I have been doing magic for years but am now getting into mentalism. I have Leap of Faith and really like it. I do not like to use clipboards, slips of papers, center tear and ECT. I am interested in it looking real. LOL As real as it can get!

I like the stuff Derren Brown does and know that Luke Jermay is the man when it comes to this style of entertainment.

Which should I start with? Which book or DVD? Is Building Blocks and Coral Fang to deep for me right now?

Best

The Coral Fang

For $50 I can get you on the waiting list to be 99th in line to pay $400 for the rights to be 'one of the few' who can buy the DVD he's going to work on sometime this, or next, year; for only $1,000.

You won't get on the list 100% of the time, but that's half the fun of mentalism, isn't it?

I haven't read Coral Fang, but I've read 7 Deceptions and Building Blocks. I've also see "Skullduggery." I like 'em all, but I'm partial to Building Blocks.

Why get any? Just use stooges, instant stooges, pre-show and cameras. Nothing wrong with any of them that is what you will find in a lot these types of effects.

If you want to do Derren Brown style of mentalism, you will learn much more by reading Corinda's 13 Steps. Derren presents his effects as psychological (and it is a very interesting method which I also use myself), but that doesn't change the fact that most of his effects are surefire effects, not the kind of pipe dream you can find in some published works.

And though I don't recommend Luke's material before you study the classic works, I agree with Haim that The Coral Fang is better than the rest.

Wow, I haven't been here for a few weeks, but there sure are a lot of bitter people here. I'd understand why though. Anyway, Coral Fang is the best thing I've read from Luke Jermay. Itcomes with lots of good routines, essays, etc. It was well worth the money and time invested into adding them to my show.

PM me if you'd like more info.

Josh London

Hi MD,

I really enjoy Luke's work but I think there are other areas where it might be better to start. With your previous experience, you may want to look into Barrie Richardson's work (esp. Theater of the Mind and its sequel, Act II). Another really good investment would be Stunners Plus from Larry Becker. These selections contain varied and strong effects so that you have a wide range of possibilities in putting your routines together.

Max Maven's color series (now available in a single volume called Prism) would fall into the same category. In terms of Jermay's work, there is no question in my mind that you would get the most out of Coral Fang at this point. I've enjoyed Jermay's work but I can't recommend his other books for somebody who is "getting into mentalism".

Brown's effectiveness, in my opinion, stems from his strong grasp of mentalism fundamentals and theatrical prescence. As such, I can't help but recommend 13 Steps from Corrinda. I tried not to, but the basics are there. With that, a little creativity, and a lot of showmanship, you can be the next DB.

Good luck.

-Carlos

I might suggest that since you like the manuscript Leap of Faith you might like the material on the SOMETHING DVD

Many here can attest to the strength and originality of the work.
(However there are only a few left).

The stuff plays strong and real.

Here is a clip from Youtube showing the performance of one of the effects
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJFZTPInzRA this is the second half the first part is also posted on the same page.

The audience is amazed because they are reading the minds of their friends just as the performer is.

Best Wishes,

Jim

Jim, didn't you say that SOMETHING wasn't for magcians? That was why I over looked it.


Beat
Ray

Hi Ray,

I did that to stop guys who only worked as magicians from purchasing the DVD thinking it might be a disc of mental magic.

I would suggest however that since you like the Leap of Faith work you might consider the Hoodwinkings manuscript from Mick Ayres.

It is a complete scripted mentalism act with a deck of cards and some envelopes.
here is a link http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......5&39

My DVD is a bit more indepth than a new guy to mentalism might be ready for.
(The stuff is not hard just differnt than presenting magic)

I would also suggest the Practical Mental effecs book by Ted Annemman.

Hope this helps best wishes,

Jim

Ray,

Your post says that you are getting into mentalism. If you are getting into mentalism you can't stay a magician. You would have to then become a mentalist or even both.

I can vouch for Something. I performed 4 programs in a middle school last week. At the last minute the school district cut the periods from 50 minutes to 40 minutes so my shows were cut short.

And I so desperately wanted to perform Hardcopy Thought Broadcast from Something. I had all the props ready to go. I just didn't have time to add it though. Each program 6,7,8 had 300 students. I couldn't restructure my program to perform it. But it and other routines on Something are excellent.

But if you are NEW to mentalism then Something is one of the ways to go.

John

PS: I am a magician too ... but not all the time.

Oh, yea, don't forget my fiend Chuck Hickok's books either. Fully scripted corporate mentalism show. Great learning stuff.

John

I am a magician who has been doing it for a long time. For some reason I feel pulled in the direction of mentalism. Maybe I am growing?

I have been thinking of being both. With two programs, one as a magician and the other heavy into mentalism. I like the way that I have to re-train myself when it comes to mentalism. It is exciting to be able to perform these effects without the use of magic props. I can keep the Zig-Zag at home. LOL

I just ordered Coral Fang and JIM, I am leaning in the direction of getting your SOMETHING.

Thanks guys for all your comments. I have a lot to choose from.

Best
Ray

Something really is fantastic!I say get it before it's gone.Good Choice with Coral Fang.Luke's work is great,I know he got a bit of stick in regards to his last effort though I loved it!...Coral Fang is seen by many as one of his finer pieces of work

Best,

Pete

The one I prefer is The Coral Fang...

Just got The Coral Fang! I am really impressed with this book. Just reading the first effect made me smile. OOOOOh...YEA! I am glad that I bought this.


Best
Ray

On a side note does anyone know anything about luke jermays "induction" dvd? I saw it on penguinmagic (ouch! ten card poker deal I swear!) while just searching his products...

I've truly enjoyed everything from Luke. I think what ever you start w/ you will be ordering the others right after.

One point I wanted to bring up. Luke Jermay himself on Skullduggery said that he see NOTHING wrong w/ mixing Magic and Mentalism as long as it's done right. One or two of the effects on Skullduggery is a mix of both. I personally prefer to stick w/ pure Mentalism and try to make it "Look Real" but ever once in a while I think it's fun to do a few classic card tricks. Mean it took me forever to learn how to do a double lift so I'm going to use it.

I've been listening to the audio set, "Conversations with Mindreaders" by Ben Cummings.

One of the things that suprised me was the card discussion. Ben asks a standard question, "what do you think of cards in mentalism?"

The answers go both ways but it suprised me to see that those that use cards have no problem with people thinking it is a trick.

If you want to mix both in the real world you can. I wouldn't...other performers here wouldn't...but it has become obvious to me from listening to many pro's that it is a matter of taste only.