I know there are some who talk down of magic conventions in general, but my experience with them has been overwhelmingly positive.
Next weekend, I'll be heading to one of the 4 conventions I attend annually. Abbott's Close-Up Convention was where I won my first contest back in '05, so I making it back to this convention each year means a lot to me.
When I started magic as a wide-eyed ninteen-year-old college sophomore, I could only afford to do a few magic conventions each year, and they all had to be driving distance from Michigan State University. Fortunately, being in Michigan, I was only two hours away from the Mecca of Magic: Colon, Michigan.
What I enjoyed about the Michigan magic convention circuit was that it was often the same people who attended, as I'm sure it is in other regions. The convention regulars became friends of mine, so attendance became not only a chance to learn from lectures, but also to reconnect with old friends.
What I especially enjoy about Abbott's Close-Up (and the Get-Together) is the closeness of the regulars. Colon resident Dr. Gerry Costello generously opens his home to the attendees, hosting late night sessions and a home-cooked luncheon at his lakeside cottage. Cramming all those conventioneers into the relatively small cottage means you're always within arm's reach of some awesome magicians: just last year, I hung out with Eric DeCamps, Mike Powers, FISM Grand Prix Champion Rick Merrill, and Hank Moorehouse, all of whom were within ten feet of each other. I'm surprised the building didn't explode from the level of awesomeness inside that room.
Like I often tell the kids at the summer camp I work each year, "you get out of this experience what you put into it." When you attend a convention, absorb as much as you can. Ask questions, session with the guys, share your stuff when asked, and ALWAYS take notes.
Andi Gladwin has a great article over at Online-Visions: Andi Gladwin's Convention Survival Guide. Be sure to take a gander before heading to your next convention. You'll be glad you did.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
New website coming soon
We have received a lot of feedback that our FunInc.com website is in need of an upgrade. Heard, understood, and acknowledged.We've been formulating the new design with our web design technician, and have had a few of our customers beta test. Taking their feedback into account, we're making tweaks and changes here and there.
The redesign will encompass an easier navigation system, and will eventually organize our catalog into subcategories, facilitating navigation for the browsing customer. No longer will you have to just know what you want, you can stroll around in our virtual warehouse until something tickles your fancy.
John Bannon's Fractal Card Magic Trilogy
Today I got to take a sneak peek at the cover art for Part II of John Bannon's Fractal Card Magic trilogy. The title is "Duplicity," and promises to be a very popular trick. Remember John's "Twisted Sisters?" John himself says that tens of thousands have been sold all over the world, and it's really no stretch to say Duplicity looks to break that record.
We don't quite have a release schedule set, but rest assured, you can find the latest updates right here on the blog.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Forgotten Goodies from the Magic Factory
FUN Incorporated is a pretty big place. We manufacture almost 300 items and distribute over 2200 products. We get new merchandise almost every day, but because so many NEW products come in, older products tend to get ignored.
The other day I took a look at Cody Fisher's Fifty-Two Thoughts. Ever see this trick? Talk about packing flat and playing BIG! This trick is the perfect pocket mentalism act. Yes, they are disposible, but the effect is so worth it. Plenty of audience byplay, comedy, and the effect is a total fooler! Try one out and thank me later!
Also, make sure to check out the Jupiter's Changing Cards trick. Not only is it extremely visual, but it's pretty easy to do. There's only one move in the whole trick... you do it several times in the routine. The move is a no-brainer, plus the specially made cards make the trick uber-easy to do. Check out my stellar video demo.
In regards to one of my favorite DVDs, I really enjoy watching 10 Years Of Steve Spill. I own this on both VHS and DVD. More magicians should release stuff like this. Even though it's only a collection of performances, you will watch this over and over again. No joke.
Steve's a very funny guy. Watch this, laugh, learn, and wish you were him. In fact, steve's performance of the needle trick is worth the price of the DVD alone. How does he do it? Probably magic. Watching this DVD is kind of like getting kicked in the face by a horse... but in a good way. Two "thumb-tips" way up!!!!
If you're interested in any more "forgotten goodies" please let me know and I will keep you posted.
The other day I took a look at Cody Fisher's Fifty-Two Thoughts. Ever see this trick? Talk about packing flat and playing BIG! This trick is the perfect pocket mentalism act. Yes, they are disposible, but the effect is so worth it. Plenty of audience byplay, comedy, and the effect is a total fooler! Try one out and thank me later!
Also, make sure to check out the Jupiter's Changing Cards trick. Not only is it extremely visual, but it's pretty easy to do. There's only one move in the whole trick... you do it several times in the routine. The move is a no-brainer, plus the specially made cards make the trick uber-easy to do. Check out my stellar video demo.
In regards to one of my favorite DVDs, I really enjoy watching 10 Years Of Steve Spill. I own this on both VHS and DVD. More magicians should release stuff like this. Even though it's only a collection of performances, you will watch this over and over again. No joke.
Steve's a very funny guy. Watch this, laugh, learn, and wish you were him. In fact, steve's performance of the needle trick is worth the price of the DVD alone. How does he do it? Probably magic. Watching this DVD is kind of like getting kicked in the face by a horse... but in a good way. Two "thumb-tips" way up!!!!
If you're interested in any more "forgotten goodies" please let me know and I will keep you posted.
Monday, February 25, 2008
These Just In!
We received a very large shipment recently with a few new items and a few old items (now back in stock).
Color-Changing Wand: The magician displays an orange wand with brass tips to his audience. Passing his hand over the wand, its body instantly changes to black. Very easy to do, even for beginning magicians. Supplied complete with instructions and special wand.
Lit Candle to Milk/Salt: A candle on display is lit, for some part of another routine, or you can light it for this specific effect. It is covered with a small cap to extinguish the flame. When the cap is removed, the flaming candle tip has vanished, and the candle has transformed into a clear cylinder of milk, which you can pour out, or if you prefer, the cylinder could be full of fine salt or sugar which pours out in an endless stream. It could even be a rolled up white silk!
Mylar Throw Streamers: Tired of colored paper? Try mylar! The flashy reflective substance will definitely add dazzle to your show.
Palm-Fire gimmicks: Long unavailable, now back in a big way. Here is an effect that will capture the imagination of your audience. Fire - first from one hand -- then from both hands. Place the flame in your pocket. It reappears in your hand! Use it over and over again any time during your act. Make the flame seem to leap from hand to hand.
Color-Changing Wand: The magician displays an orange wand with brass tips to his audience. Passing his hand over the wand, its body instantly changes to black. Very easy to do, even for beginning magicians. Supplied complete with instructions and special wand.
Lit Candle to Milk/Salt: A candle on display is lit, for some part of another routine, or you can light it for this specific effect. It is covered with a small cap to extinguish the flame. When the cap is removed, the flaming candle tip has vanished, and the candle has transformed into a clear cylinder of milk, which you can pour out, or if you prefer, the cylinder could be full of fine salt or sugar which pours out in an endless stream. It could even be a rolled up white silk!
Mylar Throw Streamers: Tired of colored paper? Try mylar! The flashy reflective substance will definitely add dazzle to your show.
Palm-Fire gimmicks: Long unavailable, now back in a big way. Here is an effect that will capture the imagination of your audience. Fire - first from one hand -- then from both hands. Place the flame in your pocket. It reappears in your hand! Use it over and over again any time during your act. Make the flame seem to leap from hand to hand.
Friday, February 22, 2008
New Products for a Friday
I try to balance the philosophy and theory discussions on this blog with the shameless plug posts. We've had those conversational ones two days in a row, so here come the commercials!
Astor's Paper to Money Plus: Four blank pieces of paper are shown on both sides. They immediately are transformed into four bills when they are counted from one hand to the other!A fantastic new twist on a classic effect. Works with every currency!
Jeff Blum: Stand Up and Deliver DVD: Jeff Blum is a professional magician who specializes in stand-up magic and mentalism that can be presented up close as well as in the largest auditoriums. On this DVD you get to see him perform his favorite creations in front of a live house party and then explain everything in great detail. Along the way he offers his real world tips and strategies, explaining how he earns his full time living using stand up magic and mentalism.
Werry's Transformer: In the early '60s Werry invented a gimmick that blew away thousands of magicians in Europe. Since then, others have not been able to match up to the original. Show a coin, lay it in your outstretched hand or on the table, cover it for a second, and it's gone! Transpositions, transformations, and vanishes are all possible with this ingenious device.
More Reviews for The Royal Scam
After we posted the excellent review of The Royal Scam from Online-Visions, I saw today that Wayne Kawamoto posted his review for Magic.About.com. The arguments are really starting to pile up, so why don't you own one yet?
Astor's Paper to Money Plus: Four blank pieces of paper are shown on both sides. They immediately are transformed into four bills when they are counted from one hand to the other!A fantastic new twist on a classic effect. Works with every currency!
Jeff Blum: Stand Up and Deliver DVD: Jeff Blum is a professional magician who specializes in stand-up magic and mentalism that can be presented up close as well as in the largest auditoriums. On this DVD you get to see him perform his favorite creations in front of a live house party and then explain everything in great detail. Along the way he offers his real world tips and strategies, explaining how he earns his full time living using stand up magic and mentalism.
Werry's Transformer: In the early '60s Werry invented a gimmick that blew away thousands of magicians in Europe. Since then, others have not been able to match up to the original. Show a coin, lay it in your outstretched hand or on the table, cover it for a second, and it's gone! Transpositions, transformations, and vanishes are all possible with this ingenious device.
More Reviews for The Royal Scam
After we posted the excellent review of The Royal Scam from Online-Visions, I saw today that Wayne Kawamoto posted his review for Magic.About.com. The arguments are really starting to pile up, so why don't you own one yet?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Five Foot Shelf Up To Date
In Annemann's Jinx, a concept was born: The Five Foot Shelf. The idea is a simple one. If given only five linear feet of shelf space in total, which magic books would you fill it with?
Annemann's thoughts on the subject, published in Jinx #8 (May, 1935):
"Down through the years have come many books on the art of magic and allied subjects. Of late the production of such literature has increased until hardly a week goes by without the appearance of a book, brochure or manuscript. Many are good and many are not. The titles given here is an impartial and unbiased opinion of my own as to what books constitute
a working library on the art of mystifying.
"Every included work has its value and I take my stand now that the shelf of magic as herein listed covers every phase and known principle necessary to a modern performer. There are hundreds of other books, magazines and pamphlets which contain excellent and practical effects but I'm not listing trick books alone. I'm listing what I think are textbooks and if an absolute stranger to magic asked me tomorrow what books he should buy I'd give him this list. Check it over carefully and see if you can think of a subject connected with mystifying that isn't covered with the best book (my opinion) obtainable.
"Books from this list can all be secured through Leo Rullman - 203 West 81st Street - New York City. Mr. Rullman looked this over and estimated the cost of such a shelf at about $125.00. This does not include a file of The Sphinx to date. For thousands of good tricks and for a perfect insight into and knowledge of the trend of modern magic there is no better file to have on hand, but for specialised works take the list as given. I consider the complete file of Stanyon's Magic as the most important followed by Tarbell's monumental course. These two items alone make a working library. From there on it is a matter of speciality.
"Bring me a person who has assimilated the knowledge contained within this list and I'll back him academically against the world of magic to-day.
"Stanyon, Magic (periodical, 15 vols., complete)
Tarbell, Tarbell Course of Magic
Stanyon, The Stanyon Serials,(1-21)
Downs, The Art of Magic
Hilliard, (Sequel to above now being published) [Greater Magic - G.F.]
Sachs, Sleight of Hand
Maskelyne and Devant, Our Magic
Hoffmann, Modern Magic
Hatton and Plate, Magician's Tricks
Clarke, Annals of Conjuring (Magic Wand Nos.121-140)
Houdin, The Secrets of Conjuring and Magic
Thurston, 200 Tricks You Can Do
Thurston, 200 More Tricks You Can Do
Erdnase, The Expert at the Card Table
Annemann, 202 Methods of Forcing
Johnson, The Open Book
Lloyd, Thimble Manipulation
Deveen, Expert Cigarette Manipulation
Hull, Billiard Ball Manipulation (2 parts)
Lippy, Chemical Magic
Houdini, Paper Magic
Hull, 33 Rope Ties and Chain Releases
Gibson, Houdini's Escapes
Hurst, The Georgia Wonder
Houdini, Miracle Mongers
de Laurence, Medical Hypnosis and Magnetic Hypnotism
de Laurence, The Book, of Black Magic and of Pacts
Prince, The Whole Art of Ventriloquism
Roth, Roth Memory Course
Carrington, The Physical Phenomena of Spiritualism
Abbott, Behind the Scenes with the Mediums
Alexander, The Life and Mysteries of Dr.'Q'
Hull, How To Answer Questions
Dusenbery, Making Magic Pay
Glen, The [Magician's] Road To Fame
Funk and Wagnall's, The Practical Standard Dictionary
Globe Book Company, Elementary Grammar"
So ends Annemann's list. The question I often ask is what books should be added to his Five Foot Shelf, and which titles are no longer relevant to the modern magician.
I'm no Ted Annemann, but I have considered the literature of magic, both past and present, and have a few suggestions to make regarding essential texts. Some of the titles below may have popped up in a previous post of mine, but so be it. I love books. That said, here's my short list, which is still a work in progress:
-Steinmeyer, The Complete Jarrett
-Bamberg, Illusion Show
-Gardner, The Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic
-Wilson, The Mark Wilson Course in Magic
-Waldron, Blackstone: A Magician's Life
-Kaufman, David Roth's Expert Coin Magic
-Bobo, The New Modern Coin Magic
-Hugard & Braue, Expert Card Technique
-Hugard & Braue, The Royal Road to Card Magic
-Annemann, The Jinx (Complete file, 1-150)
-Gibson, The Phoenix & New Phoenix
-James, The Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks
-Rice, The Encyclopedia of Silk Magic
-Corinda, 13 Steps to Mentalism
-James, The Essential Stewart James
-Marlo, Revolutionary Card Technique
-Ganson, The Dai Vernon Book of Magic
-Ben, Dai Vernon: A Biography (Vol. 1)
-Price, Magic: A Pictorial History of Conjurers in the Theatre
-Sharpe, Conjurer's Secrets (Vols. 1-5)
-Giobbi, Card College (Vols. 1-5)
Annemann's thoughts on the subject, published in Jinx #8 (May, 1935):
"Down through the years have come many books on the art of magic and allied subjects. Of late the production of such literature has increased until hardly a week goes by without the appearance of a book, brochure or manuscript. Many are good and many are not. The titles given here is an impartial and unbiased opinion of my own as to what books constitute
a working library on the art of mystifying.
"Every included work has its value and I take my stand now that the shelf of magic as herein listed covers every phase and known principle necessary to a modern performer. There are hundreds of other books, magazines and pamphlets which contain excellent and practical effects but I'm not listing trick books alone. I'm listing what I think are textbooks and if an absolute stranger to magic asked me tomorrow what books he should buy I'd give him this list. Check it over carefully and see if you can think of a subject connected with mystifying that isn't covered with the best book (my opinion) obtainable.
"Books from this list can all be secured through Leo Rullman - 203 West 81st Street - New York City. Mr. Rullman looked this over and estimated the cost of such a shelf at about $125.00. This does not include a file of The Sphinx to date. For thousands of good tricks and for a perfect insight into and knowledge of the trend of modern magic there is no better file to have on hand, but for specialised works take the list as given. I consider the complete file of Stanyon's Magic as the most important followed by Tarbell's monumental course. These two items alone make a working library. From there on it is a matter of speciality.
"Bring me a person who has assimilated the knowledge contained within this list and I'll back him academically against the world of magic to-day.
"Stanyon, Magic (periodical, 15 vols., complete)
Tarbell, Tarbell Course of Magic
Stanyon, The Stanyon Serials,(1-21)
Downs, The Art of Magic
Hilliard, (Sequel to above now being published) [Greater Magic - G.F.]
Sachs, Sleight of Hand
Maskelyne and Devant, Our Magic
Hoffmann, Modern Magic
Hatton and Plate, Magician's Tricks
Clarke, Annals of Conjuring (Magic Wand Nos.121-140)
Houdin, The Secrets of Conjuring and Magic
Thurston, 200 Tricks You Can Do
Thurston, 200 More Tricks You Can Do
Erdnase, The Expert at the Card Table
Annemann, 202 Methods of Forcing
Johnson, The Open Book
Lloyd, Thimble Manipulation
Deveen, Expert Cigarette Manipulation
Hull, Billiard Ball Manipulation (2 parts)
Lippy, Chemical Magic
Houdini, Paper Magic
Hull, 33 Rope Ties and Chain Releases
Gibson, Houdini's Escapes
Hurst, The Georgia Wonder
Houdini, Miracle Mongers
de Laurence, Medical Hypnosis and Magnetic Hypnotism
de Laurence, The Book, of Black Magic and of Pacts
Prince, The Whole Art of Ventriloquism
Roth, Roth Memory Course
Carrington, The Physical Phenomena of Spiritualism
Abbott, Behind the Scenes with the Mediums
Alexander, The Life and Mysteries of Dr.'Q'
Hull, How To Answer Questions
Dusenbery, Making Magic Pay
Glen, The [Magician's] Road To Fame
Funk and Wagnall's, The Practical Standard Dictionary
Globe Book Company, Elementary Grammar"
So ends Annemann's list. The question I often ask is what books should be added to his Five Foot Shelf, and which titles are no longer relevant to the modern magician.
I'm no Ted Annemann, but I have considered the literature of magic, both past and present, and have a few suggestions to make regarding essential texts. Some of the titles below may have popped up in a previous post of mine, but so be it. I love books. That said, here's my short list, which is still a work in progress:
-Steinmeyer, The Complete Jarrett
-Bamberg, Illusion Show
-Gardner, The Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic
-Wilson, The Mark Wilson Course in Magic
-Waldron, Blackstone: A Magician's Life
-Kaufman, David Roth's Expert Coin Magic
-Bobo, The New Modern Coin Magic
-Hugard & Braue, Expert Card Technique
-Hugard & Braue, The Royal Road to Card Magic
-Annemann, The Jinx (Complete file, 1-150)
-Gibson, The Phoenix & New Phoenix
-James, The Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks
-Rice, The Encyclopedia of Silk Magic
-Corinda, 13 Steps to Mentalism
-James, The Essential Stewart James
-Marlo, Revolutionary Card Technique
-Ganson, The Dai Vernon Book of Magic
-Ben, Dai Vernon: A Biography (Vol. 1)
-Price, Magic: A Pictorial History of Conjurers in the Theatre
-Sharpe, Conjurer's Secrets (Vols. 1-5)
-Giobbi, Card College (Vols. 1-5)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Creative Process
I often thought of myself as a creative person. Maybe not necessarily handy, but creative. When it came to magic, I usually stick to the classics (cups and balls, linking rings, egg bag) and rely on my personality and humor to make the routine unique.
Working here at FUN gave me a whole new perspective on creating new magic. Ideas can come from anywhere, and usually when you least expect it. People come up with great ideas all the time; it's a precious few who act on it.
Because we have a relatively small staff compared to the number of products and ideas that are sent to us, sometimes things get pushed to the back burner when more pressing matters present themselves.
We've had plans to begin manufacturing an effect from Pat Page for a few years now, but it just kinda got pushed back and back. Recently, I was assigned to "figure out how to make these." I don't want to discuss the effect too much, since we will release it eventually. Identifying the problems with the current apparatus, I first devised a solution, then reproduced the apparatus using the materials we will eventually use in production.
What I liked about working on this project was knowing that I was able to take an idea, then turn it into reality.
How many of your ideas have you put into practice? Do you take time to make gaffs or gimmicks?
To start being a creative magician, I started keeping a "magic notebook." I keep notes from lectures I've attended, trick lists for shows I've done, and other ideas that pop into my head. Whenever I have a show (say, a birthday party) coming up that maybe I haven't done in a while, I can go back to see what notes I made for the last birthday party I did, and duplicate or improve on it.
Try starting your own magic notebook, and see what ideas you can make happen.
Working here at FUN gave me a whole new perspective on creating new magic. Ideas can come from anywhere, and usually when you least expect it. People come up with great ideas all the time; it's a precious few who act on it.
Because we have a relatively small staff compared to the number of products and ideas that are sent to us, sometimes things get pushed to the back burner when more pressing matters present themselves.
We've had plans to begin manufacturing an effect from Pat Page for a few years now, but it just kinda got pushed back and back. Recently, I was assigned to "figure out how to make these." I don't want to discuss the effect too much, since we will release it eventually. Identifying the problems with the current apparatus, I first devised a solution, then reproduced the apparatus using the materials we will eventually use in production.
What I liked about working on this project was knowing that I was able to take an idea, then turn it into reality.
How many of your ideas have you put into practice? Do you take time to make gaffs or gimmicks?
To start being a creative magician, I started keeping a "magic notebook." I keep notes from lectures I've attended, trick lists for shows I've done, and other ideas that pop into my head. Whenever I have a show (say, a birthday party) coming up that maybe I haven't done in a while, I can go back to see what notes I made for the last birthday party I did, and duplicate or improve on it.
Try starting your own magic notebook, and see what ideas you can make happen.
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