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niva Inner circle Malta (Europe) 2970 Posts |
Yes, that is how I look at it too, dove-boy. But I am sorry to tell you that there is nothing special with the gimmick. It could easily be made. I think it is a little over priced, as I already mentioned, although you get everything you need to start practicing it and a video instruction too, if I am not mistaken.
Ivan
Yours,
Ivan |
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Jon Gallagher Veteran user Elmwood, Illinois 395 Posts |
The effect is only $750 if you use it one time. Use it in ten shows, and the price is only $75. Use it in 100 shows and your price drops to $7.50.
Keep this in mind when purchasing magic equipment and it helps put the price in perspective. |
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Joao Miranda Elite user Portugal 441 Posts |
Well, about this trick $750 is very, very expensive for what you receive.
Regards |
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Corey K Special user Rhode Island 502 Posts |
"If anyone can make easily...this will not be a wise investment."
I don't quite understand how you came up with this one. It's not the fact that it's easy to make or not. It's KJ's invention, and he has the right to charge whatever he wants for it. I'm sure he has a dozen reasons why the price is so high. He hand makes them himself for one. I'm sure materials aren't exactly cheap. Finally, this is something Kevin James still uses in his show. I'm sure he doesn't want everyone and their cousin doing this at all their kid's shows. So, you have to decide if it's for you or not. But if it is, do the right thing and buy it from KJ, don't try to make it yourself. Odds are it won't come out right.
Corey King
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Dr. Jakks Special user 832 Posts |
I actually made this myself without knowing about Bowl-a-Rama. I saw the Lance Burton Animal Planet special and saw the outtakes and thought of an easy way to do it, made it (using a bunny) and showed it to a few friends. Finally one of them asked me how I payed for it... He then told me about bowl-a-rama. I have used it a few times since, but not professionally.
Jakks |
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Joao Miranda Elite user Portugal 441 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-04-22 20:48, Corey K wrote: That is right, but if the price were perhaps $300 he would have a lot of money with the product. Just my 2 cents |
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bekralik Inner circle Canada 1349 Posts |
But then there would be more people performing the effect, which would reduce its intrinsic value when he performs it. You can't put a pricetag on knowing people hire him for shows or lectures hoping that he performs one of his signature effects, like Bowl-A-Rama.
Sometimes hard cash isn't the only motivator. Doveboy, I'll try to answer your questions: 1. It takes a minute or two to prepare the pad. 2. You don't have to buy a replacement pad from Kevin, but I'm not sure how widely available they are. I'm sure they ARE available, though, I just haven't needed to hunt them down. 3. The bowling ball is fairly light, I think only 7 lbs., maybe, and the effect is designed for pretty much that sized/weighted ball. 4. No carrying case, except a cardboard box that comes standard with bowling balls. 5. Yes, you can use it to produce other similar shape/size items (I don't think a fire extinguisher would be possible). 6. Yeah, I think normal stage auditorums aren't a problem (apparently unless you're in the UK, but just check out your performing area first). 9. I dunno. I would say maybe less than 200 sold, but that's a guess based on my number. He could be counting backwards from 1,000,000 for all I know. Regarding how easy is it to make, I wouldn't say it's easy to make at all. Everything is possible to make, but for something like this, you should want and appreciate James' precision, especially if it's to be a headline opening effect. He has a website at http://www.kjmagic.com where you can confirm these answers or ask him other questions, right to the source. Brian |
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dove-boy Special user Joe Yu (Stage Name) 545 Posts |
Hi bekralik
Thanks for your great help & taking the time to write the detailed explanation for each of my questions; many, many thanks!!!!!!! I deeply appreciate...just ordered one set in...will try out soon. Thanks again!!! Warmest regards dove-boy |
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p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
HI,
I have just posted an extra bit for the Andrew Mayne bowling ball production here for those with secret session access. http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......37&0 Phillip |
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dove-boy Special user Joe Yu (Stage Name) 545 Posts |
Dear group
Just bought the KJ bowling ball production..need URGENT HELP! I am able to perform all the steps EXCEPT producing the ball from the pad smoothly.. thanks for any help... Regards doveboy |
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The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
Dove-boy,
I found that when I first got my bowlorama that the ball wasn't coming out...you have to make sure that the ball goes into the gimmick straight...if it isn't then the ball can get stuck and hard to come up...enjoy! |
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Nick Wait Inner circle Lichfield, UK 1042 Posts |
Hi
I am not a pro but am wanting to get more into stage magic. I was planning on buying this effect but wander what conditions you need to be able to perform it. How big a stage, Angles.Etc.Are there any alternatives for someone unable to perform stage magic as much as he would like. |
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daffydoug Eternal Order Look mom! I've got 14077 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-04-15 20:21, bekralik wrote: But bowling balls ARE heavy! I've done some bowling, and I can testify to that!
The difficult must become easy, the easy beautiful and the beautiful magical.
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Eoas New user Australia 40 Posts |
I think this trick is getting too much exposure, being performed in the same way. I've seen the EXACT performance done by an Aussie illusionist. My 2 sense (don't pull me up here grammer supers) is that if you buy this trick, mix it up a bit! An example is the new orange tree.
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spcarlson Veteran user Minneapolis MN 369 Posts |
There may be a little too much info given here for a public forum, if you are seriously interested in purchasing the production contact KJMagic.com or PM someone here at the Café who owns the effect.
Bowl-A-Rama comes with a video; everything you need to know is very thoroughly explained. Kevin has made the production to last a lifetime of hard use and the effect is so strong it is well worth the investment. Regarding cost; magical effects are best looked at as investments in your performing career. Buy the best and it will not only last you for as long as you choose to perform it but it will retain a certain resale value should your show move in a different direction. If you are earning income from magic it is also a tax deducible expense. All the best, Steven |
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Tim Hannig Inner circle Chicago area 1147 Posts |
I have it and love it.
No one has ever come up and said that they've seen it before, even with some tv exposure. People don't remember these things for that long. I hope to find some other gems like this out there... ***quick reset in between shows ***doesn't require talking ***it's cool and different ***all ages get it, from little kids to senior citizens ***it's amazing, and with the "thud" it gets gasps ***it's a quick trick to do Any recommendations for something else that might fit most of these qualifications?
Author of PERFORM, the 2020 Magic Cafe Book of the Year
"I loved this book!" Ken Weber "4 out of 4 stars!" Nick Lewin "This will be a classic of magic!" Mark Pocan performbettershows.com |
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-04-22 21:06, Dr. Jakks wrote: This is still unethical. You have reverse engineered someone else's work. If you perform this in public, you owe KJ money. That's a fact.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Now, let me give you a review of Bowl-A-Rama from a theatrical standpoint, comparing it to similar effects.
1) It is a very strong opening effect. 2) It is not angle proof; however, if you have a deep enough knowledge of blocking you can overcome this by using the same techniques that John Calvert used when he performed his suspension in the middle of a dance floor. If you are not familiar with this, you probably don't need to produce a bowling ball. 3) Someone asked if this would damage a stage floor. It depends on how well made the floor is. Dropping a bowling ball on a floor is not likely to damage it unless it is made of soft wood (the floor, not the ball). You can minimize this in a number of ways, though. 4) Get an 8 pound or 10 pound bowling ball. That will cut down the weight problem and the possibility of damage. 5) Put a thick carpet on the floor where you are going to drop the ball. Nobody will notice it, and it will make you happier. 6) If you are not a professional, you don't need this trick. It's for pro's, which is one reason it costs so much. 7) I have seen Kevin perform this live at least a half dozen times. Sometimes the angles get him, sometimes they don't. Having a black backdrop helps. This is NOT a street magic trick so don't even think about it unless you work the right venues. 8) Andrew Mayne's bowling ball production is really a variation on Walter Blaney's expanding rabbit. 9) There is a theatrical flaw in Bowl-A-Rama that Johnny Thompson's bowling ball production does not have. Anyone know what it is?
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Okay. Since nobody answered. I'll tell you what it is.
When Johnny (and Don Alan) produces the bowling ball, it is at chest height. Why is this important? BECAUSE THE AUDIENCE CAN SEE IT!!!!!!! The first question in the spectators' minds is "Is that a real bowling ball?" So they either drop it or they bowl it off-stage. Trust me. This is better theater. There is a solution, though.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
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music Special user 623 Posts |
Is the ball from the pad really magical or is it just suprising? I found it obvious the very first time I seen it performed, then again I probably look at it with magicians eyes, but I've always wondered if the audience really has any doubt as to where the ball could have come from. I will have to say though that in the half dozen or so times I've seen it, the audience did give a decent response. Johnny Thompsons bowling ball production however is practically Perfect!
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