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Head Case Inner circle 1138 Posts |
I want to try and keep this short, because I know I could go on forever trying to describe what I'm trying to do.
Basically, I need help compiling a list of questions to ask myself, to help myself design a character / show theme. But I want it to me more "n-depth" then just a general theme of a normal magic show. Let me give an example, Lets say I want to make a show where I come off as a slightly drunk, has-been salesman, and I'm trying to sell a product to the audience, and magic is happening during the sales pitch. Im not a magician just doing magic, the magic is just happening, or maybe I'm selling a special spray paint that turns things invisible, and I am demonstrating the amazing things this product can do, to the audience. Also being able to add in mishaps and accidents for comedy and these mishaps also have magical content to them. (THIS SHOW IDEA IS MY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY) muuaahahaha. {inside joke} Anyway, I am having a hard time coming up with other ideas, or expanding on the idea above. I don't want it to just be a magic show, I want the show to be something completely different, but with magic happening in it. Are there any who, what, where, or why questions that I can ask myself that might help get some creative juices flowing? Or does anyone have any ideas that might help push the development of other show ideas like this or the one above? I can't really recall any other acts that are like what I am talking about, if anyone knows of some acts that are kind of like what I am talking about and have a video link to youtube or anything, that would be GREAT. I'll stop here and let some people give some input while I try and think more what I need help with, but in the meantime, Im just in a creative rut on how to make this style of show work, and how to develop the content and effects that would work with this style of show. Thanks |
Head Case Inner circle 1138 Posts |
Also to expand on the sales pitch act. Anyone have some ideas of magic trick / props that I can use as a product to sell? So it will need to look like something a person would try selling in reality, but the "magic" trick it does will be part of the disaster in the show while trying to demonstrate the product.
Im blanking on effects / props that I could use... hmmmm |
tommy Eternal Order Devil's Island 16544 Posts |
If there is a single truth about Magic, it is that nothing on earth so efficiently evades it.
Tommy |
cirrus Inner circle his minions made 1751 Posts |
On the bottom of this page is a good list of questions to ask yourself:
http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/jun98/lazy2.htm |
plink Special user 661 Posts |
Reminds me a little of Tina Lennerts (sp?) act. Check it out.
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Head Case Inner circle 1138 Posts |
Yeah Tommy, I believe that Tommy Wonder said that Cardinis' act was almost all conflict. That's what I am shooting for. Conflict between the sales-person and what he is selling. Almost like a 3 stooges show, except replace the comedy with magic. (well, not ALL the comedy)
I'll check out the other things that were mentioned as well. Thanks for the info so far guys! |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Just be an incompetent first-day-at-work magic kit salesman.
Sell all the magic props wrong but all the while trying to look like you know what you're doing. You say they do one thing, but they do the opposite or something completely absurd. Easy to find stuff this way... Thank me later.
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Pop Haydn Inner circle Los Angeles 3691 Posts |
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Josh the Superfluous Inner circle The man of 1881 Posts |
Try to figure out jokes and asides that can be repeated throughout the show, and props that can be used for multiple effects. Spend as much time on your transitions as you did the effects.
What do you want in a site? "Honesty, integrity and decency." -Mike Doogan
"I hate it, I hate my ironic lovechild. I didn't even have anything to do with it" Josh #2 |
George Ledo Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 3042 Posts |
You're asking a very complex question, so bear with a very complex answer...
Taking your slightly drunk salesman: Why is he slightly drunk? Where is he? Is he really trying to do a product demo for potential buyers, or is he just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Your initial premise indicates he is aware of the audience, which takes him totally out of the Cardini and Lenert conceits, since they were both inside the "fourth wall." For this guy, there is no "fourth wall." So, going back to the salesman, is there a consistent problem with the product he's trying to demo? Is he trying to clean something, only to have it get dirtier and dirtier? Is he trying to make something specific appear, but different stuff keeps appearing? Is he trying to demo a box that makes vegetables grow out of powder, but chickens keep coming out of it? Don't think about magic tricks here -- think about this guy and what problems he would have doing what he's trying to do. And don't forget the operative question: WHY is he trying to do it? Years and years and years ago, when I was putting together my cards-and-doves act, I was having a heckuva time routining it. I wanted one thing to flow seamlessly into another, not just be a bunch of tricks strung together. Writing routines on paper -- names of tricks one after the other -- wasn't working, so I closed my room door (I was living at home then), stood in front of my practice mirror, and literally mimed routine after routine for days, just doing what came naturally without thinking about it. My one theme was cards and doves, so I banged out different routines with the cards, different transitions, and different things to do with the doves, one after another after another. Eventually I found myself liking some items and dropping others, and ended up with an act. Granted I didn't have a clue how to do some of the effects I came up with, which meant making them up. But, because of how it came together, it appeared very spontaneous, not like a bunch of tricks, and I got consistently strong reactions to it. I wish I'd filmed it.
That's our departed buddy Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
www.georgefledo.net Latest column: "Sorry about the photos in my posts here" |
Head Case Inner circle 1138 Posts |
Pakar Ilusi - You literally read my mind. I was just discussing this with a buddy of mine. It opens the door to make ANYTHING fit into the routine. Thanks!
Pop! - That was awesome, I have never seen that before. I will probably draw inspiration from your acts, (in no way mimicking or copying anything, you are master!) Josh, Thanks, I am trying very hard on my routining to make it all flow with running gags, Foreshadowing, calls backs, etc... Its very difficult, and coming together slowly. But coming together none the less. George - Perfect, Thank you for the list of questions. This will really get me thinking. And everyone else, thank you for all the replies, I greatly appreciate it. -Derek |
Head Case Inner circle 1138 Posts |
Pakar Ilusi - You literally read my mind. I was just discussing this with a buddy of mine. It opens the door to make ANYTHING fit into the routine. Thanks!
Pop! - That was awesome, I have never seen that before. I will probably draw inspiration from your acts, (in no way mimicking or copying anything, you are master!) Josh, Thanks, I am trying very hard on my routining to make it all flow with running gags, Foreshadowing, calls backs, etc... Its very difficult, and coming together slowly. But coming together none the less. George - Perfect, Thank you for the list of questions. This will really get me thinking. And everyone else, thank you for all the replies, I greatly appreciate it. -Derek |
theconjuror New user 61 Posts |
Coming up with a routine was sorta hard for me when I first made one... I wasn't sure if I wanted to be a charector or not. that's what messed me up.
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Pop Haydn Inner circle Los Angeles 3691 Posts |
You are always a character. Either one you made up and worked on, or one that the audience will assign you. You don't get to decide whether or not you will be a character. You only get to choose whether you will take charge of that character, or let the audience make it up for you.
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George Ledo Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 3042 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-09-22 04:20, Pop Haydn wrote: That is so true. So true. And not just in performing.
That's our departed buddy Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
www.georgefledo.net Latest column: "Sorry about the photos in my posts here" |
Lawrence O Inner circle French Riviera 6811 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-09-22 04:20, Pop Haydn wrote: Can you elaborate ?
Magic is the art of emotionally sharing live impossible situations
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longhaired1 Veteran user Salida 316 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-08-31 01:51, Derek Castillo wrote: You may find this post helpful. I posted it on alt.magic some time ago and here in 2005: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......um=27&12 Hope there is something there for you. Good luck. |
Lawrence O Inner circle French Riviera 6811 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-08-31 01:51, Derek Castillo wrote: Desing a character that fits you like a glove and build a show around him 1) "does magic exist" (the protagonist is "magic" itself) 2) could the spectators do it if they were shown how to trigger it (proof) 3) why such a knowledge could be dangerous (the antagonist: cheating, dark magic) 4) but how "white magic" always ends up winning as it can heal, save lives (death is a major emotion) and is the essence behind love (sex and social life are essential emotions as well) Does that sound "in depth" enough ? Then choose the effects that are the best metaphoric illustrations for your character on each of these steps. Then write a script for the show (rather than compiling the ones of each effect) where each effects secretly betrays one of the values of your character. Sprinkle tension and relaxation, smiles or laughs in your script condensing the RPMs (reactions per minute). Rehearse the show with a director who understands your goal and helps you reaching them better without forgetting that energy is a major ingredient of entertainment.
Magic is the art of emotionally sharing live impossible situations
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Lawrence O Inner circle French Riviera 6811 Posts |
... I should have added
Convey a lot of energy (without being fast) and smile sincerely to the audience most of the time as if they were close friends
Magic is the art of emotionally sharing live impossible situations
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KellyCurtis New user 14 Posts |
Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz
"True success and satisfaction go only to those who really comprhend the underlying principles of why a trick succeeds or fails."-Greer Marechal
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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Food for thought » » Need help on how to create a show theme / gimmick / story line. (0 Likes) |
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