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JohnG V.I.P. 372 Posts |
There was a lot of talk about the magicians on Letterman a month or two ago. With issues of angles and a short time to WOW the host/audience/TV audience, what would you perform in your 3-4 minutes on national TV?
John Guastaferro
Website: www.MagicJohnG.com Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/MagicJohnG Twitter: twitter.com/johngmagic YouTube: www.youtube.com/johngmagic Email: johnGmagic@mac.com |
Tom Cutts Staff Northern CA 5925 Posts |
Something which brings focus up tight to my face and forces the angle. Maybe a spoon or coin bend. That would be my closer. I would open with something which sets the interaction and the middle piece would allow the host to be the star.
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puggo Inner circle 2022 Posts |
A great topic which has really got me thinking... it must be visual, good on angles, easy to follow etc.
I still have not thought what I would do; that is taking some prolonged thought, in that it would have to be an original variation / creation / piece of routining by myself. However, as an example of what I think would work (but NOT what I would do) I think Michael Vincent's presentation of the basic (ungaffed) three card monte might work well, as he weaves a story / history before even starting the 'demonstration' (although it is full of magical moments). Mr Vincent also presents the effect in a gentlemanly way without 'getting one over' on the audience. The version I have seen is on 'Rhapsodies in silver' but found this older version on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxh3LHLikMk To sum up, you have an engaging story, a powerful hook (win / lose money) and strong magic presented in a smooth, calm and elegant manner. Charlie |
michaelvincent V.I.P. 567 Posts |
This is an interesting topic to bring up John because I saw all of the performances and it struck me as a very unfortunate situation to be performing close-up magic.
The conditions were extremely odd to me as the host Letterman was sat behind his big desk with all of the magicians sat to his right. This meant each magician had to turn to face Letterman working "leftwards" which represents a rather odd angle to be presenting magic. Keep in mind the studio audience were out front watching in. The camera angles were front on but slightly above all of the magicians performing, which created a really acute angle problems. With these thoughts in mind I felt the whole construction of the working conditions created uncomfortable viewing for me. The experience of watching the some of the worlds finest magicians was uncomfortable as I felt each act was working against the grain. Nevertheless they all represented themselves and our craft with class and dignity. Now to bring your question into the frame, I personally would have struggled with those conditions, trying to relate to the host and the viewing audience would be problematic, not impossible just awkward. Close-up magic on television can cut you out as a personality and leave your hands just in the frame, so for me, my performance items would take in a three quarter shot so that my face would be on view at all times. That's my take on it. Mike Vincent
Magic for the 21st Century
"Why be mediocre, when you have excellence as an option" Mastering Magic Elegant Decpetions Learning Tools The All Cards Blog The Vincent Academy of Magic |
JohnG V.I.P. 372 Posts |
Michael, I respect your answer.
But that's cheating a bit. I'm curious if your somehow forced to do it, what WOULD you do, being full aware of the limitations you articulated. All hypothetical. John G
John Guastaferro
Website: www.MagicJohnG.com Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/MagicJohnG Twitter: twitter.com/johngmagic YouTube: www.youtube.com/johngmagic Email: johnGmagic@mac.com |
michaelvincent V.I.P. 567 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-08-13 19:36, JohnG wrote: Fair point John If push comes to shove I would play it safe to preserve the integrity of my work. Here are some of my choices Gypsy Thread and The Magnetised Cards That's just off the top of my head, I will expand later after I have had some sleep. Mike V
Magic for the 21st Century
"Why be mediocre, when you have excellence as an option" Mastering Magic Elegant Decpetions Learning Tools The All Cards Blog The Vincent Academy of Magic |
paisa23 Inner circle 7293 Posts |
I agree that some of the angles for some close-up effects were less then favorable. Also not to bad mouth Letterman but he like Rachel Ray make for really sticky spectators. When ever I watch both of them they kind of come off a little Hecklerish. Maybe not by fault but that type of environment and pressure can make it hard to manage. I would have to choose a piece that would involve minal participation for the spectator (Letterman) to chime in. All though done before, sam the bellhop would fit the bill. There is no pick a card and ill find it moment so the Spectator can try to one up the magician. Back in time (Sankey) I believe could also work well. NOT TO BOOST YOUR HEAD UP but I would have to do your "Lost and Found" they pick the card but the story runs away with the show. So if it was me I think if I chose a card effect it would be "Lost and Found" if not a card effect I would perform (Doc Easons version) of Nuts and Bolts.
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wsduncan Inner circle Seattle, WA 3619 Posts |
Assuming I could obtain permission to perform it on television from John, I’d open with Bannon’s Play It Straight Triumph. Forgetting to have the host return his selection would be a believable magician-in-trouble theme for a television appearance, especially with a host known to be tough on magicians.
Vanish the pack afterwards by putting it in the box and then crumbling the box into a ball and tossing it into the front row. Because things aren’t going so well with the cards… Then I’d do my International Hanging Coins routine because the only bad angle is over my right shoulder… or directly above me. |
scottsheltonmagic New user Raleigh, NC 59 Posts |
I wonder if they would have allowed the magicians to perform a stand-up effect or routine facing the camera using Letterman or an audience member as a volunteer.
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Curtis Kam V.I.P. same as you, plus 3 and enough to make 3498 Posts |
This is a great question, and as much as I admire the idea to ask it, I'm afraid I'll have to disagree with one aspect of your analysis, John. If you've seen Ricky Jay's appearance on that show, you know he tried the approach you're suggesting, i. e. Barrelling on ahead so that the host will have to shut up and watch. Ricky got through the performance, however Letterman was clearly uncomfortable not having a role on his own show. As far as he and the producers are concerned, the show's not about magic, it's about David Letterman reacting to magic. When he has no defined role, that's when he interrupts. So IMHO, the optimal approach would not be to do tricks where he's left out, but rather tricks where he's given a clearly defined role, hopefully one in which he's comfortable.
I've never done national tv but I've done a lot of local stuff. One piece I'm dying to try in this setting is Jay Sankey/Richard Sanders' "thought thief".
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JohnG V.I.P. 372 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-08-15 08:27, Curtis Kam wrote: Glad you like the question, but I offer no analysis of which to disagree. I don't suggest, as you put it, that one should "barrel on ahead so that the host will have to shut up and watch." I merely asked what you would perform if on Letterman. I absolutely agree with your point that involving David is key. I might consider an effect like Turning the Tables (Second Storm), where David would play the role if magician. I'd probably precede thus with Color Blind (Brainstorm). Crazy Man's Handcuffs might look wonderful, especially involving Dave to hold a band. Other effects I'd consider are Truth In Advertising (I think/hope Dave and the live & home audience would enjoy the premise); and Party Animal (Brainstorm), just to say the line, "Dave, for all you do this bud's for you." Still pondering. John G
John Guastaferro
Website: www.MagicJohnG.com Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/MagicJohnG Twitter: twitter.com/johngmagic YouTube: www.youtube.com/johngmagic Email: johnGmagic@mac.com |
Jon Allen V.I.P. England 1771 Posts |
Hi John. I think that whatever effects are chosen, they need to convey something about *who you are*. No matter how good the tricks are, every magicians should want to be remembered ahead of the tricks. Something that shows yo are a personailty rather than a trick machine. How many hundereds of magicians can do tricks that can work on TV? How many magicians could make a memorable impression for who they are?
I discussed the Letterman magic week with a couple of friends and the common consensus was that someone like David Williamson would absolutely storm it.... so he would never be allowed on. Letterman would never get the upper hand! Personally, I would makes sure I do Double Back.... honestly! The way I perform it offers loads of opportunity for interaction and humour. The presentation is about people's perception of magicians and their methods. It involves the host and the audience (in the studio and at home... which is important) and has a visual finale (that would be in front of my face!). I also think Extreme Burn would look amazing on TV.
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JohnG V.I.P. 372 Posts |
Awesome points, Jon.
My "go to" opener in most ANY situation is Truth In Advertising (One Degree)...for the very reasons you articulated. It is a genuine reflection of ME and my background in advertising. Authenticity is an important factor I cover in the book, especially in regards to this effect alone. I think Andi started another thread here called "You" Tricks...something I think we should all have at least one of. As you perfectly express throughout your book, it's about the experience and connection. I also think the visual effects you suggest here would play wonderfully on TV. Thanks for sharing! John G
John Guastaferro
Website: www.MagicJohnG.com Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/MagicJohnG Twitter: twitter.com/johngmagic YouTube: www.youtube.com/johngmagic Email: johnGmagic@mac.com |
Curtis Kam V.I.P. same as you, plus 3 and enough to make 3498 Posts |
Oops, sorry John, my bad. I misattributed some of the comments above. I'm glad we don't disagree.
I wonder about the whole "Letterman wouldn't let others upstage him" idea. It may be true, since I can't imagine any other reason for David Williamson not having done the show (assuming he's tried) but it seems to me that Penn and Teller always tried to upstage Dave, often succeeded, and they were on many times. I think Dave is willing to share the stage with anyone, so long as he thinks the audience will find it entertaining. He certainly took asupporting role to Cher and Madonna. Perhaps as he becomes more comfortable with magic, he will trust the performers enough to take a chance on a bit that feels like it's going too long without a laugh.
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