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limkris Regular user Belgium 166 Posts |
Hi Shawn.
I'd like to hear your views on the past FISM congress and competition. Do you think the winning acts will be winners in 'the real world' also? K. |
Shawn Farquhar V.I.P. Canada 760 Posts |
Kristof,
FISM 2012 was the worst magic congress I have ever attended. Now that statement is going to get me banned from ever going back to Blackpool...oh wait I was already banned. It was poorly planned and executed. This is not a personal attack on any one individual. Many of the workers of the congress were delightful. It was the entire event that was lacking. I would never have uttered a word if it had not been for the disgusting display of the fat suited lady who ripped off the costume to display their breasts and hairy genitalia in front of my eleven year old daughter. The gala shows were less than stellar and below the level I have come to expect from FISM. I am unable to find a listing of the committee members but I will say that whomever was in charge of the talent choices was not in touch with the magic world. To use some acts on multiple nights was a poor choice and several of the acts that appeared on both the stage and close up would not have been booked by me for anything more than a children's birthday party. FISM 2012's contest were wonderful. I had the honour to be on the Jury for the close up competition and although the conditions were not ideal the contestants were excellent. I cannot speak with any authority about the stage contests as I only saw a few due to my responsibilities on the Jury. The ones that I did see were exceptional. The Grand Prix Champions were beyond spectacular and I was glad I was there to see them live. They are both amazing performers and will be outstanding representatives for magic and FISM. As for my thoughts on the acts success in the real world ... I believe that all the acts I saw would be entertaining and magical to a lay audience. If they are to be successful will depend more on their business acumen then their magical skill. Thanks for asking this question that will undoubtedly come back to bite me in the butt. I am part of the committee that produces the IBM convention in the USA and have also produced many PCAM's in the past two decades. I always welcomed criticism as it can be used as a tool to build a better event. I have never taken any of it personally but suspect my comments will be taken as a personal attack, when they should not. -shawn |
magicmann Veteran user 311 Posts |
Shawn
I had never been to a FISM before Blackpool. I agree with everything you have said regarding the standards and in particular the organisation. For me the highlight was making new friends from all over the world, The Grand Prix show was the best magic show I have ever seen. I do not get to many conventions but I have booked for FISM Italy already. See you there Paul |
Shawn Farquhar V.I.P. Canada 760 Posts |
FISM 2015 in Italy will be spectacular ... that's my prediction. I'll see you there magicman. By the way, the Grand Prix show at FISM is always the best show EVER ...
-shawn |
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