With new technologies IMPOSSIBLE magic is becoming possible. editing, the use of Chroma, computerized editing (imagine that you can levitate 6 feet and even more, and with a couple of clicks the "rope" "fork lift" or whatever just disappears after editing...

you don't hear muggles complaining about that...i know most magicians are...Commercial and money wise, it gives you an edge on the market...ethics wise...it remains to be discussed...

what do you personally think guys?

Personally, I think that anything goes. Why not go to any lengths necessary to mystify? Why not use whichever tools, methods, or wiles that are available?
The only caution is the difference between pre-recorded and live. If, on a video, you're seen making a fork lift disappear with the snap of your fingers, beware the one that asks you to do it live, for they will soon discern your real methods. And that would be embarrassing...

I personally don't like all the special editing and camera tricks. What I look for in a magic show is for the talent of the magician. His ability to entertain and also for his technical ability. If he can't do either one then he is not doing his job but relying only on the special effects.

I also agree with Patrick. Sooner or later someone will ask you to levitate 6ft off the ground and you better have a good explanation as why you can't.

Harry Anderson and David Copperfield were the first to come forward in defense of creative camera use and post illusion editing. I agree. We're entertainers. If you can truly enthrall your audience with well rehearsed bits of video magic (anyone here really believe that Criss Angel really levitates up and down buildings or that David Copperfield actually walked through the Great Wall of China?), then why not? As for being asked to duplicate the effect off camera...defer to the Nancy Reagan defense: Just say No!

On the other hand, using video effects simply to fool your audience is asking for trouble. Keep the focus on entertainment.

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