prove itself against CBS' tougher "Survivor."

Does Cowell fear diluting the valuable "American Idol" brand?

No, he said. Instead, he hopes that "America's Got Talent" will be a different type of show that fills the gap when "Idol" is off the air.

Asked if the new show might compete directly against Fox's, Cowell replied: "That will never happen."

---

On the Net:

http://www.nbc.com

© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.

Purchase this AP story for reprint.

Read Cowell's statements. That says it all.

Tony Brent
Outta Control Magic Show
Orlando, Florida

Amen.

I auditioned for the first American Idol program and got a callback. This was back when they were advertising for ALL acts in any branch of showbiz.

When I got the callback I had a conflict and tried to work it out with them. When they found out I was working a gig for Sandals Resorts, who was on their short list of sponsors I was told, in no uncertain terms, that I was "not needed and thanks, anyway." Prior to that discovery, they had been willing to flex to my availability.

So, be aware that if you have EVER worked fro one of their sponsors, or a competing sponsor, you will, in all probability, be out on your patootie, in a New York Second.

Just an FYI.

Also, the audition that I had was in front of three people, was taped, the tapes became the property of the production company (NOT the network) and the time was only 60 seconds, if I recall correctly.

So, if you are planning on going out for this show, be aware that prior bookings could kill your chances before you ever get on tape, that your material may be too long for the audition and that you will, if you make the show, be facing Simon.

Lee Darrow, C.H.

I noticed that the auditions started yesterday, and I was wondering if anyone had been, and if so, could they possibly give some feedback on their experience? I would love to hear the stories..

Scott Compton

I hope that Magicians have more self-repsect than to allow their work to be used as fodder for this trumped-up Gong Show.

- entity

I auditioned for America's got Talent on Saturday. I was the last one to audition, and I performed a Tip Trunk themed like a giftbox where I produce my daughters (you can view it at http://63.247.83.186/~bemagic/Giftbox.wmv ). It played very well, and the production crew said it was "Awesome". I have other stronger, original illusions that I chose not to do because of too many performance conditions that I was unsure of.

They were very accommodating to my needs. I had my three kids with me, including a one year old, and one of the staff actually held my baby until his part in the routine. I performed on a dance floor, and they provided a boom box to play my CD. My biggest recommendation to anyone who auditions is to be ready to pump up what else you have. My performance was smooth, but I could have been clearer about what else I can do when they asked me.

You can view the legalese at the website: http://www.nbc.com. On the left there is a column that says, "Full Schedule". Directly under that is the link for America's got Talent. They want exclusive representation of you if you make it past the initial audition. I am hesitant to accept the offer to continue on because I already have a well-established career with a reasonably large income, and I'm not sure I want to sign over complete rights to the production company. You must make that decision before continuing on after the initial round.

I have one more problem, my assistant is an actress, and there is no way she will agree to an exclusive agency/management contract. That puts me in a tough situation since she has been my assistant for four years, and she is incredibly talented (she worked for Rick Thomas at the Tropicana for four years).

This audition might be better suited for high caliber performers who have not established themselves yet.

Brock Edwards

I also auditioned for one of these reality series and had to sign a 23 page agreement giving them the rights to use my footage for whatever they wanted to.

Socalmagic,
Did they provide special lighting? Or was it just plain lights? Also how long did you get to perform for? Thanks for any information!
Christian

It was in a hotel ballroom with room lights and a few TV lights (Studio 2K's). I did a 3-minute routine.

Brock Edwards

Uh oh! Be prepared to see some painful humilation and some unintentional exposure- I'm not sure that this is a good thing at all.

I can see someone doing a zombie...and dropping the cloth from shaking hands...and exposing the gimmick....then a cowell look a like says THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY DREDFUL. BY FAR THE WORST PEICE OF PRESTIDIGITATION THAT MY EYES HAVE EVER SEEN. I WOULD RATHER GO TO A FUNERAL THAN WATCH THAT ACT AGIAN. but just so you all know I saw an add in a magazine the first show date will be wed june 21 at like 7 or 8 check your local listings. I agree that it might be kinda bad for magic...but as long as there is more publicity for magic I think it is good...i waaaasss gonna try out but I couldn't find my thumb tip..just kidding anyway I cant wait for the first show to see america's talent...not just magic but other talents too.. I wouldnt mind seeing some good juggling.
MIKE

a timely post