Neale, if, indeed, he stole that bit (or perform it wihout permission) and even used it in a nationwide (actually worldwide--since the show can be seen via youtube) show--that's so bad. Stealing materials should always be discouraged.

We seem to have taken this thread in another direction - so I am going to start one on original/stolen/borrowed materials and themes.

If I may suggest...it might be best to ask the parties concerned to deal with the problem on their own first before we sensationalize the idea of stealing. Michael is a pro and I don't think he will steal materials and use it in national TV unless he has a reason.

I have seen materials used by almost everyone in the business, yes even the so called pros...some lines used exactly the same, some are just revised or translated but still the same and what's terrible is when people feel bad when someone copied what they also copied.

Its a small community...if indeed Michael copied the bit, Neale can email him and ask him the story behind it and inform him the the family is disturbed, then maybe we may know the hidden truth...and he will soon realize that what he did is wrong if he did copy the bit.

Back on topic, sort of.

There is an interesting article in Magic Magic this month by 3 magicians (Dan Stapleton, Becky Blaney, and Bizarro) relating their experiences on AGT. Portions of their acts were taken out of context to make them look foolish. The article gives some real insight to the behind-the-scenes goings on and, frankly, makes Terry Fator's win seem that much more improbable.

Recommended reading!

Bob

Bob,
can this article be found online?

Thanks

Donald

Terry had "WOW" factor - his first impression left everyone stunned. Had he only done impressions, or had he only done vent - there would have been another winner. He won because of the combined talents - vent, impressions and vocals - and each time he "WOW'd" them.

I don't get the magazine mentioned, but the authors should have known what they were getting into. AGT encourages the audiences to boo - Jerry Springer is the host - those two things say everything you need to know.

[quote]On 2008-07-30 12:35, tacrowl wrote:
Terry had "WOW" factor - his first impression left everyone stunned. Had he only done impressions, or had he only done vent - there would have been another winner. He won because of the combined talents - vent, impressions and vocals - and each time he "WOW'd" them.

I agree with Tom.

He also has a million dollar act. If he didn't, his signature would not be at the bottom of a 100 million dollar casino contract.

Doug,
Do you see that as a problem too? Not that the acts mentioned are not good acts, but million dollar acts are very rare. I saw Terry long before AGT and thought he was way above the venues he was working.

The difference between a good act and a million dollar act? I have a million dollar plus act - BUT that is over my entire lifetime. One show? Nah. Some of the people auditioning are hoping to get lucky. You have to be truly prepared for the opportunity. If you go on a show like that, you'd best be prepared for a dose of humility.

Tom:

Yes, the way I see it is, million dollar acts are just that, million dollar acts. And if you take all of the thousands and thousands of entertainers in North America alone, there are precious few that would fit into that category. Terry Fator obviuosly did and still does. He was in the right place, at the right time, with the right act. Kudos to him!

There are a number of very good acts out there who are quietly going about their business and making a tidy six or seven figure income doing it. But, how many of them can headline a Vegas showroom and draw consistently large enough crowds to warrant a 100 million dollar contract? Probably not that many.

Terry is more than just a "right place, right time, right act" kind of guy. I think that chance does have a lot to do with it but the real ingrediant that is being missed is simply that this guy has "Talent"!

Michael Harrison on AGT tonight performing with his 25 ft. snake puppet, "Ana Conda."

Doug I still say my Ace's should have won

You can most definitely do what most people, including me, wouldn't even think of trying! I would love to see your entire act.



Well, so much for that! I don't know if they are going to show his entire bit on Thursday night or not? When one of the judges says she's "bored out of her mind"... well?

Terry Fator is incredibly talented and such a tough, tough act to follow. Tune in Thursday night!

Posted: Aug 6, 2008 3:47pm
Just got an e-mail from Michael Harrison. He was eliminated last night in Las Vegas. No surprise really.