Hi Derren,

I really enjoyed the TOTM sries and the specials.
The live show was fantastic.
I wonder how you feel about the time limitations set upon you with a tv series, as presumably, the filming is on a firly tight schedule as opposed to a live show where there is plenty of rehersal time.
Do you find it difficult to perfect and perform new effects as well as you would like becasue of this?

All the best
x
The Force

Looks like you've been busy with a kiddies party today then Derren!

Thank you. Yes, it's a frighteningly rapid and unforgiving process, but you learn to move at the necessary speed. It's a shame that you only get one go at it on TV: in the live show, I can tweak it every night and slowly let it all come together.
Of course more time would always be a tremendous bonus, and there have been routines fromt he shows (not saying which ones...) which I feel would be better had I had more time to play with them and try them out. But where the performance may not be as polished as a stage piece, you have the luxury of music and close-ups to aid the drama.

Incidentally, to make a series and 2 specials takes 8 months. Touring takes 4, with a month to write and rehearse the show from scratch. That's my entire year, with no breaks. I've been working to that schedule since February 2003, and know that it won't change until at least May 2006. It is hard work.

Cheers,
db

So that means we can expect another series and two more specials?

I'm sure the money makes the hard work worth it. Oh and the reputation in the magic community of course etc etc etc (!)

Busy Chap!! Thanks for the reply.