Hi there everyone,

I was just wondering what everyones thoughts were on the use of t*** as...... in modern illusions. Are they common anymore? The reason I am asking this is I'm currently developing an aerial metamorphosis/exchange that's done about 5m apart.

I'm having a bit of trouble with it though because I can't come up with a fast enough way to have the assistant travel from A to B without using t****. The magicians route from B to A is easy but the other hmm difficult. Any ideas?

Has this sort of exchange ever been done before?

Thanks for your time,

Mike

Twins have definitely been used in past illusions. However, from what I have gathered, laymen have come to expect them. So many times people have tried to explain a secret to me, and they always say three things (even when they aren't really used): Smoke, Mirrors, and Twins.

So yes, they can be used, and if the effect is just a lot better with them, then go for it. However, finding twins to perform for you is a whole other challenge.

If you can find a good way to do it without them then I'd probably recommend that. If you want them though, use them.

Copperfield did an aerial metamorphosis/exchange using twins a while back. He now does the same trick with just one girl, however it looked so magical the way he did it originally, with twins. I think that if it's done well, the audience wont suspect twins.

Hope this helps.

Dave
http://www.DaveWomach.com

Thank's for reply dave,

I think finish my design and then show it to a few people. The only problem is that it would involve some heavy BA. Do you know if there are there many arial exchanges out there besides Copperfield's?

I checked out your website too, AWSOME! How did you get into illusion? Did you original do small shows? How did you finance your illusion shows?

Thanks again,

Mike

Copperfields Illusion using the t***s is called Passions Prisoner.
He had the permission of the Pendragons for the cloth handling for the final transposition, it looks great live. One of his best in my opinion.

The other to thing to consider is that with careful dressing, costuming and routine structure the T***S can just look similar and the audience won't register any difference. Liken it to doing a basic coin vanish. You shouldn't show it's gone straight away, so the audience can then immediately back track, you logically pause, giving reason and strucure before revealing its finally gone...much stronger.

Apply this to an exchange type of illusion and its the same logic. This is why Copperields is so surprising, you are lead down a logical path then kicked sideways when the transpo takes place.

You could consider a mid air sub trunk, but you would need to have flying facilites at performance venues.

Hope my babbling helps. PM or email me if I can help out any more.

Best regards

Mark Parker - http://www.4-effect.com

Valentino used t**** in one episode - so why not use them!

Deleted from public view.

Twins have been and always will be a great asset in illusions. The tell tale problem is when an illusionist uses the same assistant throughout the show execpt for that one illusion. (At this point Twins becomes the obvious answer).

The key would be to use them in the act but have one disguised enough that she comes across as a different girl until you need them to look alike. Two girls come into the show, Different height (shoes) different hair color (wig) different complexion (makeup) different figures (padding) but at the correct moment what a killer transposition!

Thanks for all the reply's everyone, looks like it's a go ahead with my design then - the money to build it though hmmm any ideas lol?

PS: Dave, I sent you a PM - Thanks!

Mike

Hi all,

Just wanted to remind you all that anyone with any level of interest in magic can check out this site including media/tv people etc. Should we really be discussing methods and/or secrets here? Expecially secrets behind the magic of others?

Murray

Murray,

You are right!
Its so easy to forget when discussing on these forums.

Well reminded.

Regards

Mark Parker - http://www.4-effect.com

I agree Murray,

I apologise for starting this topic. Do you think it would be a good idea to have a Secret Sessions Grand Illusion Forum? I think something like this would be beneficial for many, it would of course only be for original illusions, what do you think?

Sorry for the trouble,

Mike

PS: How did you get into illusion shows Murray? Thanks for your time.

Mike,

I think the easiest way is for all in the know to abbreviate when talking methods and to be careful how subjects are named etc. in future.

Also Mike I notice you are from Australia have you been in touch with Chris Murphy from Oz Illusions?
He is a great builder, great guy! I consider Chris one of illusions best kept secrets...very ethical guy who can build to top standards he ships quality illusions all over the globe. http://www.ozillusions.com Chris is producing 2 brand new illusions of mine right now..Strong Box & Vivisection

Regards

Mark

Hi Mark,

I'll make sure too do that in the future - I wasn't expecting such in-depth answers either so I'll make sure to PM my questions instead - maybe to you haha.

Do you know if I can talk to Chris about my illusion ideas without having to pay a consultation fee? I still a little way away from actually wanting them built yet, I'm sort off designing a show to be put together in about two years. I'm relatively young too so I probably couldn’t afford high consultation fees just yet. I'm jumping ahead a little bit but I thought if I design some pretty neat illusions now, in a few years I would have a pretty awesome first show, well hopefully.

I'd be interested in hearing about your two original illusions, PM if you like.

Thanks a lot for your help,

Mike.

Hi I just want to assure you that I among others monitor the forums closely for exposure or discussions that cross the line. I have to say that thus far there is nothing that a person with a real interest in magic would not already know. The original question had to do with the value of twins in today's illusions not how to use them in any given illusion. However This can't be monitored hourly so it may be best if this topic be locked and more in depth discussions proceed in Secret Sessions.