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mago mucho New user 1 Post |
Hello,
I'm a beginer magician and my girlfriend is my assistant. I want to start doing illusions and I'm about to buy the Impalement illusion. The problem is that my girlfriend don't want to be the assistant because she afraid. can someone explain me how this illusion works ? Thanks Mago Mucho |
M-Illusion Special user 549 Posts |
I wouldn't advise beginning with Impaled. It's a difficult illusion for the performer & assistant and something like a Sub. Trunk, Zig Zag or Sword Basket would be a lot better to start with. When you do advance to an Impaled (which you will, if you keep working toward your goals), make sure you get one from a reputable builder. The cheap versions not only look bad, but are dangerous!
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collective foundry Inner circle 1404 Posts |
I will second M-Illusion. I've spoken to SEASONED professionals who had done
this illusion and almost speak of this thing as a curse. It really looks cool. that's granted. But can be VERY VERY dangerous for the assistant. Poor workmanship can cause broken back, back issues, death. ONLY PURCHASE THIS PIECE from a seasoned & reputable builder - Going cheap on this will cost you dearly. I also Second M's thoughts on its skill level.I would start smaller - as this piece is difficult even for the seasoned professional. Keep at it - if you've GOT to do this illusion consider changing its design. Impale on something else. A sword. Fence-post, HUGE shard of glass. Something? Time to do something different . . .. If your going to drop the $$ on this thing... Make your mark . . |
Christopher Starr Inner circle Heart of America 1850 Posts |
Mago:
I agree with the previous posts. There are so many other illusions to begin with, that would go over just as well for you. I might also add that you would require an additional 2 male assistants to help lift your girlfriend onto the top of the impalement. That is 2 more people that you would have to have assist you with every performance. You are better off getting another illusion that would only require the two of you to perform and stage manage. |
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-04-11 07:25, mago mucho wrote: Smart girl... Seriously, I don't doubt that you are here on the Café to better your magic. However, I must tell you that nothing will get you booted from the Café quicker than asking for secrets.
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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magicmarkdaniel Special user Bolton, England UK 831 Posts |
Even built by a master, this can be one DANGEROUS illusion. Even the most experienced and professional of dancers would need serious training with this effect. Many venues such as holiday parks have actually banned this particular illusion, certainly here in the UK, because of its graphic nature.
Many more factors to think about before shelling out the cost and finding its not suitable for you. Mark
Mark Daniel
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mydogripper Regular user Atlanta, GA 182 Posts |
Why not do what levitate over a coffin of snakes...
http://www.MerrittAmbrose.com
2011 Greater Atlanta Magician of the Year |
Dave Dorsett Veteran user Macomb, Illinois 345 Posts |
I have built this illusion as well as being the "impalee" during testing. This is not an illusion to break somebody in on. The very best magician/assistant arrangements are partnerships and have achieved a level of trust secondary only to marriage. That level has to be built up to and you'll never get the chance if you start here!
Dave Dorsett
Douglas~Wayne Illusioneering |
Lusion Special user 590 Posts |
Scared??? Tell her this is the life she got into when she decided to date you! LOL Well I had the same problem with the impalement one of my assistants complained and the other has no problem with doing it (she is of course my daughter) and now in my show I am the one impaled. So maybe you should show her how fun it is. I will not use the word 'safe' with this illusion since it does stress your back and neck areas depending on your model but its does stress your neck!
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Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
A sadly neglected illusion is Harbin's Zig Zag... Believe me, if you do it THE WAY HARBIN DID IT... it is a baffling and wonderful illusion. But if you do it wrong it can be weak.
Seek a video on You Tube of Robert Harbin, himself, doing it and study what he does.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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videokideo Special user 895 Posts |
I suggest things like Mismaid Girl, Interlude, Cube Zag, and a nice levitation. All of these can be given their own performance style and story line to differentiate yourself from others. I also will aways recommend something that allows a vanish on stage to an appearance in the audience.
Use these as a stepping stone to something more difficult like Impailed. |
Lusion Special user 590 Posts |
Those that have done the Impaled will tell you that it is not easy. A lot of illusionist have assistants that they use for the impalment. Those of us that use this illusion and are the ones that's getting impaled will tell you that its a complete workout! After rehersls as I am the one impaled the next day I am sore. That line that David Copperfield said before doing his implaed is not hype it takes a lot. So if you do choose to add it, it would really required months or rehersals before it ready to go.
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Evilstalkerhorne New user USA Waterloo Iowa 70 Posts |
I was thinking about constructing an impalment illusion. I want to use a fence except I want it to be a common one. Rot Iron (like C. Angel used) looks very neat but not many around that are 4 ft. Usually they are over the 6 ft range. That is a bit high to possibly fall from! Maybe a regular chicken wire fence could be a lot easier. The common yard type with a circular tubing for posts and support bars at the top with diamond wire tied to them. It could also have a better, wider base on which to balance yourself on (not to mention not needing an assistant anymore). The only part that I have not worked out is how to make the posts come through my shirt since they are larger and rounded silver. I have a couple of ideas but nothing I feel worth the effort or the cost since I think that they would be spotted. I also wanted suggestions on sequencing the drop with the pop..... any ideas?
For serious suggestions I will consult using word files with diagrams and pics of my idea if you give me a email to send to. Thanks! |
mtpascoe Inner circle 1932 Posts |
Pete, if you are still reading this post, where on youtube can you find Harbin doing the Zig Zag? I tried putting in Robert Harbin, but got his terrific torn and restored newspaper trick. Zig Zag gets some weird links. If you have the direct link, please share it.
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mtpascoe Inner circle 1932 Posts |
Never mind. Found the link. http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=harbin+zig+zag
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jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
Mago,
If you're a beginner, take the suggestions above to heart, and skip the "Impaled". Buy yourself a nice buzz saw illusion. Jim |
cupsandballsmagic Inner circle 2705 Posts |
Perhaps look at why you wish t odo the Impaler... I suspect that many (I am not saying that this applies to you) wish to fulfill their own fantasies of stroke their ego's... I have seen Impaled countless times live and had an obsession with it myself for a while, however a simple illusion done well with an emotional hook (such as snow etc) IMHO not only lacks ego but moves an audience and can create a wonderful impact.
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