Hey Everyone,
A very SICK Cris Johnson here with more reviews. Yes, I wrote "sick." I guess it comes from being around so many sick people - I've been bombarded with shows (that's good) but since I'm in the north east part of the USA, everyone in schools is sick...including me. (Not good)
Quick housekeeping... the latest issue of "Cause & Effects" goes out next week. I just finished writing it and I have to say I am THRILLED! Good stuff, even if I do say so myself! It's all about show disasters and how to handle them. Sign up TODAY by emailing me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
On to the reviews!
Two reviews and both are SPPPOOOOOKKYY in honor of Halloween! Item number one is the Okito Voodoo Doll! It's only $10 from Hocus Pocus. Here's the link: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=59
EFFECT: A small straw doll is placed in your palm. Eerily, the doll rises to a standing position! No threads or magnets. Ready to go all the time - zero set up.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: You receive the doll itself which is gimmicked, along with sparse written instructions.
QUALITY OF PROP: Although it's made of straw, this little guy is pretty tough. I've been using mine for 7 years. Treat it right - I keep mine in a small wooden box, which serves to enhance the mystery as well as protect the prop.
QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION: As I said, the instructions are sparse but serviceable. Nothing fancy, and in terms of routines, you'll need to do this on your own.
DIFFICULTY: This is maybe a 1 or a 2 out of 10. This is not difficult technically, but this is a small bit of pain involved....nothing much, but you've been warned. You'll also need a bit of misdirection for the "get ready" that allows you to perform this.
MY THOUGHTS: I still remember the first time I saw this performed. I was completely blown away and years later, I was delighted to find it online and buy one for myself. I love this prop.
Again, you really need to work out a routine for it to do it justice, but this close-up levitation can be done in full light at a moment's notice. What's not to love?
I'm not much of a close-up guy, but this has been a staple in my close-up act for years. (I tip the entire routine in one of my "Cause & Effects" books available right here at Hocus Pocus....shameless plug!)
I wholeheartedly recommend this. A 10 out of 10...providing you have a strong routine.
Review #2 is White Star by Jim Critchlow. It's available for $59.95 from Hocus Pocus. The link is here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=10854
EFFECT: The performer is seated at a table opposite two volunteers. The performer places a small article in front of each person, such as an old coin and an old fountain pen (these are to act as ‘markers').
The performer now takes out from his wallet, a small packet of old photographs which he quickly thumbs through as he mentions to the volunteers that they may recognize some of these as they have appeared in books or programs about the Titanic as they were all passengers on that ill fated liner. The packet is squared and turning to the first volunteer, the performer says that he is going to show him/her the photographs one at a time and if they feel somehow drawn to some, they should tell him and they will be placed in front of them and their 'marker'.
The performer shows the photographs, one by one to the volunteers, who either decides to take one and place it on the pile forming in front of them or reject it. The rejected photographs forming a discard pile in the center of the table.
'Look at this young lady please, what emotions do you think she is feeling.....'
When all the photographs have been chosen to be kept or rejected, the performer brings attention to the discard pile. Thumbing through the photographs the performer starts talking about specific photos (the person's name etc) stressing how absolutely any of the photos could have been retained by the volunteers.
The performer explains that what they have both just done was part of an experiment. He also explains that he has found that the best results only occur when nothing is explained beforehand and that the results are always different (quite true to a point).
The performer then states that the old coin was taken from one of the bodies found in the wreckage of the Titanic and the fountain pen was used by a clerk to write out the list of all the survivors. The person with the coin is asked to turn their photographs over and in doing so they see each photograph has printed on its back, the name of the person, a few details about them and that they DIED! The spectator holding the fountain pen turns their photographs over and sees the similar details but all their photographs have SURVIVED printed on them! The discarded pile is turned over and shown that there is a complete mix, in no sequence of both the DIED and SURVIVED photographs!
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: You get the beautifully produced photos as well as the well-produced 21-page instruction booklet which explains the basic effect as well as several offshoots. Jim clearly loves this plot.
Although the presentation mentions using 'markers' like an old coin and an old pen, they are not included. It's important to be clear about this.
QUALITY: This is first class stuff and intended for professional performers, as evidenced by the quality. First rate, all the way.
DIFFICULTY: Here's the great part: the primary Whitestar effect is dead-easy, which allows you to concentrate on your presentation. There's been a lot of marketed effects advertised as 'easy so you can concentrate on your presentation,' and this one REALLY fits the bill. Interestingly, it's even easier than the 'Out of This World" original effect upon which this is based.
What's nice about this version is the fact that there is no switching of the packets, as in "Out of This World." That, to me, is the biggest selling point in terms of method.
The difficulty from a technical standpoint is 1 out of 10. The neat thing is, although good acting skills will enhance the routine (as in any good effect) here the storyline is so strong that the effect, if presented as Jim does, really carries itself. That to me is a great selling point. I personally reject most 'Bizarre' type effects because I don't have the acting chops to do the effects justice.
Here, any competent performer would probably get a good reaction because of the subject matter. (Notice I said competent!!)
MY THOUGHTS: I bought this effect for a specific show I'm putting together for teens and as such I've been recently looking at a number of unusual effects I normally would not be considering. This was recommended to me by a friend, and after hearing the description, I was less than thrilled. I've never been a fan of "Out of This World." Not because it wasn't a good effect...quite the opposite - it's a GREAT effect, but in my closeup work, I NEVER have the kind of table space for this kind of effect.
Also, because it's a card effect, I feel it would not play as well from stage because the 'action' and revelation is on the table. So, from a visibility standpoint, for me, "Out of This World" fails miserably.
With Whitestar, the subject matter is always topical - The public's fascination with the Titanic seems to be neverending.
My whole point in bringing all of this up is to let me you know, dear reader, that I'm not a fan of table tricks like this.
Then, I was able to see a video of my friend performing this. It floored me, and for the life of me, I could not figure the method out and my friend refused to tip it, insisting that if I wanted it, I should buy it.
I'm glad I saw it performed first, because once I learned the secret, I was delighted and very impressed with the working. I suspect that buyers, upon learning the secret before seeing it performed, would be disappointed. My advice is to NOT give into those feelings! This PLAYS well.
OTHER VERSIONS: As I mentioned earlier, Jim seems to have a fascination with this plot as he offers other variations in the booklet. Each is good in it's own right. I personally prefer the main Whitestar effect, but it's nice to have alternatives.
MY FINAL VERDICT: I'm going to give this a rock-solid 8 out of 10. This plays very strong even though it's not my usual cup of tea. I'd rate it higher, but the sorting process brings it down a bit for me. Don't get me wrong, the sorting is incredibly fair and the spectators do indeed have free choices of cards. To me at least, this necessary sorting of cards (the backbone of the presentation) may drag a bit without a superior presentation.
Who knows, maybe after I've mastered this effect, I may come back and revise my rating!
Next week's review will be Bobby Motta's TASTE.
Until next week...
Cris Johnson
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Shivers Book by Gary Sumpter
Hello, all!
Before I get to this week's review, just a few quick housekkeeping tidbits...
First, I performed Bobby Motta's TASTE today for the first time and I have to say, I LOVE it! That review will be coming the first week of November, after I've performed it a few more times.
Secondly, I'm still taking signups for my FREE ezine, "Cause & Effects," simply by emailing me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net. Next month's article will dealing with what happens when DISASTER strikes your show!
OK, on to this week's s-p-p-o-o-o-k-y review! (Hey, Halloween's coming!)
This week, I review Shivers by Gary Sumpter. It's available for $34.95 at Hocus Pocus. You can check it out here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=6077
EFFECTS: All of the effects are off shoots of the touching-without-being-touched-by-anything-you-can-see popularized by Banachek's "PK Touches." I've been captivated by this plot for years. I've used the PK Touches basic effect for stage around 500 times and I like it so much because it's so unique - it's not a vanish, it's not a levitation, etc. When done properly, people are in awe. They don't know what to think, and they often do not know how to react or how to process what's happened!
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: A well-produced booklet of about 20 pages.
DIFFICULTY: As with many products of a 'spooky' nature, the technical needs of the effects are easy, but the real work comes from your scripting, mood, quality of your vocal tonality and more. Therefore, the technical needs of these effects range from a 1 out of 10 to maybe a 3 out of 10.
QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION: Some of the instructions/secrets are rather sparse in terms of length, but everything is more than adequate.
I'll now walk through a few of the effects (though not all) and give my thoughts on the ones I have experimented with and/or performed...
Susceptible - The spectators eyes are covered with your fingertips. Despite them being able to feel your fingers, they feel touches on the back of their neck and head.
MY THOUGHTS: This is only useable for one on one performances. To do it in the daylight is silly, in my opinion, but if you're working with just one person while doing a reading by candlelight, this can play very creepy if you work your way into the right mood. I don't think most people will be all that amazed, so you'll have to pick your volunteer carefully.
Relax - A spectator sits down and closes their eyes, you are watched by a group of other spectators. You stand well away from the spectator on the chair and you ask the spectator to remain quiet and in a moment you will ask them a very important question. You silently stroke your shoulder a few times. You then ask the spectator if they felt anything, the comments that they felt you stroke their shoulder, despite you being nowhere near them.
MY THOUGHTS: This is terrific and it uses the original PK Touches concept in a slightly different, more subtle way. It's terrific and is a worthy off-shoot of the original effect. Probably my favorite of the booklet. I've done this and it plays incredibly strong. EASILY worth the price of the book.
Distant Touch - Standing well away from the spectator, you gesture towards them and they feel you touch them.
MY THOUGHTS: This is one of the strongest effects in the booklet in theory. I feel it's only for stage, mostly due to the lighting concerns you must be aware of with this effect. Since this is only for stage, one might wonder why this effect, which uses a common magic prop that requires special lighting, is superior to the original PK Touch effect. I like it because it happens in 'real time,' with no timing delays. I prefer the original PK touches, but this might be a good version to try with the right lighting conditions.
Focus - One on One, the spectator feels something pushing them from behind, despite your hands being in full view.
MY THOUGHTS: Unless you have a VERY compliant volunteer, I can see the person jerking away during the touching, looking around and spotting the gaff. In my opinion, the weakest effect in the booklet.
Connected - An ‘experiment’ in paranormal communication that takes an unplanned turn. A lighthearted attempt at making contact with the spirit goes off on a diagonal as things leave the performers control.
MY THOUGHTS: While I have not tried this yet, it reads as VERY strong - the kind of effect that can really send shivers down the audiences' back. It's one of those effects that you can use sparingly but will 'stick' with an audience a LONG time, Potentially VERY creepy.
The Crying Child - A disturbing performance, centered around the spirit of a young girl.
MY THOUGHTS: While technically very easy, the main issue with this is the fact that you must have superior acting skills. Again, this reads as very powerful and the technical needs are relatively 'easy' but the true test is the acting.
The rest of the book has other practical, spooky effects but the ones I covered here are my favorites. Nevertheless, the remainder of the book has some great psychology.
The big 'takeway' with books of this sort is the necessity of good acting. I've mentioned that several times in this entry so far and it's been deliberate. I've performed 'Bizarre' type magic in years past and it is indeed fun, but these days, I don't do it much any more mostly because of the acting required to really give these effects their due.
I'm more of a comedic performer, and while I do some serious stuff, the vast majority of my work is geared toward 'the funny.'
So, in closing, if this type of stuff is your cup of tea, I can certainly recommend it.
My rating: 8 out of 10.
Until next week, with more s-p-o-o-o-o-k-y reviews....
Best,
Cris Johnson
Before I get to this week's review, just a few quick housekkeeping tidbits...
First, I performed Bobby Motta's TASTE today for the first time and I have to say, I LOVE it! That review will be coming the first week of November, after I've performed it a few more times.
Secondly, I'm still taking signups for my FREE ezine, "Cause & Effects," simply by emailing me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net. Next month's article will dealing with what happens when DISASTER strikes your show!
OK, on to this week's s-p-p-o-o-o-k-y review! (Hey, Halloween's coming!)
This week, I review Shivers by Gary Sumpter. It's available for $34.95 at Hocus Pocus. You can check it out here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=6077
EFFECTS: All of the effects are off shoots of the touching-without-being-touched-by-anything-you-can-see popularized by Banachek's "PK Touches." I've been captivated by this plot for years. I've used the PK Touches basic effect for stage around 500 times and I like it so much because it's so unique - it's not a vanish, it's not a levitation, etc. When done properly, people are in awe. They don't know what to think, and they often do not know how to react or how to process what's happened!
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: A well-produced booklet of about 20 pages.
DIFFICULTY: As with many products of a 'spooky' nature, the technical needs of the effects are easy, but the real work comes from your scripting, mood, quality of your vocal tonality and more. Therefore, the technical needs of these effects range from a 1 out of 10 to maybe a 3 out of 10.
QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION: Some of the instructions/secrets are rather sparse in terms of length, but everything is more than adequate.
I'll now walk through a few of the effects (though not all) and give my thoughts on the ones I have experimented with and/or performed...
Susceptible - The spectators eyes are covered with your fingertips. Despite them being able to feel your fingers, they feel touches on the back of their neck and head.
MY THOUGHTS: This is only useable for one on one performances. To do it in the daylight is silly, in my opinion, but if you're working with just one person while doing a reading by candlelight, this can play very creepy if you work your way into the right mood. I don't think most people will be all that amazed, so you'll have to pick your volunteer carefully.
Relax - A spectator sits down and closes their eyes, you are watched by a group of other spectators. You stand well away from the spectator on the chair and you ask the spectator to remain quiet and in a moment you will ask them a very important question. You silently stroke your shoulder a few times. You then ask the spectator if they felt anything, the comments that they felt you stroke their shoulder, despite you being nowhere near them.
MY THOUGHTS: This is terrific and it uses the original PK Touches concept in a slightly different, more subtle way. It's terrific and is a worthy off-shoot of the original effect. Probably my favorite of the booklet. I've done this and it plays incredibly strong. EASILY worth the price of the book.
Distant Touch - Standing well away from the spectator, you gesture towards them and they feel you touch them.
MY THOUGHTS: This is one of the strongest effects in the booklet in theory. I feel it's only for stage, mostly due to the lighting concerns you must be aware of with this effect. Since this is only for stage, one might wonder why this effect, which uses a common magic prop that requires special lighting, is superior to the original PK Touch effect. I like it because it happens in 'real time,' with no timing delays. I prefer the original PK touches, but this might be a good version to try with the right lighting conditions.
Focus - One on One, the spectator feels something pushing them from behind, despite your hands being in full view.
MY THOUGHTS: Unless you have a VERY compliant volunteer, I can see the person jerking away during the touching, looking around and spotting the gaff. In my opinion, the weakest effect in the booklet.
Connected - An ‘experiment’ in paranormal communication that takes an unplanned turn. A lighthearted attempt at making contact with the spirit goes off on a diagonal as things leave the performers control.
MY THOUGHTS: While I have not tried this yet, it reads as VERY strong - the kind of effect that can really send shivers down the audiences' back. It's one of those effects that you can use sparingly but will 'stick' with an audience a LONG time, Potentially VERY creepy.
The Crying Child - A disturbing performance, centered around the spirit of a young girl.
MY THOUGHTS: While technically very easy, the main issue with this is the fact that you must have superior acting skills. Again, this reads as very powerful and the technical needs are relatively 'easy' but the true test is the acting.
The rest of the book has other practical, spooky effects but the ones I covered here are my favorites. Nevertheless, the remainder of the book has some great psychology.
The big 'takeway' with books of this sort is the necessity of good acting. I've mentioned that several times in this entry so far and it's been deliberate. I've performed 'Bizarre' type magic in years past and it is indeed fun, but these days, I don't do it much any more mostly because of the acting required to really give these effects their due.
I'm more of a comedic performer, and while I do some serious stuff, the vast majority of my work is geared toward 'the funny.'
So, in closing, if this type of stuff is your cup of tea, I can certainly recommend it.
My rating: 8 out of 10.
Until next week, with more s-p-o-o-o-o-k-y reviews....
Best,
Cris Johnson
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Harry Anderson's Improved Needle Thru Arm
Hey everyone!
Cris Johnson here, back with a SPPOOOOOOKKY review! (Yes, the cheesiness continues!)
I'm on limited time (October is CRAZY busy!) so no house keeping this week - other than I'm still taking sign ups for my free ezine, "Cause & Effects," which features articles each month for the professional performer. Sign up today by emailing me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
OK, off to this week's "Halloween - themed" review! I'm tackling a REALLY old product, one that's been out forever - Harry Anderson's Improved Needle Thru Arm! It's available for $34.95 from Hocus Pocus and the ad copy is here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=625
One quick note: the reason why I love this month's Halloween theme is that it allows me to delve deep into some older products. Just because it's been around for a while doesn't mean it's not still relevant and that's the case with this product.
EFFECT: You show a long needle and shove it into your arm! The spectators can see your skin stretch and then the wound bleeds! To finish, you wipe the stage blood off the wound and show you have no lasting hole in your skin!
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: The needle and bulb (which is removeable to contain stage blood), written instructions and suggestions. The package comes in a sturdy cardboard box to protect the needle.
QUALITY OF PROPS: The needle is very well made and looks great, even up close. Due to the nature of the prop (the needle is hollow) it is somewhat delicate. I've kept mine in the box between performances for about 13 years and my needle still works great.
DIFFICULTY: From a sleight of hand standpoint, I'd rate this around a 1 or 2, but the crucial 'move' needs some serious 'motivation' to cover and unfortunately, the instructions give you ZERO help here. Over time, I've come up with sufficient motivation in my scripting, but be aware that it will require work on your part. This brings me to...
QUALITY OF DIRECTIONS. Eh. It tells you how to do the trick and there are some good tips as far as getting into and out of the effect, but overall, the instructions are rather sparse. Additionally, two 'secret substances' are recommended. The first, which many of you probably know, is found easily. The second is something I was never able to find. Granted, I never tried the Internet, but initially, no such luck. I'd rate the instructions as a 5.
MARKETS: Do I even need to mention this? Adults or teens ONLY, please! I only perform this effect once or twice per year, usually at a night time teen event and ONLY after I clear it with my client first. This is NOT something to break out for 99% of gigs out there, ESPECIALLY in this PC era!
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Despite the lack of decent instructions and despite the lack of me being able to find the second 'substance,' I still like this effect. It packs a wallup and is something that looks incredible, even up close. I know Harry has put out a deluxe version for nearly three times the amount of this, but quite frankly, I don't do the effect enough to warrant spending the money.
This is best as a parlor effect, (maybe 50 people) as from stage, (100+) not everyone would be able to appreciate the illusion.
The funny thing is, if you don't know how it's done, when you first hear the secret, if you're like me, you'll immediately think, 'there's no way that's going to work,' but the fact is, it does! People are blown away by this effect. It looks so real...and disgusting.:)
I'll rate this as an 7 out of 10 - great illusion...one of my all time favorites... hampered only by insufficient instructions and (at the time) my inability to find the necessary 'something' that allows you to clean up the effect and show your arm unmarked at the end of the routine.
Until next time...
Cris Johnson
Cris Johnson here, back with a SPPOOOOOOKKY review! (Yes, the cheesiness continues!)
I'm on limited time (October is CRAZY busy!) so no house keeping this week - other than I'm still taking sign ups for my free ezine, "Cause & Effects," which features articles each month for the professional performer. Sign up today by emailing me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
OK, off to this week's "Halloween - themed" review! I'm tackling a REALLY old product, one that's been out forever - Harry Anderson's Improved Needle Thru Arm! It's available for $34.95 from Hocus Pocus and the ad copy is here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=625
One quick note: the reason why I love this month's Halloween theme is that it allows me to delve deep into some older products. Just because it's been around for a while doesn't mean it's not still relevant and that's the case with this product.
EFFECT: You show a long needle and shove it into your arm! The spectators can see your skin stretch and then the wound bleeds! To finish, you wipe the stage blood off the wound and show you have no lasting hole in your skin!
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: The needle and bulb (which is removeable to contain stage blood), written instructions and suggestions. The package comes in a sturdy cardboard box to protect the needle.
QUALITY OF PROPS: The needle is very well made and looks great, even up close. Due to the nature of the prop (the needle is hollow) it is somewhat delicate. I've kept mine in the box between performances for about 13 years and my needle still works great.
DIFFICULTY: From a sleight of hand standpoint, I'd rate this around a 1 or 2, but the crucial 'move' needs some serious 'motivation' to cover and unfortunately, the instructions give you ZERO help here. Over time, I've come up with sufficient motivation in my scripting, but be aware that it will require work on your part. This brings me to...
QUALITY OF DIRECTIONS. Eh. It tells you how to do the trick and there are some good tips as far as getting into and out of the effect, but overall, the instructions are rather sparse. Additionally, two 'secret substances' are recommended. The first, which many of you probably know, is found easily. The second is something I was never able to find. Granted, I never tried the Internet, but initially, no such luck. I'd rate the instructions as a 5.
MARKETS: Do I even need to mention this? Adults or teens ONLY, please! I only perform this effect once or twice per year, usually at a night time teen event and ONLY after I clear it with my client first. This is NOT something to break out for 99% of gigs out there, ESPECIALLY in this PC era!
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Despite the lack of decent instructions and despite the lack of me being able to find the second 'substance,' I still like this effect. It packs a wallup and is something that looks incredible, even up close. I know Harry has put out a deluxe version for nearly three times the amount of this, but quite frankly, I don't do the effect enough to warrant spending the money.
This is best as a parlor effect, (maybe 50 people) as from stage, (100+) not everyone would be able to appreciate the illusion.
The funny thing is, if you don't know how it's done, when you first hear the secret, if you're like me, you'll immediately think, 'there's no way that's going to work,' but the fact is, it does! People are blown away by this effect. It looks so real...and disgusting.:)
I'll rate this as an 7 out of 10 - great illusion...one of my all time favorites... hampered only by insufficient instructions and (at the time) my inability to find the necessary 'something' that allows you to clean up the effect and show your arm unmarked at the end of the routine.
Until next time...
Cris Johnson
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
In Lizzie's Hand
It's October! Time to review some SPPOOOOOOKKYY products!
Okay, that was weak, even for me.:)
Nevertheless, I will indeed be devoting every review column this month to items of a 'spooky' nature.
Oh, housekkeeping first...
Next month's ezine topic was originally going to be my take on mentalism's hallowed "too perfect" theory, but that's going to get pushed back a month. Why? Today's show had the power go out!!
350 kids...and no power! How did I handle it? Also, in August, I had a gig for Verizon Wireless - a three hour workshop where I spoke to 150 people...like I said, for 3 hours. Two SECONDS after I hit the stage, the facility's mic dies! How did I handle it?
the issue will be about handling things when DISASTER strikes YOUR show! My solutions weren't dramatic or any deep 'secret...' more of a mindset thing.
It's going to be a GREAT issue! sign ups are free by emailing me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net. (By the way, in the end, both shows kicked ASS!)
Now, on to the reviews...because I've been sleeping on a crappy hotel bed and my back is killin' me.:)
Today I review...In Lizzie's Hand by Bruce Kavlar. It's available for $35 from Hocus Pocus. Here's a link to the ad copy: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=1073
EFFECT: While reading a copy of a letter supposedly written by Lizzie Borden (who was accused of murdering her father and step-mother), the performer is 'possessed' by something and slams his hand down on the paper. After he takes his hand away, there is a bloody handprint on the paper...and NO marks of any kind on the performer's hand.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: 25 sheets of special paper with Lizzie's 'letter' printed on each. You are receive a special something used to make a something which is used to make something....which enables you to leave the hand print. how's THAT for cryptic?? You also receive a thorough booklet of instructions and background on Lizzie Borden.
QUALITY OF PROPS: The paper looks and feels like regular paper (unlike flashpaper, which NEVER passes for 'regular paper.') Good stuff. My only quibble is the fact that you need to buy refills....I don't have an issue with purchasing refills, but my fear is I will fall in love with an effect and find it's no longer produced. Fortunately, the first time I bought this effect was 5 years ago. I just re-bought it again a few weeks ago and Voila! It's still around. Whew!
QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION: Bruce does a good job giving you the basics needed for the effect in addition to other ideas. The Borden background info is a nice bonus. 10 out of 10.
DIFFICULTY: Depending on when you perform this, this can either be a 1 out of 10 or a 10 out of 10. Let me explain...if you open with this effect, the physical requirements of the effect are simply slamming your hand down on the paper...or just resting your hand....slamming is NOT necessary, so to me, not being forced to 'act possessed' was most welcome indeed!
However, the requirements of the effect dictate that you must put something on your hand. It's invisible to the eye, does not have anything to do with heat, and leaves no marks on your hand. However, finding the justification to do this in the middle of your show will require some scripting, choreography, and planning on your part.
It's not terribly difficult, but it's one of those things I can see some performers not putting any thought into and therefore subjecting the audience to seeing the performer 'doing something behind the curtain' and not being too subtle about it.
The time you DON'T need to spend practicing any moves for this effect would best be spent working on scripting and motivation. I'm just sayin'.
EFFECT ON AUDIENCE: This does not get the type of effect that a dove steal gets, nor is it necessarily supposed to. I myself do not perform spirit magic, but I did purchase this effect for use in a more...'scholarly,' educational type of show, and effects in such a setting (seance, spiritualism, bizarre magic performances, etc) are often more subdued.
This effect plays well, but the biggest thing to work on is your acting skills, especially if you want to use the 'possession' plot that Bruce advertises. I have, in my lifetime, seen exactly ONE magician with the acting chops to really pull this off. And no, it wasn't anyone you've ever heard of.
I sure as hell don't have that kind of acting ability and therefore will be using the effect in a more subdued fashion, as my friend Jim Kleefeld recommends in his wonderful "Tales From Beyond" package.
MARKET: Don't do this for little kids' birthdays, OK? Can we all agree on that? LOL Otherwise, I think this will play best for high school, college or adults' groups...again with the proper PRESENTATION. (Yes, I'm stressing that a LOT. This effect NEEDS a good presentation. It will DIE if you try to simply let the effect play itself. Trust me.)
I can recommend this effect for the simplicity, but the practicality leaves it a little wanting - unless you're opening with this, some planning will be necessary to plan on how you will do the 'dirty work' as discussed in the instructions.
RATING: I'll give this a solid 7 out of 10.
Until next time....more s-p-o-o-o-o-k-y magic next week!
Now I'm off to rest my back. More shows tomorrow...I'm grateful for the work, just wish my back would ease up....:(
Best,
Cris Johnson
Okay, that was weak, even for me.:)
Nevertheless, I will indeed be devoting every review column this month to items of a 'spooky' nature.
Oh, housekkeeping first...
Next month's ezine topic was originally going to be my take on mentalism's hallowed "too perfect" theory, but that's going to get pushed back a month. Why? Today's show had the power go out!!
350 kids...and no power! How did I handle it? Also, in August, I had a gig for Verizon Wireless - a three hour workshop where I spoke to 150 people...like I said, for 3 hours. Two SECONDS after I hit the stage, the facility's mic dies! How did I handle it?
the issue will be about handling things when DISASTER strikes YOUR show! My solutions weren't dramatic or any deep 'secret...' more of a mindset thing.
It's going to be a GREAT issue! sign ups are free by emailing me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net. (By the way, in the end, both shows kicked ASS!)
Now, on to the reviews...because I've been sleeping on a crappy hotel bed and my back is killin' me.:)
Today I review...In Lizzie's Hand by Bruce Kavlar. It's available for $35 from Hocus Pocus. Here's a link to the ad copy: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=1073
EFFECT: While reading a copy of a letter supposedly written by Lizzie Borden (who was accused of murdering her father and step-mother), the performer is 'possessed' by something and slams his hand down on the paper. After he takes his hand away, there is a bloody handprint on the paper...and NO marks of any kind on the performer's hand.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: 25 sheets of special paper with Lizzie's 'letter' printed on each. You are receive a special something used to make a something which is used to make something....which enables you to leave the hand print. how's THAT for cryptic?? You also receive a thorough booklet of instructions and background on Lizzie Borden.
QUALITY OF PROPS: The paper looks and feels like regular paper (unlike flashpaper, which NEVER passes for 'regular paper.') Good stuff. My only quibble is the fact that you need to buy refills....I don't have an issue with purchasing refills, but my fear is I will fall in love with an effect and find it's no longer produced. Fortunately, the first time I bought this effect was 5 years ago. I just re-bought it again a few weeks ago and Voila! It's still around. Whew!
QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION: Bruce does a good job giving you the basics needed for the effect in addition to other ideas. The Borden background info is a nice bonus. 10 out of 10.
DIFFICULTY: Depending on when you perform this, this can either be a 1 out of 10 or a 10 out of 10. Let me explain...if you open with this effect, the physical requirements of the effect are simply slamming your hand down on the paper...or just resting your hand....slamming is NOT necessary, so to me, not being forced to 'act possessed' was most welcome indeed!
However, the requirements of the effect dictate that you must put something on your hand. It's invisible to the eye, does not have anything to do with heat, and leaves no marks on your hand. However, finding the justification to do this in the middle of your show will require some scripting, choreography, and planning on your part.
It's not terribly difficult, but it's one of those things I can see some performers not putting any thought into and therefore subjecting the audience to seeing the performer 'doing something behind the curtain' and not being too subtle about it.
The time you DON'T need to spend practicing any moves for this effect would best be spent working on scripting and motivation. I'm just sayin'.
EFFECT ON AUDIENCE: This does not get the type of effect that a dove steal gets, nor is it necessarily supposed to. I myself do not perform spirit magic, but I did purchase this effect for use in a more...'scholarly,' educational type of show, and effects in such a setting (seance, spiritualism, bizarre magic performances, etc) are often more subdued.
This effect plays well, but the biggest thing to work on is your acting skills, especially if you want to use the 'possession' plot that Bruce advertises. I have, in my lifetime, seen exactly ONE magician with the acting chops to really pull this off. And no, it wasn't anyone you've ever heard of.
I sure as hell don't have that kind of acting ability and therefore will be using the effect in a more subdued fashion, as my friend Jim Kleefeld recommends in his wonderful "Tales From Beyond" package.
MARKET: Don't do this for little kids' birthdays, OK? Can we all agree on that? LOL Otherwise, I think this will play best for high school, college or adults' groups...again with the proper PRESENTATION. (Yes, I'm stressing that a LOT. This effect NEEDS a good presentation. It will DIE if you try to simply let the effect play itself. Trust me.)
I can recommend this effect for the simplicity, but the practicality leaves it a little wanting - unless you're opening with this, some planning will be necessary to plan on how you will do the 'dirty work' as discussed in the instructions.
RATING: I'll give this a solid 7 out of 10.
Until next time....more s-p-o-o-o-o-k-y magic next week!
Now I'm off to rest my back. More shows tomorrow...I'm grateful for the work, just wish my back would ease up....:(
Best,
Cris Johnson
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Motorized Growing & Shrinking Head Illusion
Hey everyone, Cris Johnson here with more magic & fun!
Quick housekkeeping...
This week's blog will be a bit shorter - partially because of the item I chose and partially because I'm slammed this week - I soon embark on my October run, in which I only have ONE weekday when I'm NOT performing. Whew! Fortunately, I'm not doing much on weekends so I can catch my breath.
Which reminds me...an open note to my pal Paul Rohmany: how in the WORLD do you stay sane??? I know your travel/performing schedule is a HECK of a lot crazier than mine.:)
On another note, I know Bobby Motta's new release "Taste" has attracted a lot of attention. I just ordered mine this week and I know Paul did, too. Soon we can compare notes - LOL!
The latest issue of my Cause & Effects ezine is going out early next week and will feature a simple booking tip that I know a lot of magicians are not using, so this simple tip is really worth your attention. Sign up for free by emailing me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
Next, a BIG thanks to all of you who have made my Clear-View Airborne a big seller! Hocus Pocus just ordered another batch two days ago. My wife & I are waiting on the shipping tubes so they will go out as soon as the tubes get here, probably on Saturday, if I had to guess.
Another HUGE thanks to those who continue to make my latest book, "Cause & Effects Vol. 2" a GREAT seller! I just sent a batch out to Hocus Pocus yesterday. It seems a lot of people see the value in obtaining real-world, polished performance routines. I make no bones about it - my Arm Chopper routine alone slays every time. With 22 laugh lines/bits (10 of which before the prop is even brought out) I lay claim to it being the FUNNIEST arm chopper routine for kid or family audiences ever.
You can still get the book here:
http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=13367
On to this week's review!
It's...The Motorized Growing & Shrinking Head by Bruce Kavlar. It's available for $59.95 from Hocus Pocus. The ad copy is here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=5478
EFFECT: A spinning black & white disk causes the audience to see the magician's head SHRINK! An audience member appears to have a GROWING head! Incredible!
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: The plastic spinning disk, a small electric drill, hardware to mount the disk on the drill and written instructions
QUALITY: The disk itself is made of thick, good quality plastic. That said, if it bangs around in your case, it will get scratched, so I advise you to do as I did - sew a fleece bag to house the disk, keeping it away from harm. The electric drill is a simple black & decker model (or similar) that is rechargeable (it comes with a charger) so this device allows you to do the effect and "go green," and save money by NOT needing new batteries. I know there's a cardboard version of the disk, but I advise against it as I doubt it would hold up.
VALUE: For sixty bucks, this thing is a STEAL. Good quality and the effect is amazing.
DIFFICULTY: There is NO sleight of hand, so from the technical standpoint, this gets an easy "1" out of 10. The challenge with any self-working prop, there fore, is your presentation.
MARKET: I've done this for elementary audiences, teen audiences and family audiences and it kills. I haven't done it yet for adult audiences, but due to the optical illusion nature of the effect, I'm sure it would play. The ONLY age group I could see this NOT working for is the daycare/pre-school age. I've done it in schools of K-5 grades and occasionally, a kindergarten age kid will cry when I talk about my head shrinking, or such. To me, it says the kid took me literally. I feel daycare age kids would too, and besides, for the optical illusion to work, the person must stare at the spinning disk for 15-30 seconds and many daycare age kids can't sit still that long for something like this. (I used to perform 60 or so daycare shows a year.)
MY THOUGHTS: Another consideration: at least in my experience, at a birthday party, the kids would not 'get' the effect to work. I partially chalk this up to the kids being too close for the optical illusion to work. That doesn't make sense when I think about it, but I do maybe 3 birthdays a year and I've tried it at all of them and this effect falls flat, as the kids claim "it didn't work on them." Beats me, maybe I'm doing something wrong.
That little problem aside, I've KILLED with this for audiences of 100-500 people. They REALLY get into it. I've booked more than one show on the strength of this: "Oh, we HAVE to have you at our school and you HAVE to make our principal's head shrink!"
There's no sleights and the only angles to worry about is making sure your audience is facing you. If your audience is on "three sides" of you, two thirds of the won't see this. If you're surrounded, even more people won't see it.
However, if you have an audience in front of you, it's hard to go wrong with this. Since it's an optical illusion and not really a "trick," it can give your show a unique break in the middle.
HIGHLY recommended - a perfect 10 out of 10. I've used it about a hundred times at schools and it always plays great.
Until next week...
Cris
Quick housekkeeping...
This week's blog will be a bit shorter - partially because of the item I chose and partially because I'm slammed this week - I soon embark on my October run, in which I only have ONE weekday when I'm NOT performing. Whew! Fortunately, I'm not doing much on weekends so I can catch my breath.
Which reminds me...an open note to my pal Paul Rohmany: how in the WORLD do you stay sane??? I know your travel/performing schedule is a HECK of a lot crazier than mine.:)
On another note, I know Bobby Motta's new release "Taste" has attracted a lot of attention. I just ordered mine this week and I know Paul did, too. Soon we can compare notes - LOL!
The latest issue of my Cause & Effects ezine is going out early next week and will feature a simple booking tip that I know a lot of magicians are not using, so this simple tip is really worth your attention. Sign up for free by emailing me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
Next, a BIG thanks to all of you who have made my Clear-View Airborne a big seller! Hocus Pocus just ordered another batch two days ago. My wife & I are waiting on the shipping tubes so they will go out as soon as the tubes get here, probably on Saturday, if I had to guess.
Another HUGE thanks to those who continue to make my latest book, "Cause & Effects Vol. 2" a GREAT seller! I just sent a batch out to Hocus Pocus yesterday. It seems a lot of people see the value in obtaining real-world, polished performance routines. I make no bones about it - my Arm Chopper routine alone slays every time. With 22 laugh lines/bits (10 of which before the prop is even brought out) I lay claim to it being the FUNNIEST arm chopper routine for kid or family audiences ever.
You can still get the book here:
http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=13367
On to this week's review!
It's...The Motorized Growing & Shrinking Head by Bruce Kavlar. It's available for $59.95 from Hocus Pocus. The ad copy is here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=5478
EFFECT: A spinning black & white disk causes the audience to see the magician's head SHRINK! An audience member appears to have a GROWING head! Incredible!
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: The plastic spinning disk, a small electric drill, hardware to mount the disk on the drill and written instructions
QUALITY: The disk itself is made of thick, good quality plastic. That said, if it bangs around in your case, it will get scratched, so I advise you to do as I did - sew a fleece bag to house the disk, keeping it away from harm. The electric drill is a simple black & decker model (or similar) that is rechargeable (it comes with a charger) so this device allows you to do the effect and "go green," and save money by NOT needing new batteries. I know there's a cardboard version of the disk, but I advise against it as I doubt it would hold up.
VALUE: For sixty bucks, this thing is a STEAL. Good quality and the effect is amazing.
DIFFICULTY: There is NO sleight of hand, so from the technical standpoint, this gets an easy "1" out of 10. The challenge with any self-working prop, there fore, is your presentation.
MARKET: I've done this for elementary audiences, teen audiences and family audiences and it kills. I haven't done it yet for adult audiences, but due to the optical illusion nature of the effect, I'm sure it would play. The ONLY age group I could see this NOT working for is the daycare/pre-school age. I've done it in schools of K-5 grades and occasionally, a kindergarten age kid will cry when I talk about my head shrinking, or such. To me, it says the kid took me literally. I feel daycare age kids would too, and besides, for the optical illusion to work, the person must stare at the spinning disk for 15-30 seconds and many daycare age kids can't sit still that long for something like this. (I used to perform 60 or so daycare shows a year.)
MY THOUGHTS: Another consideration: at least in my experience, at a birthday party, the kids would not 'get' the effect to work. I partially chalk this up to the kids being too close for the optical illusion to work. That doesn't make sense when I think about it, but I do maybe 3 birthdays a year and I've tried it at all of them and this effect falls flat, as the kids claim "it didn't work on them." Beats me, maybe I'm doing something wrong.
That little problem aside, I've KILLED with this for audiences of 100-500 people. They REALLY get into it. I've booked more than one show on the strength of this: "Oh, we HAVE to have you at our school and you HAVE to make our principal's head shrink!"
There's no sleights and the only angles to worry about is making sure your audience is facing you. If your audience is on "three sides" of you, two thirds of the won't see this. If you're surrounded, even more people won't see it.
However, if you have an audience in front of you, it's hard to go wrong with this. Since it's an optical illusion and not really a "trick," it can give your show a unique break in the middle.
HIGHLY recommended - a perfect 10 out of 10. I've used it about a hundred times at schools and it always plays great.
Until next week...
Cris
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Star Tradeshow Act by Docc Hilford
Hey Everybody, Cris Johnson here with more magic and fun!
I'm writing this week's blog in a hotel in NJ. Earlier today, I was performing in Shoreham, NY. Well, to get to my hotel in NJ in preparation for tomorrow's shows, my Garmin GPS took me straight through New York City, right down 34th Street.
Wow!
I am NOT a big city guy. People who live and succeed in those big towns really have my respect, which sort of influenced my decision on what to review this week. But first, some housekkeeping...
Thank you for those of you who have supported my product releases. In fact, I was just told a few days ago that Paul Gross will be putting an ad for my new Clear-View Airborne in one of the big magic magazines!! The lead time for those publications is at least a couple of months, but as soon as I find out what issue, I will let you know.
In fact, Paul recently had a new photo taken for the ad. Check it out under "new releases." Right now it's #2 on page 1.
The next issue of my free ezine, "Cause & Effects" will feature a very simple booking strategy that I know for a fact not many magicians are using. If you are using it, that's great - this little tip has nabbed me some big shows. It's very simple yet very effective. The new issue comes out the first week of October.
If you're not on the list yet, send an email to: crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
On to this week's review...
It's The Star Tradeshow Act by Docc Hilford. It's available for $19.95 from Hocus Pocus and the ad copy can be read here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=2999
EFFECT: Docc explains his own tradeshow act that he's used for years. The act consists of a fire wallet, a few card effects and some good psychology with money, albeit a weak money effect.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: A stapled 36 page booklet.
DIFFICULTY: First, let's get one thing out of the way. The effects Docc uses in his tradeshow act are not difficult from a sleight of hand point of view...The most complex effect is maybe a 2 or 3, depending on your skill level.
The REAL difficulty comes from the show environment. Therefore, the majority of this review will focus on the tradeshow environment.
I do want to look at the act itself and offer thoughts on some of the effects, at least the ones I tried. Throughout, I will weave my thoughts on tradeshows (from my beginner's standpoint) throughout.
EFFECTS OVERVIEW: I've performed at a few tradeshows, so I'm no expert, but it does allow me to make some general observations regarding Docc's act.
The opening effect is a fire wallet, which Docc uses as he claims he will be giving away a $100 bill. I don't care what Docc claims in his book - if you use a fire wallet in a trade show, you'll be in DEEP TROUBLE. Docc claims he sidestepped fire marshals by claiming it was just "trick fire." It may have worked for him (although I have my doubts) but after I tried it, I almost got thrown out by the fire marshal.
So much for the opening.
The next effect is Docc's work on the old 52-on-1 card gag, which he uses to increase the size of the crowd. It reads as very charming and the psychology is good.
The problem here is you truly must have a magnetic personality and really need to hook people for this to work. I believe Docc used this successfully. I really do. For me, it was just "eh." When I finished using the 52-on-1 gag as Docc outlines to increase the size of my crowd, I had roughly the same size group...only a few people had left and others joined it.
Again, I'm sure it worked for Docc. For the 6 or 7 performances I tried, not so much. I blame myself, and that's the problem with an act like this - it's designed for probably the most demanding type of magic out there.
Think about this - at a birthday party, the kids are usually very much looking forward to your show. A school assembly program" Even more, because it gets kids out of class. A corporate holiday party? A little tougher, but yes...providing you engage them.
With tradeshows, you're dealing with people who are VERY busy and really don't want to stop. Most are there because they have to be and are searching out a specific product or booth.
If it sounds like tradeshows are tough (from my point of view) it's because they are. Even tradeshow masters talk freely about how tough it is. I'm NOT saying don't do them, only that it's good to know your strengths.
Back to Docc's act.
It gets better with Docc's handling of the Brainwave Deck, which he uses to finish up the 52-on-1 gag and bring that routine to a close. Docc's psychology and handling of this classic effect is quite good.
From there, he moves on to a spelling effect with cards. He talks a lot about blocking, good theatre and more during this routine. It reads quite good and listening (reading) Docc's thoughts on the psychology of performing is breathtakingly awesome. He thinks a lot about his craft. as to the effectiveness of this routine, I cannot say, as I never tried it.
I didn't care for it for a number of reasons...one being that I don't like spelling tricks. I know there are great ones out there - I just don't like them. Plus, the effect read as though it would drag in less competent hands - mine, from a tradeshow standpoint.
It's very weird to be captivated by the psychology of an effect yet dislike the idea of performing an effect!
Docc's closer for his tradeshow act (the act runs about 15 minutes) is a variation on the old "3 and a half of Clubs" gag prediction. Again, Docc uses good psychology, especially in regards to his handling of the $100 bill he promises to give away to spectators if he gets the next effect wrong. I've tried it and it does play, but my big problem is that adult audiences, as a whole, see the 3 and a half of Clubs at the end of a routine and groan. It's like filling your show with puns - it's not truly funny...rather the laughs are more of a series of groans.
This is the one effect I pulled from the booklet and ran it through a series of family shws in preparation for an upcoming tradeshow I had a couple of years back. Viewing it as Docc's closer, I really wanted my handling and script to be polished. After a few dozen performances, I abandoned it as too corny for my liking.
Also included in the booklet is a mention of "turning a stack of $100 bills into a deck of cards that are shuffling." It's a pitch for a $15 product sold by Docc. I ordered it...and really wanted to ask Docc for my money back.
After a couple of weeks, I gave up on this. Besides the fact that it really does not work as smoothly as Docc promises, the set up is a pain in the butt, a big no-no in tradeshow work.
A brief interlude: Of the 6 or so tradeshows at which I've performed, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that when a crowd gathers, your client will expect you to perform - that's what you're being paid to do. Experienced tradeshow workers have told me they have scheduled performances, such as every 30 minutes, or once an hour, etc.
If you can work that kind of a deal with your client, that's great. I know I had a heck of a time trying to convince my clients of this during the booking process. This gets back to knowing yourself as a performer - I can sell myself to an elementary school for fantastic fees - much higher than what some experts tell me they get. I'm not bragging or knocking them, it's just I have a knack for schools.
Here's where tradeshow work is best for people who are truly passionate, have the right personality, etc. The booking process is tough, which, to get back to Docc's dreadful "$100 Bills to deck of cards trick," is only going to work if you have A) a place to re-set in private - not gonna happen at most booth tradeshows, and B) the time to re-set.
So out of the act, for my experience, 3 of the 5 effects got a good response...the fire wallet, the Brainwave Deck, and the 3 and a half of clubs (groans meant it got a good response, not a great response.) Of those 3 effects, I could continue to use only two effects...the fire wallet CANNOT be used in a tradeshow! TRUST ME on this!
THE REST OF THE BOOKLET: Docc is one of those infuriating writers in magic. I LOVE his deep thinking in magic, yet I find most of his stuff either unworkable or, the majority of the time, simply not suited for my personality.
That being said, Docc's understanding of tradeshows appears to be good. He offers some basic advice on getting the gig, but for 20 bucks it's not realistic to expect much more than the few paragraphs he offers.
Nevertheless, despite the apparent negative review thus far, I did find Docc's book helpful to me in understanding tradeshows so I had a good idea of what to do (and what not to do) once I got the gigs.
I took a lot of his advice and psychology and developed my own act which served me well. Tradeshows are NOT a venue I would ever pursue full-time myself, but you may feel differently.
FINAL THOUGHTS: I'm going to give this booklet a 5 out of 10. Fantastic psychology and deep thinking of his act, but for me, most of the actual routines just did not pan out. Your experience may be better than mine.
Until next time...
Best,
Cris Johnson
I'm writing this week's blog in a hotel in NJ. Earlier today, I was performing in Shoreham, NY. Well, to get to my hotel in NJ in preparation for tomorrow's shows, my Garmin GPS took me straight through New York City, right down 34th Street.
Wow!
I am NOT a big city guy. People who live and succeed in those big towns really have my respect, which sort of influenced my decision on what to review this week. But first, some housekkeeping...
Thank you for those of you who have supported my product releases. In fact, I was just told a few days ago that Paul Gross will be putting an ad for my new Clear-View Airborne in one of the big magic magazines!! The lead time for those publications is at least a couple of months, but as soon as I find out what issue, I will let you know.
In fact, Paul recently had a new photo taken for the ad. Check it out under "new releases." Right now it's #2 on page 1.
The next issue of my free ezine, "Cause & Effects" will feature a very simple booking strategy that I know for a fact not many magicians are using. If you are using it, that's great - this little tip has nabbed me some big shows. It's very simple yet very effective. The new issue comes out the first week of October.
If you're not on the list yet, send an email to: crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
On to this week's review...
It's The Star Tradeshow Act by Docc Hilford. It's available for $19.95 from Hocus Pocus and the ad copy can be read here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=2999
EFFECT: Docc explains his own tradeshow act that he's used for years. The act consists of a fire wallet, a few card effects and some good psychology with money, albeit a weak money effect.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: A stapled 36 page booklet.
DIFFICULTY: First, let's get one thing out of the way. The effects Docc uses in his tradeshow act are not difficult from a sleight of hand point of view...The most complex effect is maybe a 2 or 3, depending on your skill level.
The REAL difficulty comes from the show environment. Therefore, the majority of this review will focus on the tradeshow environment.
I do want to look at the act itself and offer thoughts on some of the effects, at least the ones I tried. Throughout, I will weave my thoughts on tradeshows (from my beginner's standpoint) throughout.
EFFECTS OVERVIEW: I've performed at a few tradeshows, so I'm no expert, but it does allow me to make some general observations regarding Docc's act.
The opening effect is a fire wallet, which Docc uses as he claims he will be giving away a $100 bill. I don't care what Docc claims in his book - if you use a fire wallet in a trade show, you'll be in DEEP TROUBLE. Docc claims he sidestepped fire marshals by claiming it was just "trick fire." It may have worked for him (although I have my doubts) but after I tried it, I almost got thrown out by the fire marshal.
So much for the opening.
The next effect is Docc's work on the old 52-on-1 card gag, which he uses to increase the size of the crowd. It reads as very charming and the psychology is good.
The problem here is you truly must have a magnetic personality and really need to hook people for this to work. I believe Docc used this successfully. I really do. For me, it was just "eh." When I finished using the 52-on-1 gag as Docc outlines to increase the size of my crowd, I had roughly the same size group...only a few people had left and others joined it.
Again, I'm sure it worked for Docc. For the 6 or 7 performances I tried, not so much. I blame myself, and that's the problem with an act like this - it's designed for probably the most demanding type of magic out there.
Think about this - at a birthday party, the kids are usually very much looking forward to your show. A school assembly program" Even more, because it gets kids out of class. A corporate holiday party? A little tougher, but yes...providing you engage them.
With tradeshows, you're dealing with people who are VERY busy and really don't want to stop. Most are there because they have to be and are searching out a specific product or booth.
If it sounds like tradeshows are tough (from my point of view) it's because they are. Even tradeshow masters talk freely about how tough it is. I'm NOT saying don't do them, only that it's good to know your strengths.
Back to Docc's act.
It gets better with Docc's handling of the Brainwave Deck, which he uses to finish up the 52-on-1 gag and bring that routine to a close. Docc's psychology and handling of this classic effect is quite good.
From there, he moves on to a spelling effect with cards. He talks a lot about blocking, good theatre and more during this routine. It reads quite good and listening (reading) Docc's thoughts on the psychology of performing is breathtakingly awesome. He thinks a lot about his craft. as to the effectiveness of this routine, I cannot say, as I never tried it.
I didn't care for it for a number of reasons...one being that I don't like spelling tricks. I know there are great ones out there - I just don't like them. Plus, the effect read as though it would drag in less competent hands - mine, from a tradeshow standpoint.
It's very weird to be captivated by the psychology of an effect yet dislike the idea of performing an effect!
Docc's closer for his tradeshow act (the act runs about 15 minutes) is a variation on the old "3 and a half of Clubs" gag prediction. Again, Docc uses good psychology, especially in regards to his handling of the $100 bill he promises to give away to spectators if he gets the next effect wrong. I've tried it and it does play, but my big problem is that adult audiences, as a whole, see the 3 and a half of Clubs at the end of a routine and groan. It's like filling your show with puns - it's not truly funny...rather the laughs are more of a series of groans.
This is the one effect I pulled from the booklet and ran it through a series of family shws in preparation for an upcoming tradeshow I had a couple of years back. Viewing it as Docc's closer, I really wanted my handling and script to be polished. After a few dozen performances, I abandoned it as too corny for my liking.
Also included in the booklet is a mention of "turning a stack of $100 bills into a deck of cards that are shuffling." It's a pitch for a $15 product sold by Docc. I ordered it...and really wanted to ask Docc for my money back.
After a couple of weeks, I gave up on this. Besides the fact that it really does not work as smoothly as Docc promises, the set up is a pain in the butt, a big no-no in tradeshow work.
A brief interlude: Of the 6 or so tradeshows at which I've performed, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that when a crowd gathers, your client will expect you to perform - that's what you're being paid to do. Experienced tradeshow workers have told me they have scheduled performances, such as every 30 minutes, or once an hour, etc.
If you can work that kind of a deal with your client, that's great. I know I had a heck of a time trying to convince my clients of this during the booking process. This gets back to knowing yourself as a performer - I can sell myself to an elementary school for fantastic fees - much higher than what some experts tell me they get. I'm not bragging or knocking them, it's just I have a knack for schools.
Here's where tradeshow work is best for people who are truly passionate, have the right personality, etc. The booking process is tough, which, to get back to Docc's dreadful "$100 Bills to deck of cards trick," is only going to work if you have A) a place to re-set in private - not gonna happen at most booth tradeshows, and B) the time to re-set.
So out of the act, for my experience, 3 of the 5 effects got a good response...the fire wallet, the Brainwave Deck, and the 3 and a half of clubs (groans meant it got a good response, not a great response.) Of those 3 effects, I could continue to use only two effects...the fire wallet CANNOT be used in a tradeshow! TRUST ME on this!
THE REST OF THE BOOKLET: Docc is one of those infuriating writers in magic. I LOVE his deep thinking in magic, yet I find most of his stuff either unworkable or, the majority of the time, simply not suited for my personality.
That being said, Docc's understanding of tradeshows appears to be good. He offers some basic advice on getting the gig, but for 20 bucks it's not realistic to expect much more than the few paragraphs he offers.
Nevertheless, despite the apparent negative review thus far, I did find Docc's book helpful to me in understanding tradeshows so I had a good idea of what to do (and what not to do) once I got the gigs.
I took a lot of his advice and psychology and developed my own act which served me well. Tradeshows are NOT a venue I would ever pursue full-time myself, but you may feel differently.
FINAL THOUGHTS: I'm going to give this booklet a 5 out of 10. Fantastic psychology and deep thinking of his act, but for me, most of the actual routines just did not pan out. Your experience may be better than mine.
Until next time...
Best,
Cris Johnson
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Clear-View Airbornes IN STOCK! and SPECIAL Columns Coming Up!
Hey everyone,
A very weary Cris Johnson here...whew, school's back in session and therefore I am busy as heck once again. As many of you know, I am primarily a school guy. I do some corporate and some private parties, but at heart it's all about schools with me.
Here on the east coast of the U.S., schools started back up a few weeks ago after the summer break and I've been SLAMMED ever since, which is a great thing. It's just a little difficult to get back into the 'swing' of things after having a slow summer.
Some housekkeeping notes...
The new Clear-View Airbornes are NOW IN STOCK! I just checked in with Ken a few days ago and they all arrived safe and sound. I'm sure that those of you who ordered it have either received yours or will in the next couple of days. Don't let the simplicity in appearance fool you...several months of experimentation went into this to make sure that not only does the trick work great but it's also reliable and durable. We also tested different ways of packing it so it would ship safely.
In addition, if you've ever bought a floating glass effect of this type before but were put off by the crappy instructions, never fear because this comes with a CD-ROM for your computer so you can see it in action and it comes with an 11 page booklet outlining the history, development and performance of the effect.
Finally, the little rascal comes with a sturdy tube to keep your investment safe and in great shape for years!
You can read all about it here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=13716
I also want to thank all of you who have made my Mother of All Predictions CD prediction effect and both volumes of Cause & Effects books of routines continued hot sellers. I'm truly touched.
You can check all three books out here:
Cause & Effects 2:
http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=13367
Cause & Effects 1:
http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=12964
Mother of All Predictions:
http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=13021
Finally, I'm going to use my blog space today to let you know of a few 'special events' with this space.
For the month of October, each week will be devoted to reviewing items of a 'spooky' or 'geek' nature in honor of Halloween! That's when so many of us tend to gravitate toward the strange and bizarre, so that's where I'll heading as far as effects that I plan on reviewing.
The last week in December, marking my one-year anniversary of this blog, will feature my 'best of' column. It will be a recap of the BEST stuff that I reviewed in 2010. This will obviously be highly subjective, as in the stuff I loved the most.
In the interest of giving myself a challenge, I will also restrict myself to stuff that I actually purchased in 2010. I bought a LOT of cool stuff this year, as I had a need for stuff due to developing new show themes as well as needing more effects for repeat audiences, which I'm doing more of.
Just as an FYI, next year I don't plan on buying nearly as much new stuff, so as a result, I will need more input from YOU, loyal readers, as to what you'll want to see reviewed.
Finally, I still plan on reviewing an item this week, but I am getting caught up o taxes...three weeks ago, BOTH my desktop AND my laptop computer died, so I've had to re-enter ALL of my receipts and financial information.
Before writing this blog, I've been at my desk working on taxes for about four hours and that was after I did a motivational show across the border in Canada, so I'm BEAT.:)
Check back here in the next few days as I'll try to get a new item reviewed.
Oh, and next month's free ezine of "Cause & Effects" will feature a really neat yet simple technique to drastically increasing the likelihood of getting hired for that gig. I'll outline how I used it to land an obscure gig recently and I will detail why it worked, what not to do and much more.
If you haven't signed up already, send an email to: crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
Until next time...
Cris Johnson
A very weary Cris Johnson here...whew, school's back in session and therefore I am busy as heck once again. As many of you know, I am primarily a school guy. I do some corporate and some private parties, but at heart it's all about schools with me.
Here on the east coast of the U.S., schools started back up a few weeks ago after the summer break and I've been SLAMMED ever since, which is a great thing. It's just a little difficult to get back into the 'swing' of things after having a slow summer.
Some housekkeeping notes...
The new Clear-View Airbornes are NOW IN STOCK! I just checked in with Ken a few days ago and they all arrived safe and sound. I'm sure that those of you who ordered it have either received yours or will in the next couple of days. Don't let the simplicity in appearance fool you...several months of experimentation went into this to make sure that not only does the trick work great but it's also reliable and durable. We also tested different ways of packing it so it would ship safely.
In addition, if you've ever bought a floating glass effect of this type before but were put off by the crappy instructions, never fear because this comes with a CD-ROM for your computer so you can see it in action and it comes with an 11 page booklet outlining the history, development and performance of the effect.
Finally, the little rascal comes with a sturdy tube to keep your investment safe and in great shape for years!
You can read all about it here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=13716
I also want to thank all of you who have made my Mother of All Predictions CD prediction effect and both volumes of Cause & Effects books of routines continued hot sellers. I'm truly touched.
You can check all three books out here:
Cause & Effects 2:
http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=13367
Cause & Effects 1:
http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=12964
Mother of All Predictions:
http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/inc/product_detail.cfm?item=13021
Finally, I'm going to use my blog space today to let you know of a few 'special events' with this space.
For the month of October, each week will be devoted to reviewing items of a 'spooky' or 'geek' nature in honor of Halloween! That's when so many of us tend to gravitate toward the strange and bizarre, so that's where I'll heading as far as effects that I plan on reviewing.
The last week in December, marking my one-year anniversary of this blog, will feature my 'best of' column. It will be a recap of the BEST stuff that I reviewed in 2010. This will obviously be highly subjective, as in the stuff I loved the most.
In the interest of giving myself a challenge, I will also restrict myself to stuff that I actually purchased in 2010. I bought a LOT of cool stuff this year, as I had a need for stuff due to developing new show themes as well as needing more effects for repeat audiences, which I'm doing more of.
Just as an FYI, next year I don't plan on buying nearly as much new stuff, so as a result, I will need more input from YOU, loyal readers, as to what you'll want to see reviewed.
Finally, I still plan on reviewing an item this week, but I am getting caught up o taxes...three weeks ago, BOTH my desktop AND my laptop computer died, so I've had to re-enter ALL of my receipts and financial information.
Before writing this blog, I've been at my desk working on taxes for about four hours and that was after I did a motivational show across the border in Canada, so I'm BEAT.:)
Check back here in the next few days as I'll try to get a new item reviewed.
Oh, and next month's free ezine of "Cause & Effects" will feature a really neat yet simple technique to drastically increasing the likelihood of getting hired for that gig. I'll outline how I used it to land an obscure gig recently and I will detail why it worked, what not to do and much more.
If you haven't signed up already, send an email to: crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
Until next time...
Cris Johnson
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