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axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 2126 Posts |
"Talent and experience makes all the difference"
It sure does. Michael bought the chimp at Blackpool about an hour after he won the "International Children's Entertainer" award.. (he also used our Remote control Magic Drawing board in his routine). Lou is also a talented performer and he put that early video up only put up as a "first show test" for the other owners to see. That's why it says "First time in a show". We share things back and forth and help each other. The previous statement that "no doubt the performer will improve in time but monkey isn't going to get much better" is a bit strong. The chimp can be programmed to behave in thousands of ways within limits of course. Here is another of Lou's videos 3 months later than the previous one. It shows good progress and the kids are laughing all the way! Good interaction between the two "performers" I think. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTu9Px04_gU
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Pro Puppets, Magic & Animatronics |
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kihei kid Inner circle Dog House 1039 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-05-11 13:03, Wizzo the wizard wrote: And… Quote:
But they wanted me to do the bird first! And… Quote:
Now I wasn't allowed to walk on without the bird. And… Quote:
I was told NO, you have to walk on with the bird And… Quote:
Now the act was meant to go like this And… Quote:
What you saw was edited so much And… Quote:
I also found out that if you make the TV stage they sign you up and then control all of your work! First of all, congratulations on having the courage to do something like that. Second, this is just SOME of the reasons why even though I have the courage to do something like that I would never bother even if they paid me. But, that’s just me. These talent shows are so fundamentally flawed it’s ridiculous. Here, just ONE person is trying to bring HIS act (talent) to a big time show and they tell him what’s what!?!!! What’s the point? If you can’t do YOUR show and have to abide and adapt on the fly I guess I’m lost as to why even have one of these shows to begin with. I can see Tom Mullica now… Sorry pal, you can’t use lit cigarettes, a lighter or for that matter even use an unlit cigarette in any way shape or form. How about doing that thing where you make the hankie disappear in your fist? Yikes! How does a national audience ever get to see the real deal? And the judges… don’t even get me going on that one. What a joke, and by joke I don’t mean in the ha, ha funny sense. And because three talking heads say it’s a fake and cheating I’m supposed to believe it’s the gospel?! HA! American Idol is cut from the same filthy cloth. Quote:
Now would I do it again, no bloody way. Good for you and I don’t blame you one iota. Now, tell everyone you know.
In loving memory of Hughie Thomasson 1952-2007.
You brought something beautiful to this world, you touched my heart, my soul and my life. You will be greatly missed. Until we meet again “my old friend”. |
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kimmo Inner circle Sheffield 1193 Posts |
As I explained earlier - my experience of this competition ended in the very first round, before the televised shows.
I was picked out from the auditions and told that I was through to the next stage - they then filmed footage of me queuing and waiting in the holding area and told me that they wanted to interview me on camera. I was given a pep talk by what looked like a 16 year old girl with headphones and a clipboard, during which I was told to 'Big myself up' and 'answer all questions in the form of a sentence'. What followed was a rather strange interview where she tried to put words in my mouth and make me come accross as very big headed. I kept saying stuff like 'I've had a great time and met loads of talented people - I just hope the judges like my act'. This wasn't good enough and she kept saying that I wouldn't get through if I didn't show more confidence. I proved as stubborn as she was and sure enough a rejection letter arrived in the post a couple of weeks later. When I saw the shows I thanked my lucky stars that I didn't get through.
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themagiciansapprentice Inner circle Essex, UK 1381 Posts |
I've has a similar experience of being interviewed by the BBC (for a non-magical event). The televised bit was only two phrases from one-hour of filming and they cut the show segement from an 1 hour special to less than 15 minutes.
Have wand will travel! Performing children's magic in the UK for Winter 2014 and Spring 2015.
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Tony James Inner circle Cheshire UK 1398 Posts |
Funny. So different from the old Opportunity Knocks with Hughie Green. Big show. Big audiences and he was present at the auditions. They used big clubs around the UK and the places were heaving with the same sorts of people, all wanting to try and make it. You got your three minutes and I did a snippet from my club act, exactly as I did it normally.
Now here's the difference. Everyone involved was polite, kind, encouraging, helpful. Afterwards, Hughie - yes, he was there, attended them all - he spoke to each act for a minute perhaps, thanking, explaining why you hadn't got through and finding something positive to say. We all left knowing we hadn't won but we were good for other venues. That's really the only difference except that the acts which did get through were not later made to look foolish in order to make Hughie Green or anyone else look smart and good. He didn't need to of course. He had his own ways of promoting himself.
Tony James
Still A Child At Heart |
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Tony Curtis Special user Bangkok Thailand 840 Posts |
Many acts audition for Britain’s Got Talent but very few make it onto the live shows. This performer got a spot on a prime time TV show watched by millions of viewers. Ask yourself how much that kind of publicity would cost.
Tony Curtis
Over 100 previous Magic Wagon effects along with descriptions,
images & videos can now be viewed on my website. Click Here |
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Red Shadow Inner circle 1788 Posts |
I agree, good or bad, the publicity this show provides is priceless.
But there is another factor worth considering - self improvement. Many of us are content on just performing at kids parties for the rest of our lives. But others have ambitions to go further. This show is one of the few avenues to fame and fortune and even knowing how bad it can go, you have to be willing to take the chance if you want to aspire in this career, and achieve your dreams. Even after how they treated me, I see the opportunity they could provide me and so am seriously considering trying again next year. If you shy away from opportunities like this, you will be shutting out potential for greatness. I don't think there is anything wrong with being content and just earning enough to pay the mortgage, but for the few of us that have attempted this show, understand that we all have desires to be something more, and that is why we tried. Steve P.S: the money may have also played a small factor, but I seriously doubt anybody was bothered about meeting the Queen. I see enough Queens in the clubs on Saturday Night. I don't need to see another! |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Tony, I too remember "Opportunity Knocks" - I auditioned at least 3 times. But Hughie was only present at one audition. That time, he chatted to me, and as you said was very encouraging. He even asked me to do a couple of tricks - and I impessed him with my sleight-of-hand.....he had arrived after my audition, so probably wasn't aware that I'd been very average, as my stage show back then was dreadful! (I was only about 12). But I left with a very positive feeling, and always wanted to try again, and again.....
I was fortunate enough (?) to meet the Queen and perform for her at about the same time. I met her in Dundee, on her walkabout for Jubliee Year. She was unconsciously aloof, asking me when she approached: "And what are you?" She meant what do I do for a living....once I told her I was a schoolkid, the conversation went very nicely, I told her that I was to be singing in the Scottish Youth choir later that day, an event specially scheduled for the Royal Visit. Everyone in the crowd rushed up after she moved away, asking what she'd said! The nice thing was, that in the afternoon, at the concert, whlist we were singing the glorious "Polovtsian Dances" (the nice melodic bit - also known as "Strangers in Paradise"), she caught my eye and smiled. I did find the experience a very positive one in an otherwise rather dull time in deepest Scotland. The bottom line is that these experiences all add to our capabilities as performers. There are many highly skilled musicians, magicians, and other artistes, who NEVER perform - the whole thing about show business is that you learn to reveal yourself, to laugh at yourself, and not to take yourself too seriously. Perform because you love to entertain people, not because you want to show off, and you'll develop faster than you could imagine! Potty |
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Tony James Inner circle Cheshire UK 1398 Posts |
I agree with all that's said and if I were a lot younger I would be tempted to do it too, as I did for Ops Knocks. I too had hopes that I might just get out of the grind of the clubs and find work somewhere better.
No, what I object to in all this is people who should have more about them using honest acts as cannon fodder, for them to treat badly in order to promote themselves. And the squads of people backstage who fix things to ensure acts won't look at their best. True amateurs can put themselves into those situations because they are not experienced. Pros know how to avoid many situations so they are stitched up in order that they can't succeed and I find that shameful.
Tony James
Still A Child At Heart |
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axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 2126 Posts |
Occasionally one slips through. I'm sure you know the ventriloquist Terry Fator from last season's America's Got Talent who won the million and went on to get a full time gig at the Mirage in Vegas. $100 million for 5 years (renewable). Virtually unknown before AGT on the road playing the fair circuit.
http://www.terryfator.com/
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Pro Puppets, Magic & Animatronics |
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Neale Bacon Inner circle Burnaby BC Canada 1775 Posts |
I spoke to Terry at Venthaven and he said he hoped to make it a couple of rounds and get a spot on Letterman. It took a few weeks before he went "Hey I could win this"
Neale Bacon and his Crazy Critters
Burnaby BC Canada's Favourite Family Ventriloquist www.baconandfriends.com |
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Tony Curtis Special user Bangkok Thailand 840 Posts |
Personally I don’t think that a specialty act like a magician, ventriloquist or juggler could ever win Britain’s Got Talent. The reason I say this is because of the lack of venues for these types of acts to work in England. We have no Las Vegas style casinos at present and the theater shows are all suffering due to the current recession. You also have to remember that people like Simon Cowell are looking for singers or music type acts to manage and make money from. We will see how this series goes but my money is on a singer to win.
Tony Curtis
Over 100 previous Magic Wagon effects along with descriptions,
images & videos can now be viewed on my website. Click Here |
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axtell V.I.P. Steve Axtell 2126 Posts |
But they are auditioning to perform for the Queen aren't they?
Ax
Axtell Expressions, Inc.
Pro Puppets, Magic & Animatronics |
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Tony Curtis Special user Bangkok Thailand 840 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-05-16 17:07, axtell wrote: They are auditioning for a place on the Royal Variety Show which the Queen attends, but not always every year. I still stand by my previous post that Britain’s Got Talent is a great place to be seen, but nothing more than that if you are a specialty act. Tony Curtis
Over 100 previous Magic Wagon effects along with descriptions,
images & videos can now be viewed on my website. Click Here |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Although perfrming for the Queen would seem to be the big cherry, the real prize for most folks would be the £100,000 and the opportunity to put "as seen in the Royal Variety Performance" in their ad copy...not that you need that once you win the show, you're made!
I believe that the majority of the great performers are put through, and in the final stages, the acts are all superb. The selection process is ruthless, as is the editing, but also the judges do have a good sense of what makes quality TV - in the end, can anyone blame them for doing what they're paid to do - create a very watchable show. My 2c. Potty |
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Tony Curtis Special user Bangkok Thailand 840 Posts |
Watch this week’s BGT on you tube and see Eugene The Poet Librarian. He presented a well scripted and timed routine and got a standing ovation from the audience and also praise from the judges and is through to the next round. Now imaging a magician doing the six card repeat to a funny story. It’s just possible he could get the same response.
Tony Curtis
Over 100 previous Magic Wagon effects along with descriptions,
images & videos can now be viewed on my website. Click Here |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Eugene played his role very well. He got through to the next round, but of course, he won't win. The difference between Eugene and your average magician, is that Eugene's act, though far from original, was much less hackneyed than (say) the 6-card repeat.
Magicians have made it past the first audition stages, as have vents....and of course, Terry Fator winning America's Got Talent rather proves that anything is possible. ;) |
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Tony Curtis Special user Bangkok Thailand 840 Posts |
Just analyse what the guy did in the short time he was on stage. He walks on and gets an immediate reaction from the audience. Then in five deliveries of well scripted material receives a standing ovation. Now ask yourself, how was it possible to do this. The answer is simplicity.
Posted: May 20, 2009 2:38am This clip of Wayne Dobson on the Royal Variety Show really does emphasise how simplicity can be amazingly entertaining. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAWi15MAOmo&feature/ Tony Curtis
Over 100 previous Magic Wagon effects along with descriptions,
images & videos can now be viewed on my website. Click Here |
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Tony James Inner circle Cheshire UK 1398 Posts |
I remember that show. It was a classic of the big occasion - avoiding the pitfalls of the new and untried and doing a routine which he had honed to perfection through working it for years. He knew it, inside out, back to front and it showed.
Anyone working like that would make an impact on BGT or similar but the question is - how far would they get? It would depend on the company the act was keeping. Up against a young child or a performing dog, probably not too far. As you said yourself Tony, speciality acts are supporters, rarely headliners.
Tony James
Still A Child At Heart |
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Tony Curtis Special user Bangkok Thailand 840 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-05-20 03:46, Tony James wrote: I worked for three years as Wayne’s personal assistant and driver so have seen him perform in many situations. What stands out for me was his ability to go on stage for forty five minutes without any visible props and entertain an audience. Tony Curtis
Over 100 previous Magic Wagon effects along with descriptions,
images & videos can now be viewed on my website. Click Here |
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