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Brian Proctor Inner circle Somewhere 2323 Posts |
Why do we not see very many magicians performing on late night shows today?
Dean Dill, Paul Gertner, Michael Ammar, Doug Henning...? If Johnny Carson was still the host of The Tonight show, would we still see many magicians? (Johnny Carson was/is an amature magician.) Is it true that Letterman has a thing against magicians? Im only curious. Perhaps I have already answered my own questions? What is your opinion? |
Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
I've heard that Jay Leno's people don't want any variety acts on.
I'm not sure about Letterman, but he has had Penn & teller and David Roth. Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Our media are a bit saturated with film opennings, sports events and political personages just now. As it happens, magic looks much better in person, so unless it's to advertise a NEW product or tour, there is little call for magic on TV.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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Brian Proctor Inner circle Somewhere 2323 Posts |
As sad as that is, it makes sense. That is really too bad.
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Chout New user 52 Posts |
Another reason is that if close up tricks were performed on these talk shows, only the hosts would get a good view. The audience will have no idea whats going on. Like you guys said, its much more impressive in person.
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nums Veteran user I have a life, or I would have more than 366 Posts |
I got the oppourtunity to perform for Jay Leno when he was in Baltimore for a fund raiser. Three other magicians and I were hired to perform for the guests who payed $250.00 and up per ticket to see him. I actually did a trick for Mr.Leno and he seemed nice although pretty disinterested in the magic overall. I think it would be partly due to the fact that every magician, musician, juggler and the like has thrown themselves at him to try and make the show. To see a picture of me and Mr Leno go here...........
http://www.entrcon.com/events/leno/jayleno016.htm Jeff |
kihei kid Inner circle Dog House 1039 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-12-28 00:31, Greg Arce wrote: The Tonight Show is pathetic. Here’s the line up this week, you tell me if they would not be better off with (King, Williamson, Burton etc. etc.) and scratching someone or something else. 29th Ben Affleck (for the 100th time), Cheryl Hines, Music-The Atairs 30th Ryan & Trista, Dog Olympics, Music-Westside Connection 31st Carrot Top (you got to be kidding me!), Stomp w/Jackie Robinson Steppers, Music- Tom Jones 1st Elijah Wood, Jennifer Tilly, Music-Counting Crows 2nd Bill Maher… give me a break! This guy’s show was canceled due to lack of interest, why does he need more face time?! Mandy Moore, Music-The Funk Brothers w/Darius Rucker And let’s not forget all the comedy (?) skits in between, they need Williamson to make one or two of them disappear.
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”. |
Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
Unfortunately, KK, it's hard to change the opinions of the hiring staff on these shows. I know you mentioned a bunch of acts you wouldn't care to see, but the rest of America tends to disagree with you and this business is all about the ratings. They know that most people will see the name Ben Affleck and tune in while seeing the name David Williamson will evoke "Who?"
I know it's a hard pill to swallow, but that's the way it goes. In order to get these kind of shows you must either have your own show on TV or have received some national press. Hey, David Blaine got on Conan before his show first aired and just did an ambitious card routine so it is possible... but remember his show was set to air. Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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kihei kid Inner circle Dog House 1039 Posts |
OOPS! Sorry Greg! The question was not aimed directly at you. I agree with everything you wrote and it would not suprise me if the Leno people think that way.
However I feel their thinking is convoluted, If they would cut out of the same old cookie cutter mold and distinguish themselves from the pack they may just suprise themselves.
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”. |
M-Illusion Special user 549 Posts |
That's another problem with the major shows, if they go on on a limb and try something unique, they run the risk of poor ratings. In turn, that can lead to loss of high paying advertisers, loss of regular viewers, etc. They stick to a system that works, not that we necessarily agree with it...
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Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
KK, I didn't feel it was directed at me, but I've worked on both sides of this business and I know how these people think. They rarely will try something new on their own for fear it will fail.
The movie and TV business is filled with individuals who are in constant fear of losing their jobs therefore they are afraid to make even one mistake. It always takes one person or group to show that's something successful and then everyone else jumps in. If David Blaine's specials had not worked you would have never seen Criss Angel do his because no one would have bought the idea. I have other friends who work in the independent film area and they always wonder why hollywood puts out the same thing time after time. And I always explain (I'll clean this up a bit), "Hollywood is not interested in content, character development, outlandish plot lines or new stories... they are only interested in what makes money. If someone puts out a film that deals with poodle's taking a c-r-a-p on dinner plates and it makes a ton of money then expect another dozen films to come out about the same subject. Their only concern is money." So what does this mean to us? Well, it means you shouldn't worry about what everyone else is doing... just be the best you can be and hope that someone sees that as the next money maker. Right after Blaine made his show their were a ton of magicians pitching the same ideas. Don't be one of those individuals. Be yourself and do the best that you can and hope someone notices. Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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dreidy Regular user Sydney, Australia 156 Posts |
I'm the technical director on a community show here in Sydney (Channel 31 11pm Friday nights for anyone in the area) and I'm having trouble getting magic onto the show. We have music and a commedian every week, but the level of interest in getting in up and coming magicians each week has been zero.
In the past year we have had four different lots of 'drag kings' (women who dress up like men and perform dances to music - and in all four cases do a very poor job of it) but I can't get one magician on. Any ideas on how to pitch it? We're currently planning the 2004 line up. David. |
Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
David, I wish I had an answer for you, but if I did then magic would be all over the TV.
If you are not the one that has the last say to what goes on the air then maybe you have to take that person out one evening... to a place that is featuring some magician you would like on your show. Hopefully, that magician does such an outstanding job that you could turn to that key person and say, "hey, we should get this guy on our show" or better yet, the key person says to you, "hey, we should get this guy on our show." Or you might need some of the local magicians to start getting some press on their own so you can later show that key person the press they got. Have some of the local magi do a stunt or something of the sort that will get the in the papers. It's an uphill battle, but go for it. Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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JAEIII Veteran user 310 Posts |
David Copperfield and Lance Burton are frequent guests on Leno (well, when they need to promote something). Copperfield used to be on Letterman a lot too. He is on Conan O'Brian a lot too. I suppose you really need to make a name for yourself before they even consider you. Carson was a fan of magic, but had a difficult audition to get through to be considered.
Believe In Magic....I do!
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Rob Johnston Inner circle Utah 2060 Posts |
Letterman still has some on occasionally...but yeah, it is more rare than before.
"Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable." - Margot Fonteyn
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kihei kid Inner circle Dog House 1039 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-12-31 17:47, dreidy wrote: Show them a video of King or Williamson if they don't like that then they need to get a pulse.
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”. |
glodmagic Special user USA 501 Posts |
Sometimes it is the other way around. Big names in magic like DC and LB can get on anytime they want and usually do if it is promoting a new tour, special, etc. They are too busy traveling and entertaining.
Don't lay too much power on these shows. They too, do some begging to fill the time slot with talent. It's a balancing act.
Remember ANY of your posts here can be Googled by your customers and Clients. Just entering your name in Google can bring up your negative comments that stay for years!
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Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
Glodmagic, you are right that sometimes these shows have to quickly fill in a spot that dropped out, but they have go-to comedians, stars and other entertainers that are friends of the show that will drop in. As of yet, I don't think anyone has a go-to magician to fill in a spot.
Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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nums Veteran user I have a life, or I would have more than 366 Posts |
I have been on local TV with a morning show. I was not the focus but was asked by the owner of the resurant to do some magic and the reporter had me do the ID for the host of the show. Any way the other week I was working a Red Lobster and the reporter came and and reconized me after three years. He asked for a card and told me he would give it to his producer and see if they could get me a spot. I am not bragging but say this to you guys as DO not try for the national audience, it is the local guys who pay your salary and those are who you should try to reach.
Hope this makes sense. Jeff |
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