|
|
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Taking a poll from people who have been in the trenches and perform many different escapes,
Would you rather perform something that's presentation oriented because you don't want to upset any spectators (pushing, shoving, yelling to get what you want) or Will you run the gauntlet and do something you might regret, if you think it makes a better show? - - -- - - - - - - - --- - - - Another way to phrase it is, how many chances do you take and what is the perception of danger and tension to the audience?
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Cliffg37 Inner circle Long Beach, CA 2491 Posts |
I have never been in any real danger (other than getting laughed at perhaps) when I do an escape. My wife was very upset when I told her I was doing an electric chair escape, and she insisted on knowing a couple of things before I did the routine. I have always wanted to do a bridge jump, but while I am an experienced and strong swimmer, holding my breath is not a skill I posess. Still, I would like to add some danger to my work, and I am thinking about some of Norman Bigelow's ideas that have been printed in the chainletter.
Magic is like Science,
Both are fun if you do it right! |
Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
The key here is PERCEPTION of danger.
You can make a situation look HORRENDOUSLY dangerous, and yet still make it safe enough to allow you to concentrate on your presentation. As Lester Lake told me, "Die for your audience every night, but get up fresh the next morning."
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
Kondini Inner circle 3609 Posts |
Will try out new ideas and give them a chance of three goes,,,so its three strikes and if no good its out.
Found out over the years that it takes a lifetime to get a tight act together,,trial and error, be brutal, listen to others rather than yourself,the customer is always right. The most dangerous thing is not to get the cheque at the end of the show,,,,to counteract this, ask for payment up front (Then you can be as bad as you like !!). Ken |
Roslyn Inner circle UK 3405 Posts |
I'm very much at the beginning of, what I hope, will be a long career and I'm quite happy to try out new material. Like Ken I'm happy to give something new three chances.
What I find interesting is that often a new piece will work well first time, but then second time around it falls flat. It'll then take a couple of shows to get it back up to par. I also cut old stuff out and give it a rest. I did this the past summer season with my SJ. The routine felt tired so I cut it out of most shows unless it was specifically asked for. Performed it for the first time in 3 months this week and it was the best piece.
The Magic Cafe account of The Conwy Jester, Erwyd le Fol formerly known as Roslyn Walker.
My home online Join me on Facebook Follow me on twitter |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
So right Ros,
When we launch a new illusion show, we're running on adrenaline and the energy makes it work. Then everyone starts over-thinking and the next few shows are worse because they are awkwardly making adjustments on the fly Then they get up to speed. Laughing about all the mistakes and including what you did wrong helps the process. The same thing happens when businesses hire new employees The first week or two they are great, Then they slack off and also contemplate their existence (happens every time) So it's the job of the manager to pick them up, show them where they fit in the big picture and make them feel at home Then they slowly rise to the occasion or become angry they're stuck there, and harbour bad feelings.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
Part of performing is pushing when necessary. I don't go by the "three times" rule. I generally know whether something will work or not, though it might take months of tweaking.
Danger...we have different attitudes about it. I find that often, people perceive it, when I'm busy working. That doesn't mean the danger is a false impression...just that I don't pay attention to it. I have a problem to solve.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
Kondini Inner circle 3609 Posts |
Keeping it fresh every time,,yep so true. Just like an escort you have to feke it to give satisfaction and that's hard if your doing three a day for seven days a week.
Mind you that's what Ive been told (Not from experience of course!!!). Ken |
magicbymccauley Special user 830 Posts |
I haven't exposed myself to much danger doing escapes (because most escapes aren't that dangerous), except for the time I did a mail bag on the edge of a swimming pool. (That wasn't a good idea).
Most of the danger I encounter is from performing stunts for tv or film, or for martial arts demonstrations. What I have found which makes me the safest is having a good imagination. Most people don't have a very good imagination, and this doesn't allow them to imagine what will go wrong. Having seen many accidents and injuries in martial arts and stunts, I have a better imagination about what could go wrong. Many people have a one track mind and think they are going to succeed. I try to think not just IF I would fail, but HOW it could fail. All the possible ways in which it could fail, and the possible injuries that could result. 1. What are the possible dangers that could happen? What are the possible injuries? 2. Can the possibilities of injury be eliminated completely (if so, do so) 3. If the possibility of injury cannot be eliminated, how can it be reduced? 4. If it can't be reduced by enough, can it be moved to a stronger part of the body? 5. Can the stunt be reworked from the ground up to fulfill #2. 6. If it can't be reworked, what is the worst possible injury that could result? 7. If the injury is too great. Stop. Don't do it. Inform people that it's not possible, it's just too unsafe and explain why. Here's just an example. In a recent pilot I was working on, the Director wanted a kick to the face. The kick didn't look good, so the director wanted to move it closer and closer. I changed the kick to a kick to the body, because the possibility of injury kept getting greater. The kick to the body still hurt, so to minimize injury, we taped a pad to him under his shirt. During the many different takes, the pad shifted, and the kicker missed the target, hitting him in the chest. He was injured (and it hurt a lot), but since the target was changed to the body, he got off with a bruise and nothing more. If I had kept it the same (to the face) and the kicker missed, he would have gotten very, VERY hurt (broken nose or worse). Just an example of how I try to minimize danger.
"Tricks are about objects, Magic is about life."
-Max Maven |
Cliffg37 Inner circle Long Beach, CA 2491 Posts |
I was at a party, and someone who lacked the skill at thinking things through hung a pinata on the back patio... Right next to the pool. I at there watching one blindfolded person after another swing on the pinata, just waiting for the mis-step that would take them to the into pool.
Oddly no one fell in. I was actually disappointed. McCauley, why would you do a bag escape next to a pool? Do you realize you could have died? The audience would have thought it was part of the show, and it may have been a while longer than you wanted before someone realized you had not planned that. Don't do a bag escape next to a pool. Not unless falling in is part of the plan, and you have good back up.
Magic is like Science,
Both are fun if you do it right! |
Ian McColl Inner circle 1493 Posts |
Dave, John Travolta is a pilot.
handcuff keys https://www.facebook.com/groups/274871910110997/
old business https://www.facebook.com/Stockade-locksmiths-276492435716704/ |
magicbymccauley Special user 830 Posts |
Cliff: It was likely one of the stupidest things I've ever done. The lock didn't need to be picked or anything, but still. NOT a good idea.
"Tricks are about objects, Magic is about life."
-Max Maven |
dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
Hi Ian
I know .... I've got a picture of his house somewhere ...... He doesn't even have a garage for his vehicles! He just has a car port ting over the front part of he vehicles, He does have 3 walkways to his 3 aircraft one of which is a big jet like a 747 or something big! Big enough for him and a friend with an over inflated ego, maybe we could nominate someone? Shouldn't take too much creative thinking. I'm pretty sure TH picture I have on file somewhere shows three planes but here is one with 'just the two' ..... https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=john+travolta+house+in+florida&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari#biv=i|1;d|jVBvU6lGGLxS-M: |
Ian McColl Inner circle 1493 Posts |
Yeah that's it, good to work on a pilot, if you can get a famous one. Everyman needs a hobby.
handcuff keys https://www.facebook.com/groups/274871910110997/
old business https://www.facebook.com/Stockade-locksmiths-276492435716704/ |
KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
I'm an idiot, (but not a complete idiot) I have come close to death a number of times . . . but I like it. I guess if I ever do die, I'll stop doing dangerous things all together! Old age and a family has slowed me down quite a bit, but was hospitalized for 10 days last year. I am happy that we are getting Obama care so they can't charge due to preexisting problems . . .
What are you escaping if there is not some element of danger? (I told you I was an idiot) |
magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-11-28 20:32, Steve_Mollett wrote: Good advice...
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
Quote: ahhhmmm I meant "element of perceived or actual danger?" **To me** there is not much entertainment value if the audience sees it as just a demonstration. Not much fun either.What are you escaping if there is not some element of danger? |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » All tied up! » » Danger element (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.04 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |