I am currently in the process of preparing a T.V. interview with a magician. The magician I am interviewing is not well know in the public eye. What questions would you ask that would be interesting to a general audience?

I was thinking of such questions as:

• What got you started in magic?
  
• What would you suggest people do if they want to find out more?
  
• Where do you currently showcase your magic?
  
• What magicians inspire you?
  
• Do you think there is enough magic on T.V. in the UK or do you think the general public would like to see more? (Maybe at this point comment on current T.V. Programs i.e. Monkey magic.)
  
• What are popular misconceptions in magic?
  

These questions need editing.

I know we have some great minds in the magic Café so I look forward to any suggestions people may have.

Thanks in advance for any replies
Stephen Lawson

Stephen,
I’m sure he has a lot of unique experiences involving the people that watch his act, you might work in that direction.

Ask about the most extreme reactions, funniest reactions, weirdest offer, or the most difficult or rewarding aspect of being a magician etc.

Like any story, who, what, where and why.

Don't get to deep ... keep it light.

Keep it short ... a lot of info can be gotten in a short time.

Although it was in ancient times (86-91) while touring magic, nationally, I did countless TV (and radio, go figure) interview shows. The more interesting tapes I watched were the short ones. Time tends to make you look "jerky".

A "short" opener type of effect would be acceptable ... even desired.

You as interviewer will have to play the part of the astonished onlooker. With comments like, "that is great", "I wasn't expecting that", "very nice"— you know what I'm going for ... even if his magic is the oldest magic trick in the world and boring, you play it up. After all YOU wanted to interview him. He better be special even if he ain't.

He will know what he has to say, so ask him what questions he thinks you should ask and tell him before the interview, what you plan to ask. He will be better prepared and your interview will go better.
..............Jesse

I agree with Jessie. The main TV talk shows set up their interviews by asking the interviewee what they want to discuss, then forming questions around it. Then they actually rehearse the interview. That's why, unfortunatly, sometimes the interview seems "canned". A good host can make a rehearsed interview seem spontaneous.

S. Patrick

Ask him what is his most CRAZY performance story... You never know what you may find out.. ;->

See Ya,
Gambit242

Ask positive questions or questions that would give you positive answer for instance don't ask anything about a bad experience and if he had ever had a bad show asking what are the rewards of being a magician?, what have been the greatest experiences that he has lived thanks to magic. that will put him on a very positive state and he will feel more confident and that is going to reflect on the interview. If you want to know more about changing states on a person pm me and I'll recomend you a good author on that. that would improve your interviews in general! thank you

I suggest asking what he feels "sets his magic apart". Hopefully, he'll feel proud, and will promote hmself nicely, puting on a positive, interesting face!

Hi

use "Tell me about --------" it is open and there will be no short answers.

Paula

I think their origins in magic is a great question. That is what people as me ALL the time.

Ask him a little about dc and wait for the reaction?

Just some ideas..

1. what can people look forwrad to from your performance?

2. Whats the funniest reaction you ever got after you did a trick?

3. Have you ever pulled a rabbit out of a hat?

4. If I wanted to get into magic where would I start?

5. Do girls love magic and magicians?

6. David blaine or david Copperfield who is better?

7. HOw long does it take to master an illusion?

8. How do your family and friends react to your magic?

Simple my friend..

You have him prepare you with question before hand..

I also provide the interviewer with question..
In return I am interviewing the interviewer... so to speak
This way the magician will know how to respond in the best way and combine magic in the interview as you speak... but don't forget... questions that suddleny pop into your mind..... is always great too..

Cheers
Curtis Eugene Lovell II