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Ravenspur Regular user Granby, MA 167 Posts |
As a high school teacher, I have the luxury of the summer mostly free. I've been watching videos and practicing magic regularly. Now that I have some time, I'm disappointed to find a lot of instructional videos are, well, boring. I've already learned a lot from John Bannon, including some presentation tips, but I'm not excited about the tricks themselves, partly because of the low-key presentation. If it were just Bannon, I'd think it was him, but I'm finding a lot of other videos that teach an effect (on the SAM website, for example) and there's nothing but technique. Very little about how it could or should be presented. I feel like I may be missing out on good material within my limited skill set.
1) Am I missing something or are the videos missing something? 2) How or where can I get some idea of how to perform effects that might otherwise look sort of dull? There are many exceptions like the supporting video for Tequila Hustler, which includes performances on the street with random people. |
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Harry Lorayne 1926 - 2023 New York City 8558 Posts |
From another thread - I'll let just a few others speak for me:
My favorite DVD set. Many if not most teaching videos are boring. Harry is never boring. Magic Mike - MeetMagicMike.com Couldn't agree more! There are many valuable lessons in both the books and videos; but Harry is just plain fun to watch and be amazed at the same time! Lynn Never, ever bored watching, re-watching and watching again Lorayne doing magic. And I own his dvds. WingChu
[email]harrylorayne@earthlink.net[/email]
http://www.harrylorayne.com http://www.harryloraynemagic.com |
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Wravyn Inner circle 3479 Posts |
I am more of a book learner rather than a DVD/video student so I have no experience in Harry Lorayne’s DVD’s. Yet, I will say this, I would imagine that his video instructions are as clear and easy to follow as his written instructions. The performance videos I have viewed of him performing some of his things, I feel you would be making an investment in your magic journey.
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funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9982 Posts |
It will always be difficult to learn magic from a video because it is not there. Technique, yes. Learning sleights and moves, yes.
But any video provides a limited perspective of events and misses the group dynamics and spontaneous "must be magic" reaction. Some videos, like Harry's, are less boring than others - but, boredom, like magic occurs in the mind of the observer. Reading good stuff will help, augmented by visual "suggestions" - but the real jump in learning will come form the ability to create the effect in your mind and play it from beginning to end from different perspectives. Never boring because it is you being creative. Then you perform the routine and compare it with the imagined effect. A combination of functional and instrumental learning. What you can learn from videos is that it is poor tool for learning magic. Tricks, maybe. Magic - no. Finding a practice buddy will help, as will finding a mentor to hold your feet to the fire. Neither are on video. Having offered that opinion - just happily immerse yourself in everything and they "you" bubble to the top like froth on beer. If you are bored - why?
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
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Ravenspur Regular user Granby, MA 167 Posts |
For Harry: Where do I start with your videos? You have quite a few, you know!
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Ravenspur Regular user Granby, MA 167 Posts |
For Wrayn:
I've been using a combination of texts and videos. Skill-wise, I wasn't getting far with Card College. I learned the existence of things, but I usually have to supplement with video on the slights. I got John Bannon Move Zero to learn some self-working tricks. I've learned two. I've also tried out a couple of Fulve's self-workers. Maybe I'm selling them short, but they haven't turned me on. Maybe it's just me. I've been contemplating whether to subscribe to REEL Magic. It's cheap enough. Tequila Hustler's instructional videos are quite good. Right on the street. Real reactions from real people. |
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Mr. Woolery Inner circle Fairbanks, AK 2149 Posts |
You can see some example performances from Harry’s DVDs on YouTube. Just search his name. This will tell you whether you will like his stuff. And it is worth being on the L&L mailing list to get their sales. I particularly like Bill Malone as a performer and suggest you check out his examples on YouTube, as well.
Dick Oslund may be here soon to remind us that magic is not inherently entertaining. He is right. And you have recently discovered this. Just because a magician has technical skills does not mean he is fun to watch. One of my favorite ways to approach scripting magic is to create a character and situation for the trick. Whit Haydn and Master Payne are fabulous at this. Not many others are that I’m aware of. So, here’s one way to do it: you are a traveling performer of Queen Elizabeth’s time. You need to make people laugh, get them to pay you, and avoid accusations that could mean a visit with the Inquisition. Grab a dvd at random, close your eyes, put a finger on the contents list. The trick you are pointing at is your assignment. You can substitute other sorts of cards. Trading cards, Uno, business cards, etc. but you have to do that trick. How do you make it fun? Patrick |
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Harry Lorayne 1926 - 2023 New York City 8558 Posts |
Funsway: Less boring?!?! Over the decades NOBODY has EVER mentioned the word "boring" in connection with me. I posted some remarks in another thread of people saying that my videos ARE NEVER, EVER BORING. Thanks for YOUR remark!!
Ravenspur: My "Best Ever" 4-volume DVD set (that people all over the world rave about - well except Funsway!) is $130.00 for the set if you're in the U.S.A. Go to harryloraynemagic.com - click on "Store" and then on "Magic DVDS" . Any questions - anyone - email me at the first address under this post (with the word "earthlink" - be my pleasure to answer your questions - with as little boredom as possible!!!!
[email]harrylorayne@earthlink.net[/email]
http://www.harrylorayne.com http://www.harryloraynemagic.com |
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Harry Lorayne 1926 - 2023 New York City 8558 Posts |
Trying to copy those "NOT boring" posts - for Funsway:
My favorite DVD set. Many if not most teaching videos are boring. Harry is never boring. Magic Mike Couldn't agree more! There are many valuable lessons in both the books and videos; but Harry is just plain fun to watch and be amazed at the same time! Lynn Never, ever bored watching, re-watching and watching again Lorayne doing magic. And I own his dvds! WingChu
[email]harrylorayne@earthlink.net[/email]
http://www.harrylorayne.com http://www.harryloraynemagic.com |
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funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9982 Posts |
If you read my entire post you would know I was teasing - building on the fact that the Op finds the study of magic boring. It is called hyperbole.
Surprised that you would find my mention of you and your work anything other than complimentary. None of my posts in 10 years about you and your work have even less than enthusiastic. So, I drew attention to the "boring" aspect of learning magic. and it worked! You got a chance to mention a number of your books and links that may help the OP. So, the proper word is "thanks."
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
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Harry Lorayne 1926 - 2023 New York City 8558 Posts |
You're right...Thanks!!!
[email]harrylorayne@earthlink.net[/email]
http://www.harrylorayne.com http://www.harryloraynemagic.com |
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Harry Lorayne 1926 - 2023 New York City 8558 Posts |
Sorry that I misunderstood your "teasing" and "hyperbole." Hopefully not too many others reading your post did the same.
[email]harrylorayne@earthlink.net[/email]
http://www.harrylorayne.com http://www.harryloraynemagic.com |
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Ravenspur Regular user Granby, MA 167 Posts |
Thanks for the recommendations, Harry! I'll check them out.
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funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9982 Posts |
I will try a more direct approach ...
Any quest to learn magic will take you to books eventually. Videos can be fine to stimulate the desire to learn or to clarify fine points of technique. The advantage of a book is being able to rest it in your lap while imagination and visual role-play take over. Bu tall books are not equal in this regard. Start with or include on your list some that will entertain as well as teach. Harry will readily tell you the advantages of his books- pay attention! I fail to understand how anyone can be bored with the study of magic" the reasons why folks enjoy it, the way our minds work and don't, the enhancement of everyday living, the rush of creativity, etc. - so, I may joke rather than shed a tear. "To know life you must live life" and magic is a special way of embracing awe&wonder - the real magic is that you and I are here to appreciate the offerings such as Harry's to make the journey easier. a video - not so much ... Don't limit yourself to Harry's books, though
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
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BCS Inner circle 1083 Posts |
I agree with Funsway.... video is fine for seeing what a particular move should look like, but a book is something you can revisit many times over and gleam something new upon each reading. I still enjoy reading books I have purchased 40 years ago.
Whatever works best for you... no right or wrong. Take care, Bruce |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Jay Marshall and I were discussing "how to put a new trick in the act", one evening, about 20 years ago.
We decided that three "steps" were necessary. 1. Learn how the trick is DONE. 2, Learn how to DO it. 3. Learn how to DO it so that it E N T E R T A I N S an audience. That "formula" reminded me of Dr. A.M. Wilson's statement in the now defunct "SPHINX" magazine: "Magic is an art that sometimes instructs, often amuses, but, always entertains." I was 14 when I read that, and, it took a few years of watching inept "magicians" perform, to realize that the good doctor was wrong! Ken Weber's "MAXIMUM ENTERTAINMENT" can help a "wannabee" magician, succeed. Thanks, PAT, for the "intro"!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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TomB Veteran user Michigan, USA 331 Posts |
There are a lot of 4k YouTube videos that teach tricks and are very entertaining, especially up close card magic. You can then watch other YouTube videos of people performing these tricks on people.
For instance, last week a YouTube sensation (Anna Deguzman) who is just 20 years old, started cardistry at the age of 15, and practicing magic for only 2 years, was on Penn and Teller. She learned most of what she knows off YouTube. So yes, you can learn what you want on YouTube. Or you can learn from a DVD, or a book, or even a mentor. But in the end, you will still need to practice, 100s or even 1000s of times to do it effortlessly by yourself before showing it to anyone else. Then you will have to try it in front of people and see if it gets the reaction you want. Different days will result in different reactions. I read Blaney would come on stage with his big Texan style with his fake lasso. He knew the reaction his crowd was going to give based on if they laughed at his fake rope. He struggled with why one day people would clap and other days they were silent. Dick Oslund is absolutely correct in his 3 steps. Regardless how you learn the trick, that is just the beginning. |
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Drylid Regular user San Antonio, TX 107 Posts |
A rule that I always follow is of something is presented with no idea for performance I skip it. Yes the mechanic aspect is important but if a magician cant give you a routine then its not tested in real places. As you get better you can make your own routine up and customize but I always check to see if it comes with a way to present first
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funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9982 Posts |
Quote:
On Jul 21, 2019, Drylid wrote: seems like an overreach judgment. Many tricks come with a worthless presentation suggestion just to get your thinking started. Not sure what "real places" you plan on performing in. I select my planned effects based on what my audience expects and will appreciate - not what came in the box. In most real places, folks use apostrophes and commas as a routine way of communicating. Should I reject your opinion because of your poor grammar? There are many reasons for a magician not to share all he/she knows. That doesn't mean they "can't" - just that they "won't," perhaps so as not to restrict your imagination. If you only wish to purchase tricks based on the included routine it is a personal choice. Please don't assign motives to the creator.
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
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Drylid Regular user San Antonio, TX 107 Posts |
Posting from a cell phone buddy.and I'm just sharing my opinion as to why some dvds are boring as they are presented by lame guys with no imagination but good hands. Relax. Drink a beer and keep on topic. There is no way you can argue that there are pleanty of dvds or even books that say *for the punctuation patrol* "hey heres something,but just go figure out what to do with it." Basically that moatly means they figured it out in a basement it looked okay and they published it. Totally skipped any field testing. don't make me start posting examples...please
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