Catch the Virtual Magician on SkyOne !

We just received the tendative airdates for the first run in the U.K. The tx dates are as follows:

• Episode #1 – Natural Magic: 31/05/04
  
• Episode #2 – Virtual Las Vegas: 01/06/04
  
• Episode #3 – Chinatown: 02/06/04
  
• Episode #4 – Among the Spirits: 03/06/04
  
• Episode #5 – The Science Magician: 04/06/04
  
• Episode #6 – The Virtual Con Man: 05/06/04

So for those of you in the U.K. have fun and let us know what you think.

For more information about the Virtual Magician visit us at: www.virtualmagician.com

Best regards,
Marco

Plug, plug, plug!!!

Hehehehehe!!

I don't live in the UK, so I'll have to get the DVD. Yay! More magic!! You can never have enough. Good luck with the show Marco.

-- Topher

Hey,

I dunno if anyone's reading this post, but I ordered my DVD from Marco's website and I got it this morning! Stoked!! I only ordered it a week ago. Excellent shipping, unlike another certain illusionist, who's DVD was ordered by me 9 weeks ago and still hasn't arrived. Of course, the money was drawn out of my account quicker than you can say David Copperfield...oops!! I think I just gave it away.

-- Topher

Man, that guy up at the top... his picture looks familiar... like from a magazine cover, or something... hmmmm....

Was it 'Hustler'?

I can't remember. My subscription ran out a couple of months ago.

-- Topher

So what did you think of the dvd?

Well, I've watched the first three episodes, and absolutely loved it. Far better than the David Blaine 'Fearless' DVD. Marco's intention seems to be to entertain, and lift people out of themselves. Blaine is more interested in "freakin people out". Where's the fun in that? Hehehehe.

I highly recommend everyone who enjoys watching good magic performance gets it. Not only is there heaps of "street magic" footage, but there is a different theme for each episode (nature, Las Vegas, science, etc) and a fair bit of info on magic history and magicians. The only thing that I was a little annoyed about was that my autographed DVD wasn't an "autographed DVD" at all. Instead, the autograph was on a little card inside the DVD. Trivial item though. No matter.

-- Topher

Yes, I have his dvd too, I like it, better than David Blaine.

I have to disagree with you guys.. "Virtual Magician" was way to contrived and the camera effects along with the choreographed manipulations in front of a blue screen screamed:

Editing and camera tricks!

That is an easy justification for laymen for any of the good effects on there. The people looked 'set up' and it's almost as though you can see the spectators "in position" and 'ready to react' for the camera of the show they were just asked to be on. I think this has a long way to go before it is anywhere as believable and captivating as David Blaines DVD. I am glad that magicians seem to think that this is good magic and is what people want to see.. it makes my job much more impressive in comparison. There is a reason that David Blaine is on ABC and this is on the History channel. I know a lot of you are going to jump down my throat saying:

"Well were is your television special?... you cant comment unless you have a special."

...

Thank you for all your comments and support. Please find below the final transmission schedule for the first three TX of the series in the U.K.

Exact times for Discovery Germany and Star TV (Asia and Middle East will be announced next week in this forum.

Ep 1: Magic and Nature
31/05/04 09.30 Sky One Digital
01/06 11.25 Sky One Mix
07/06 19.30 Sky One Mix

Ep 2: Chinatown Special
01/06 09.30 Sky One Digital
02/06 11.25 Sky One Mix
08/06 19.30 Sky One Mix

Ep 3: Virtual Las Vegas
02/06 09.30 Sky One Digital
03/06 11.25 Sky One Mix
09/06 19.30 Sky One Mix

Ep 4: Magic and Spirits
03/06 09.30 Sky One Digital
04/06 10.30 Sky One Mix
10/06 19.30 Sky One Mix

Ep 5: Magic and Science
04/06 09.00 Sky One Digital
04/06 14.00 Sky One Mix
11/06 19.30 Sky One Mix

The TX dates may change but this is highly unlikely.
Enjoy and let us know what you think!

Best regards,
Marco

Giochi,

The feel of the "Virtual Magician" is supposed to be completely different from a David Blaine Special or any other magic show out there. The show is wrapped around various themes and incorporates high end graphics aimed to appeal to an educated and tech-savvy crowd (not necessarily magicians). The editing and choreography is purposefully stylized to match the sci-fi concept of the show while at the same time differentiating it from any other magic show out there. If you cared to pay attention to the shooting style, you would notice that in 95% of the effects, the camera never cuts. There are "Picture in Picture" windows to show close-ups while the main window still maintains the over-all shot so as to help the viewer at home clearly understand the effect. If you have ever done any magic in front of a camera, you will know that the main problem is to play to both the camera (with close-up shots to make the effect "read") and to the live spectators. Catching all of that in one shot is extremely difficult, especially when you consider the fact that your movement is magnified when the camera is zoomed in and the magic can be easily lost. Also, in the "Virtual Magician" you will notice there are no shaky camera movements and no shots of the crew as seen in a David Blaine Special (Which I also like). This is all due to that carefully planned choreography that you so nicely pointed out.

As for people "being in position", you have to consider the fact that the shots are all perfectly lit and framed. In a Blaine special, emphaisis is placed on audience reaction and less so on the technical aspects of a pefect shot. In Marco's show, shots are set-up, blocked, and then ready to be shot. Spectators are positioned within that set-up to cater to lighting and the framing associated with a planned script. It would be rediculous to shoot Blaine's show in high-definition, but in the shooting style of the "Virtual Magician" it makes perfect sense.

As for the show not being on ABC, I question the fact that the "Virtual Magician" is in 45+ other countries including major networks in Europe (SKY TV) and Asia (Star TV). Just to finish this matter off, the footprint of Star TV is much larger than ABC's will ever be.

I am not sure of your expertise in magic or in television production, but I would love for you to show me where there was a "camera trick" in the show. If you do find one, then Marco has done his job and fooled you.

Best Regards,

Doug McKenzie

You know, I'd written a post I was incredibly happy with, but then I got a dodgy pop up banner that caused me to lose the whole post before I had a chance to...post it.

Basically, I was gonna agree with what Doug said...

There is an enormous difference between the Blaine specials and the Marco Tempest series. Firstly, Marco's show is designed to be informative, educational, artistic and entertaining. He puts a great deal of thought into his material, and the majority of his magic has purpose.

Now, to David Blaine. Most of his specials are designed to promote whatever daft stunt he feels he needs to subject us to at whatever particular time. Think back to the last three. 'Frozen', 'Vertigo', and 'Above The Below'. These shows have no other purpose than to generate publicity. The other thing that annoys me about Blaine is the army of mindless clones his performances have produced. There is really no thought put into his presentations at all. He simply performs them as if he'd just read the instructions they came with, and stares at people for a while. The intent in David's show is to purely "freak people out". His magic has no lasting emotional effect on his audience.

Give me Marco's show anyday. Thanks Marco! I found your DVD incredibly inspiring. Well done.

-- Topher

Hi I have the episodes ready to record on my Sky + box... though one question: What kind of magic is it? The 'Virtual' in the title makes it seem like it's perhaps well virtual, not real. Does eh do card tricks etc or is using special equipment?

Thanks,

King of Diamonds

I appologize for the way I came off in my first post, I respect Marco and wish him success with this series. I understand the reason for using high-end graphics, positioning spectators, lighting and expensive computer enhanced editing techniques. I still can't see how the blend of state of the art digital imaging infused with magic is making the effects believable. Like I said before, from a LAYMENS point of view, this screems editing and camera tricks as a justification for any of the good effects on there. Take the 'walking on water' for example, this could have been a very impressive piece of magic but instead it will fall into the catagory of a "special effect". What was appealing and captivating about what Blaine did was the simplicity of it. The shakey camera and lack of any "storyline gimmicks" made the magic pure, direct, and real. I can appreciate the beauty and artistry in the simple style that David Blaine performs, he showed a following of "mindless clones" that magic doesn,t have to be dressed up and gimmicky or have goofy patter. I think introducing certain elements such as; camera effects, blue screens, digital imaging and computer enhanced editing take away from the believabilty of the effects. I know Blaine used some of these elements but he did it in such a way that it didn't really occur to the viewers, remember how many people thought this guy really levitated?

Peace

Hi Marco,
I've just watched your first special, 'Natural Magic', and really liked it. It was the best magic on tv that I've seen recently. I liked the idea of a 'Virtual Magician', because it seems to fit in with the world and the culture of the people who would watch it! I will be watching the others this week!
After the masked magician appeared on tv, there hasn't been much in the way of magic, but hopefully this will create more interest in the subject!
Well done. Keep up the good work!
Sam

I thought it was a very poor episode and unless someone can assure me that the next will be a LOT better, I won't bother to watch it. Most of the effects were basic, ones that could be bought from the local magic shop.

King of Diamonds

Hi King of Diamonds:

I am sorry to learn that you did not enjoy my show. I guess I should forwarn you, that the shows will not get ANY better. You are better off visiting your local magic store for future inspirations.

Thank you for your interrest,
Marco

They're not going to get any better? Er...are'nt you supposed to be promoting your show?

K of D

King of Diamonds:

I do not think that I am going to change your mind by "promoting" the series to you.

Nevertheless if you are still interessted and would like to get a quick preview of things to come than you can visit the virtual magician website. Short descriptions of all the epsiodes can be found there.

Have fun,
Marco

http://www.virtualmagician.com

I was a big fan of Mr. Tempest when he was a part of United Artists, and all the way through his Sony gigs. I have a great deal of respect for him as a performance artist as well as a magician and manipulator.

That being said, I was more than a little disappointed by "The Virtual Magician" DVD. I understand the angle they were coming from and aiming towards. However...

If I am being honest, the "Matrix-style" insert shots looked fantastic. But the effect of "coolness" was lost as soon as Mr. Tempest opened his mouth. His performing character was the polar opposite of the Matrix character in the opening and interstitial sequences. This hopefully, was the fault of the director and not the performer.

The effects in the show were all fine. Many being clever and innovative. But to take on the obvious appearance of Neo and deliver none of his qualities was where the show fell short.

Kudos to Mr. Tempest for having such a successful airing. And I truly hope the DVD sales are doing well for him.

Incidentally, King of Diamonds, when do we get to see your internationally distributed magic television special?

...oh that's right. You don't have one.

Just you wait...soon....

Incidentally, I did watch the previews on your webiste, Mr. Tempest and thought it sounded quite good, maybe I got my hopes up too high. I shall watch the next episode however and give you my latest feedback unless you do not wish to hear it.

K of D

Just watched the Chinatown Special...it was slightly better than the first episode, but using tricks such as D'Lite...well it's hardly original. I liked the linking rings effect, but that's about it. I guess it's not really my type of magic, I prefer stuff with cards and coins etc. Floating things don't really interest me. However what I do find interesting is the audience reactions especially form different cultures such as in Chinatown. I will be interested to see the Las Vegas episode because...well it's Las Vegas! I suppose I'm not reall your target audience, but for me, overall it isn't that entertaining.
I also find 'The Virtual magician - Keeper of Secrets' quite cheesy - especially when you reveal a 'secret' in each episode...

King of Diamonds