|
|
magicbyJW New user 19 Posts |
I'm doing a stage magic show in a few months and I'm looking for the best zombie for the money. Can anyone recommend a good Zombie? Also, if you have thoughts of good effects that are not incredibly expensive that go over big to crowd, do let me know. Thanks in advance!
|
MagicbyCarlo Inner circle has squandered his time making 1062 Posts |
JW, the Zombie is something that has many factors and "best" depends on what you want.
Do you want a two finger or one finger gimmick? Do you want a larger and heavier ball? The Zombie is more about handling than it is about the prop. Losander can make a "cheap" Zombie look amazing, and others could have an Owen Supreme and make it look like a ball on a stick.
Carlo DeBlasio
<BR>Entertainment specialist <BR>and all around fun guy! |
magicbyJW New user 19 Posts |
My first instinct is a 1 finger gimmick and a fairly large ball. I'm guessing with a larger ball, you would need a two finger gimmick. Any recommendations?
|
Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
The important thing is your presentation and style... movements, mood, music, lighting.... etc.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
|
Derek Dean Regular user Monterey, CA 129 Posts |
I do love Losander's Bubble Zombie, but it might be a little pricey if you're just starting out, however, it certainly is beautiful. Actually, he has a lovely floating bubble routine on his Art of Levitation DVD that is simply wonderful, well worth the price, and might be worth your investigation.
As other's have mentioned, the Zombie (as with most magic)is more about how you present it than about the props (although I do enjoy a nicely draping foulard), so I would absolutely invest in a good DVD to learn a nice routine. And then practice, practice, practice. It's not all that easy to make something actually appear to float and it really helps to SEE how the moves are supposed to look. Again, Losander's Art of Levitation DVD is excellent, but it's not precisely about the Zombie. Maybe somebody else could recommend a good learning DVD specifically for the Zombie. As for other stage effects..... a lot depends on your audience and situation. Kids, adults, or a mix? Big stage, small stage, in doors or out doors? What kind of magician are you? Serious, comical, scientific, mystic, sideshow? Putting together a good stage routine is much more than stringing together a series of "tricks". It helps to have a theme that ties them together..... reasons for the magic to happen, so think about that when selecting the magic you wish to perform. I will mention one that I saw as a kid that has stuck with me all these years. The magician had a cane that he held between his hands, and it magically melted away leaving a beautiful large silk foulard between his hands. Maybe a bit passe today, but that's one of the things that got me started in magic, and it's relatively inexpensive and easy to learn. Good luck! |
hbwolkov Inner circle 2947 Posts |
Ultimately, the actual zombie you select will not make or break your performance. This routine is all about serious practice and the artistry of the presentation.
Some of the better DVD's available to help you with the presentation include: Losander, Levitation,vols.1,2, 3 and Animate Me Jeb Sherrill, Zombie Reanimated Vol 1,2 Tim Wright, Zombie
Northern California
|
Mark Boody Illusionist Inner circle 1366 Posts |
Another stage effect that I use all the time that always gets a great reaction is Shrinking & Growing Head Illusion by Bruce Kalver. It's awesome!!!
Mark
Only he who can see the invisible can do the impossible. Frank L. Gaines
|
Cyberqat Inner circle You can tell I work on the net from my 2209 Posts |
A big question is, do you prefer a light or heavy ball? And do you prefer a traditional or "coat-hanger" style gimmick?
I learned on a MiracleBall and tend to go for light/coathanger. Your milage may vary.
It is always darkest just before you are eaten by a grue.
|
Stucky Inner circle I'm Batman! 1355 Posts |
I do agree that Jeb Sherrill's videos are a must have. SO much info to be had.
Official Thread Killer
|
Brent McLeod Inner circle 1792 Posts |
Zombie is a beautiful effect -Ive been using it around 30yrs in theatrres & clubs worldwide
and it still plays strong for lay audiences.. however It takes plenty of practice-months actually It must be done to music suited to the character of the ball you wish to show... The routine must only be about 90 seconds in length.. As Pete mentioned earlier-presentation is the key Jeff McBrides stage series has a great section on Zombie also Tim Wrights is very good.. cheers |
MoonRazor Special user 843 Posts |
If I'd never done a zombie, I'd start w/ Raymond Crowes 'naked zombie' dvd. Learn how to make a ball float using just mime tech. Then when you've mastered that, move on. So first ungimmicked ball w/just mime, then naked zombie, then regular zombie Jeff McBrides series is very good. Worlds greatest magic series should be good but have never seen it.
I'm thinking that starting that way, you may avoid some bad habits, but what do I know. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricks & Effects » » Best Zombie and stage magic? (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |