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jlareau Loyal user Henrietta NY / Chicago Ill 220 Posts |
Hi Everyone.
Currently I am an Electrical Engineering student with about two years left till I graduate. After graduation I want to start my own company that designs and builds tricks and illusions for magicians that are COMPLETELY 100% EXAMINABLE. I intend to accomplish this by moving magic props from the older, mechanically controlled versions to newer ones with embedded digital & electronic controls. For Example: Metamorphosis is one of my favorite illusions. I have devised a way (on Paper) so that the box is 100% examinable by any member of the audience by embedding a radio controlled electronic switch inside of the wooden frame. This switch would be completely controlled by the magician at all times. My question to all of you is... in two years, would any of you be interested in making visions like this a reality? I won't be able to do this on my own. I will need a few more bodies and collaboratory minds to get this off the ground, but that means that we would have to start planning now. Anyone interested in hearing more, please PM me. Jon
Jonathan Lareau A.K.A "Jonny Card Trick"
"Imagination is more important than knowledge" - Albert Einstein Feel free to check out my website www.jonlareau.com |
Andy Leviss Inner circle NYC 1179 Posts |
Why? To use your sub trunk example, magicians have been doing this for decades, either with a really well hidden trap or, if they're really devious, switching lids after the one in the lobby has been examined before the show.
Not to mention that nobody is likely to come up to you after a large stage show and ask to examine your props. Also, what happens when the electronics go wrong. Batteries die, radios get interfered with, solenoid latches bind, etc. Something will eventually go wrong. Yes, they can go wrong with fully mechanical methods, too, but there is a much smaller "Murphy's" factor. I could be wrong, but I really see this as a solution looking for a problem, rather than a solution to a valid problem. In other words, if it isn't broken, why spend lots of money fixing it with something that's potentially more likely to break? There are some very valid applications of electronics to magic, but I don't think that this is one of them. Then again, as the ever sage Dennis Miller says, "That's just my opinion, I could be wrong." Respectfully, Andy
Note: I have PMs turned off; if you want to reach me, please e-mail [email]Andy.MagicCafe@DucksEcho.com[/email]!
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jlareau Loyal user Henrietta NY / Chicago Ill 220 Posts |
Point taken. Thanks for the candid opinion.
-Jon
Jonathan Lareau A.K.A "Jonny Card Trick"
"Imagination is more important than knowledge" - Albert Einstein Feel free to check out my website www.jonlareau.com |
BlakeBlair Regular user Sunny So. California 111 Posts |
I personally love the use of eletronics and I use them currently in some of my propped routines.
If the show is made better with the use of remotes and eletronics to help pull off an effect, then yes, I believe it's for the better. BB
FuFanu.. Two Cards Torn & Restored...
Are You Ready ?! Its here !! |
Paul Inner circle A good lecturer at your service! 4409 Posts |
I tend to agree with Andy. Certainly illusions are a bad example to use. Your ideas on construction sounds interesting and perhaps smaller props for close up or cabaret could be investigated.
I saw earlier in the year a demonstration of a mental effect with a large die which had been described as cutting edge mentalism, but the performer got his divination wrong because his batteries were running low!!! I'm afraid paying a high price for basically a one in six divination that could go wrong is not cutting edge mentalism to me. Best wishes, Paul. |
Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
Hey Jonathan, Keep your chin up and stay with the vision. I myself, have just started a new Magic Manufacturing Co. and I must tell you, the only way to stand out is to be cutting edge in method, look or plots etc. Your initial letter may have simply had a bad example ( electronic sub-trunk gimmick) but it does NOT mean your initial vision is flawed. Continue to brainstorm ideas, discuss them with Objective trusted friends and pursue what you believe to be a marketable idea. A small initial run of an effect is always a good idea. If it tanks, move on to the next. I am always interested in joining forces on ideas. If you ever want my opinion, just ask.
Good luck man! Chance Wolf
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
debaser Special user Boulder 557 Posts |
Jlareau
While you have the drive to do it, I say go for it. I agree with Paul and think that probably the best way to go is with cabaret type material. Mentalism is a field you might want to check out as well as comedy gag magic. However, if you want to really make a living with this stuff, find a way to make it for cheaper than normal. Right now any radio-controlled magic devices are too expensive given the materials involved, as you already know. You could stand to make a lot of money if you get a good product at a reasonable price. If you want specific ideas feel free to PM me Matt |
Devin Knight V.I.P. 2493 Posts |
We've gotten quite a few request for remote control tables that collaspe and chairs that collapse the same way. There seems to be a market for this. Why not try to come up with some improvements on these ideas.
devin |
dg Regular user 122 Posts |
Keep us informed of progress and if I can will give you any assistance I can.
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Slim King Eternal Order Orlando 18012 Posts |
Technology if the future of Magic. Keep it up! I've got some ideas too if you are into building them. I'll finance the cost and you do the labor????
Thanks Dave
THE MAN THE SKEPTICS REFUSE TO TEST FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS.. The Worlds Foremost Authority on Houdini's Life after Death.....
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Carron Special user UK 958 Posts |
Go for it pal!
I reccommend you check out fabrice delaure's web site, they advertise here. Technology is improving, so why not let it improve our magic, I am very interested in this field of magic, I shall pm you with a couple of my I deas you are welcome to use to help you get started, I myself am one of the people who has the idea, but not the know how to make it possible!! Cheers Tom |
Daniel Santos Special user 562 Posts |
I would take a shot at it. I do agree somewhat with Mr. Leviss, but I think it's a great idea! Very interesting ideas I'm sure...keep it up! Good luck!
Daniel Santos |
Metalepsis Loyal user 232 Posts |
I too work with technology, and spend much time trying to think of tricks. I do not use EE methods but still I think this post will be useful.
I have collected a few "good" tricks that can be done over the phone, or the internet. We have all seen the five card flash trick, and I think there is plenty of room for improvement in this area. Magic for the web...Mentalism tricks offer principles and methods that are often suited to being performed remotely, sometimes specifically designed for this. Ok so the big stage magicians may not purchase all your illusions if you are in this field but with a good price a lot of amateur magicians will be interested. If this is not your style...consider a job in props. I spent a few years working in the Shakespeare theater (yes american spelling for an american theatre!) making props and sets. Ok, so you get few accolades for your inventions, but making it rain on Patrick Stewart indoors, and building things to SAFELY appear to burn someone's eyes out (well it is Shakespeare!) was very rewarding. I also think it trains that problem solving part of you...it is different to invent any trick you like...I prefer to think I want this effect....how do I 'solve' it? Anyway, consider props as a way to boost your business or take on a related job until you have enough effects to get you off the ground (maybe literally). M |
bloodyjack Veteran user Seattle WA 343 Posts |
I am an electronics engineer who designs electronic props for myself and some close friends. I have built my good friend Payne a mental effect for his Harry Potter show, the kids chose what house they want to be in and the prop wirelessly sends the information to a display hidden in a spell book the magician is holding. I am working on a any color D,light for my own amusement and have started a company to sell my creations and currently have a fortune teller effect in the pipe line, if you are interested PM me and I will give you the web site. I digress my point is,
I have found that magic is such a small market that you cannot make enough quantities to get the price down. You have to come up with something that justifies a high enough price to allow you to only make say 100 and still recoup your r&d and make a profit. This is not easy, people see toys in Wal-Mart for 30 bucks that do nearly the same thing and cannot understand why you have to charge $200 for something similar. As to the example of remotes, It just cost money to do this reliably I recently lost my car key that has a remote built in, it cost me 150 bucks for a new one, even a new remote for your garage door will cost you between 30 and fourty bucks expensive yes but how many times do these things let us down? I looked in too building a remote for a reasonable price it adds $100 to the cost of anything you want to put it in period. This brings me to another point most magicians steer away from electronic effects for fear of reliability because the majority of the electronic effects put out to the magic community are built from toys that have been hacked to achieve another purpose by unqualified persons. The card fountain or the snake basket that uses a toy RC car for its communication is a prime example. We rely on electronics every day to store our money and keep planes in the air, it can be reliable. The bottom line is most magicians are cheap and would not want to pay $100 bucks for a remote and far from wanting to spend on fresh batteries every time they perform. Incidentally I work in the music business and most musicians will put fresh batteries in there wireless mics before every performance. Just a little rant about how I see things
"sir i sent you half the kidne i took from one woman prasarved it for you tother piece i fried and ate it was very nise i may send you the bloody knif that took it out if you only wate a whil longer"
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