Hey I was surfing Dan Summers' site, and it seems that he has been granted manufacturing rights to build the first "Trouble" illusion! View it here:
http://www.danielsummers.com/trouble.html

Looks like Mr. Summers continues his rise as an illusion maker for the big boys!

Looks to be an exciting prop! can't wait to see some performance videos!

Sometime ago, Bill Smith was the authorised builder for Daniel creations, but not any more. I would like to know who is building all the illusions, including the new acquired rights like Clearly Impossible and Ladder Levitation. Does Daniel himself build, then is he any good ..., any experience with him? He carries some of the most expensive, but beautiful illusions. Thanks.

Oh no! Another box illusion from Mr. Steinmeyer!


Boring!

Is there any video of this illusion?
Is "trouble" in the new book of Jim or not?
It seems to be very interesting.

Trouble is in Jim Steinmeyer's new book "Technique and Understanding".

So, since this is a new illusion there's no video yet. Anyway, there's no need of a video, since the animation on Daniel Summers web site shows very well what the audience will see.

Oliver.

I can Highly recommend Daniel Summers work!
He is a excellent craftsman & takes very good care of his clients! (like it should be).
Everything he builds is first class!
While "TROUBLE" is the only illusion I haven't seen up close from him, I can only imagine that "TROUBLE" is trouble-free when Daniel builds them.

I had Daniel build a "Clearly Impossible" for me. I have had illusions built by several big name builders. As many of you know, often times when you buy an illusion, you receive it, then you spend time repairing what didn't work. I have to say I was blown away by the quality of Daniel's "Clearly." It was absolutely PERFECT. It is beautiful. My backstage crew even commented on how good it looked up close as well as on stage. He was a professional in all his dealings with me. He got the illusion to me exactly when he said he would (WOW!). He made the transaction a pure pleasure.

I also have Walter Blaney's Ladder Levitation (Walter built it for me about 6 years ago). Knowing Walter's love of this illusion, it is a true testimony to Daniel's ability that he was chosen by Walter to build them. Walter would never have allowed a substandard builder to build his "baby."

I can happily and enthusiastically recommend Daniel as a quality builder. I will definitely be using him again for future illusions.

Ken Hartley

I'll have to check in the book (which I haven't got to hand at the moment), but aren't the legs shown on Dan Summer's site a bit thin?

Yes they are. It appears as though Dan has made some substantial changes...

J

I have not laid eyes on his new work above yet, but I can tell you a few things about Daniel. I won't get into big details but he did me a major solid by trading me illusions a few months ago. I obtained one of his Compressed illusions and I could not be happier! Not only is it extremely well built, deceptive and clever, but Daniel was a joy to work with. He called me several times to make sure things were going well with it and was excellent to work with.

If you have not given this guy a shot at building something, you really should. He's an excellent builder and more importantly a good person! I hope whatever he creates explodes on the market! Good luck Daniel,

Keith Raymond

It appears as though Daniel has attempted to make it break down. Unfortunately the cost of breaking it down is the different legs.

J

I wouldn't say unfortunately...granted, I haven't seen a size comparison between this and the original as described in the book, but never did like that table though the effect was extremely cool.

I can assure everyone in doubt that Dan's props are top-notch. I have dealt with them hands-on and the quality is outstanding. He is very serious about building the best props and it shows. And he is a nice guy.

Well,
From the 3d rendering I did in SketchUp, the prop very deceptive. Just mind boggling. From the picture I see on Dan's site the trick looks great although I'd change the color scheme a bit, a darker gray on the box for sure. To highlight the beautiful bright red.

Now I understand what Dan has done but I'm not sure I agree with it. I suppose it would be best to see two build illusions side by side to really tell, but it seems the reduction of a block and dividing the space to multiple areas of an illusion would prove more deceptive...

Just my 2 cents.

J

I just got off the phone with Daniel about 5 minutes ago, He builds everything but Death Drop which is built by Bill Smith and has been built by him from the beginning.

Rumor has it a video of Trouble is just around the corner... That's all I'll say for now... Keep your eyes open!

Daniel is such a great guy and I can't wait to be using his props in the show!

Totally agree. Comparing the two versions would be great. Craig said he is about to start building one so we have hopes of seeing the two.

With the design Dan offers, I would change it all. I'd make it look antique with stained wood, copper and brass and perhaps some rusty bits here and there. To make it look a machine of sorts from the 19th century...thats how I envisioned it in the first place...I guess I need to do some experimental 3D myself as well

... it wasn't meant as a criticism, more an observation! (Actually I think it is rather clever!)

Each magic builder have his own techniques and understanding about it, some details will make the prop not only deceptive but should work efficient and to last a long time.
In my case, I`m Very Happy with Mr. William Kennedy he built my Hologram and Torch Box like I said above.

I believe that Trouble Illusion will be a strong effect in audience. The deceptivenes, perfect mechanism and durability will depend how each buider will work on it.

Falconer

I stumbled across this thread, and the enclosed discussions about Mr. Summer's other designs, and I just wanted to seize the opportunity to briefly join the choir, and share my satisfaction as a new client of the Compressed.
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As of recently, I acquired a Compressed illusion from Mr. Summers (first illusion from Daniel). Like many of you I imagine, I have always found myself enthralled by the tremendous visual magic the piece offers. But upon receiving the illusion, I have now found myself even more impressed with the craftsmanship.

You stand the case up, and she rolls right out with only a couple minutes of assembly necessary. As I carefully looked over the prop, it was clear that my Compressed is the product of Mr. Summer's careful revisions and thorough collection of feedback from previous clients. Every piece of hardware, every latch and contour appears to be placed with economy and precision to contribute to the props functionality.

It has been a blast in rehearsal with the girls, and it will be a privilege to share the Compressed with our audience. It is really a piece of art.

Wishes!
Jared

"Trouble" looks very cool! Even though the pictures pretty much tell the story, I would still like to see this baby in action.