I'm very excited for our newest release: Shellraiser featuring Troy Hooser. Troy's magic is absolutely amazing, and to take lessons from him on using an expanded shell is a far greater value than the cost of the DVD.
Check out the demo vid, and place your orders on Monday!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
New Videos of Not-so-New Videos
Master editor and director John Sturk recently crafted two video demos of two excellent Fun Inc. DVDs.
The first is Ross Johnson's Simply Psychic, which I consider an excellent introduction to mentalism (and the critics seem to agree, too).
The second is a video on which card wizard Kirk Charles dishes the dirt on tricks with a marked pack of cards (Miracles With a Marked Deck).
Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Artist Spotlight: Michael Mode
Even though I only spent a brief amount of time at the Collectors convention last week, I did get the opportunity to catch up with my friend (and fellow Michigander) Michael Mode.Michael performs magic and conducts seminars for companies around the world. As a magician, he amazes and entertains. As a speaker, he teaches creative problem-solving techniques and enlightens audiences with life's possibilities.
Michael's creative contributions are performed on stage and television around the world by the top names in magic. In 1999, Michael went on a three-week tour of China where his creations were performed live before ten thousand people and broadcast to an audience of 200 million viewers. Despite his demanding schedule, he still finds time to share several of his products with the magic community.
Most of you are probably familiar with the Napkin Rose that Michael introduced to us through his Napkin Rose DVD. The initial response was so strong, that Michael began producing the napkins in various colors, so magicians could tailor performances to their spectators' preferences. His Napkin Rose Cube has been a very useful tool for the strolling magician.
But Michael is not a one-trick pony: his Nun None! trick has been the delight of many a conjuror - technically simple and full of entertainment.
For the stage magician, Michael released his Bowling Pin Production. Imagine being able to walk on stage, then produce a genuine bowling pin for your jacket sleeve! Recently, the pressure overwhelmed me - I purchased a Bowling Pin Production, and now I highly recommend it for the stage and parlor entertainer.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Magical Powers
With this past weekend's success of Marvel's awesome IRON MAN movie, my co-worker John Sturk and I discussed what it would be like to have REAL superpowers! For example, John wanted telekinesis. Gabe wanted the power of time travel (probably so he could purchase old magic props to sell on eBay).
I have always been a fan of super strength. For example, if I were as strong as the HULK, I'd start my own moving company. I'd be rolling in dough!
John told me that there is a superhero who is a professional magician by day and crime fighter by night! Has anyone ever heard of DC's Zatanna? She was a successful stage illusionist before she discovered her true magical powers. She assisted the Justice League of America on a number of cases before being elected to full membership. Zatanna is a homo magi, a human born with the affinity to manipulate magic. Her unique genetic structure allows her to use the magic she was born with as well as learned magic. She has been called the most powerful member of the Justice League! She does stage, close-up, parlor, and kid shows (sorry, no balloons).
How cool is that?!?! A magician that can do REAL magic! Could you imagine doing Scotch and Soda with no bang rings! How about the coin in the bottle...without breaking a rubber band! Also, you're pockets wouldn't bulge when doing cups and balls. Talk about packing flat and playing big!
I guess we'll just have to rely on Alex Lourido's Silver Impression gaff to actually melt coins.
Check out the stellar video demo!
I have always been a fan of super strength. For example, if I were as strong as the HULK, I'd start my own moving company. I'd be rolling in dough!
John told me that there is a superhero who is a professional magician by day and crime fighter by night! Has anyone ever heard of DC's Zatanna? She was a successful stage illusionist before she discovered her true magical powers. She assisted the Justice League of America on a number of cases before being elected to full membership. Zatanna is a homo magi, a human born with the affinity to manipulate magic. Her unique genetic structure allows her to use the magic she was born with as well as learned magic. She has been called the most powerful member of the Justice League! She does stage, close-up, parlor, and kid shows (sorry, no balloons).
How cool is that?!?! A magician that can do REAL magic! Could you imagine doing Scotch and Soda with no bang rings! How about the coin in the bottle...without breaking a rubber band! Also, you're pockets wouldn't bulge when doing cups and balls. Talk about packing flat and playing big!
I guess we'll just have to rely on Alex Lourido's Silver Impression gaff to actually melt coins.
Check out the stellar video demo!
Monday, May 5, 2008
FUN Inc. on Celebracadabra
As I was viewing the online extras for Celebracadabra (I get to call it research...for work), I came upon Hal Sparks, dressed as a wizard, performing for a group of school children. Imagine my surprise when he mentioned a trick he saw a "Chicago magician" do called the Booger Restoration.
Well, wonder no more! That Chicago magician is FUN's very own Tomas Medina, and you can find the Booger Restoration on Tomas' Geek Magic DVD. If it's good enough for Hal and his coach, Rocco, it's good enough for you!
video.vh1.com
Well, wonder no more! That Chicago magician is FUN's very own Tomas Medina, and you can find the Booger Restoration on Tomas' Geek Magic DVD. If it's good enough for Hal and his coach, Rocco, it's good enough for you!
video.vh1.com
Friday, May 2, 2008
Collectables
Given the Magic Collectors' Association convention in Chicago right now, I've been thinking about what makes a magic something collectable. Is it antiquity? Rarity? Comprehensiveness? Awesomeness?
Looking through my own personal library, I wonder if anything there would be coveted by collectors, or if there's something we have in stock in the FUN Inc. warehouse that could become a collectable in a few years time. Here's a few things you might want to snag - while you still can.
Revolutionary Card Technique: First it was in print, then out of print. It's in print now, but who knows for how long? This tome is the ultimate bible for any aspiring cardician. Bill Malone lists it as a must-have for his proverbial "desert island".
Harbin X2: It is widely agreed that Robert Harbin was one of magic's most inventive geniuses. He is the inventor of the Zig Zag and other illusions that rank among the most performed stage effects of the twentieth century. However, this was merely the tip of Harbin's creative iceberg. In fact, he invented so many illusions, escapes and tricks of all types, they could not be fit into one book. Hence, this handsome two-volume set, including cloth slipcase.
Dotto & Blotto: Like the Topsy Turvy Bottle trick, but better! The magician shows two pictures of magicians and places them in an envelope. One envelope is handed to a spectator and the other is handled by the magician. The magician then mixes up the position of his magician and asks the spectator to follow his lead. No matter how often the envelopes are turned upside down and right side up and how closely the spectator follows the magician's moves, the magician's magician is facing a different direction that the spectator's.
Once these are gone, they're gone for good! Invented by Roy Baker, and first marketed by Edwin's Magic Arts of the United Kingdom.
Edwin's Magical Arts: Edwin the Magician is at it again with another fine book of magic tricks that you can build and create yourself, plus his own personal history in pictures and stories. As always, the book is filled with illustrations and instructions teaching you how to make many wonderful magic props. Out of print. We've got the largest supply of these on the planet! When they're gone - they're gone.
Looking through my own personal library, I wonder if anything there would be coveted by collectors, or if there's something we have in stock in the FUN Inc. warehouse that could become a collectable in a few years time. Here's a few things you might want to snag - while you still can.
Revolutionary Card Technique: First it was in print, then out of print. It's in print now, but who knows for how long? This tome is the ultimate bible for any aspiring cardician. Bill Malone lists it as a must-have for his proverbial "desert island".
Harbin X2: It is widely agreed that Robert Harbin was one of magic's most inventive geniuses. He is the inventor of the Zig Zag and other illusions that rank among the most performed stage effects of the twentieth century. However, this was merely the tip of Harbin's creative iceberg. In fact, he invented so many illusions, escapes and tricks of all types, they could not be fit into one book. Hence, this handsome two-volume set, including cloth slipcase.
Dotto & Blotto: Like the Topsy Turvy Bottle trick, but better! The magician shows two pictures of magicians and places them in an envelope. One envelope is handed to a spectator and the other is handled by the magician. The magician then mixes up the position of his magician and asks the spectator to follow his lead. No matter how often the envelopes are turned upside down and right side up and how closely the spectator follows the magician's moves, the magician's magician is facing a different direction that the spectator's.
Once these are gone, they're gone for good! Invented by Roy Baker, and first marketed by Edwin's Magic Arts of the United Kingdom.
Edwin's Magical Arts: Edwin the Magician is at it again with another fine book of magic tricks that you can build and create yourself, plus his own personal history in pictures and stories. As always, the book is filled with illustrations and instructions teaching you how to make many wonderful magic props. Out of print. We've got the largest supply of these on the planet! When they're gone - they're gone.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The bargains are irresistible!
Since Gabe is working hard putting on the Magic Collectors' convention this week, I'll step in to cover his Thursday slot.
Last night Tomas and I manned the FUN Inc. table at the magic flea market. Lots of magicians were on hand hunting for the best deals. Sadly, I was so busy selling I never got the chance to browse myself.
Then I remembered that FUN has a Double Discount page for our members - bargains galore! Here are a few of the hot items:
Edward Kozuch's Newspaper Prediction: Five envelopes, each one containing a different sheet of newspaper, are displayed. A spectator selects one of the envelopes and the sheet inside. The magician tears the selected sheet into dozens of tiny squares.
Then the magician asks the spectator to choose one of the pieces at random (there's no force!), and to read the news item he has randomly arrived at in a loud, clear voice. At the same time, the magician reveals a prediction he wrote before the show. It is the same as the wording in the randomly selected piece of newsprint!
Come a Little Closer: Contributions to this tome include legends like Alex Elmsley and Roy Walton. This book includes all the effects that were first described in the small 1953 publication called "Come A Little Closer" plus 19 never-before published items!
Fantasio - My Canes and Candles: Who among us hasn't had at least a fleeting encounter with one of Fantasio's creations? The best in the world use Fantasio canes and candles, now Fantasio himself shares his effects, routines, and personal tips.
Last night Tomas and I manned the FUN Inc. table at the magic flea market. Lots of magicians were on hand hunting for the best deals. Sadly, I was so busy selling I never got the chance to browse myself.
Then I remembered that FUN has a Double Discount page for our members - bargains galore! Here are a few of the hot items:
Edward Kozuch's Newspaper Prediction: Five envelopes, each one containing a different sheet of newspaper, are displayed. A spectator selects one of the envelopes and the sheet inside. The magician tears the selected sheet into dozens of tiny squares.
Then the magician asks the spectator to choose one of the pieces at random (there's no force!), and to read the news item he has randomly arrived at in a loud, clear voice. At the same time, the magician reveals a prediction he wrote before the show. It is the same as the wording in the randomly selected piece of newsprint!
Come a Little Closer: Contributions to this tome include legends like Alex Elmsley and Roy Walton. This book includes all the effects that were first described in the small 1953 publication called "Come A Little Closer" plus 19 never-before published items!
Fantasio - My Canes and Candles: Who among us hasn't had at least a fleeting encounter with one of Fantasio's creations? The best in the world use Fantasio canes and candles, now Fantasio himself shares his effects, routines, and personal tips.
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