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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » New to magic? » » IT Frustration (0 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

BerkleyJL
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Veteran user
Chicago, IL
397 Posts

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All I can think of to say right now is, "Aaarrgh."

I really like the LeClair animator. Unfortunately, nylon breaks, elastic is too "shiny," and kevlar is both too expensive and has a tendency to dislodge one end or the other.

I enjoy the handling of elastic, so does anyone have tips for reducing the visibility of it? My video camara catches it, and it's a piece of garbage, so I have no chance of getting it past a spectator.
I need a stage name.

Joe Berkley
alextsui
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Regular user
Malaysia
155 Posts

Profile of alextsui
Hi BerkleyJL.

I understand your frustration. IT floating effects look so good but it takes a great deal of practice to make it look like it's floating and not just "hanging".

I have tried the Thread Boss(an IT reel) by Sorcery Manufacturing but the thread keeps breaking during practice. Now they have a whole line of Kevlar ITRs available. Haven't tried those yet but they should solve the breakage problem because Kevlar is really tough. I still prefer ITRs to manual hookups because it's less hassle.

As for making it more invisible, I think probably you should just perform the IT effects only when the lighting is right. They're not really the "perform anywhere anytime" kind of trick.

All the best in your IT work!
The Best Magic Effects to Take Your Performance to the Next Level
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rannie
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Inner circle
4375 Posts

Profile of rannie
Also be careful with Flourescent lights, the worst light for IT. Make sure that there is no back lighting. My friend applies a black sharpie in zebra or broken patterns on the thread.

Alex is correct by saying its not an anywhere , anytime thing.

Cheers,

Rannie
"If you can't teach an old dog new tricks, trick the old dog to learn."

-Rannie Raymundo-
aka The Boss
aka The Manila Enforcer

www.rannieraymundo.com
www.tapm.proboards80.net
RSD
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Special user
Toronto, Ontario
534 Posts

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I have used Nylon thread in all sorts of settings. I have even used it in full daylight surrounded by spectators. The secret is the light source. Backlighting will kill you. However, you can a have a car on high beams right in front of you, and you shouldn't be seen. If you wear a dark sparkly top you will never get caught. Nothing too glitzy, just something from a "nightclub" clothing store. Remember one other thing...TVs are your enemy. For some reason TV lighting causes IT to be revealed.
Eirik
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Special user
Oslo
879 Posts

Profile of Eirik
Just like RDS says: TV lighting is your worst enemy, next do direct candle light.

Wolly Nylon should be your best bet through serious practice, follow some small rules when handeling IT and it sould'nt be any problems.

- Watch you light sources.
- Wear shirts with patter and pref. different colors.
keep your audience infront of you, and try to keep some distance.
- Be sure to work up a presentation that fits your performance setting for each (IT) routine.
- Keep it short and sweet, keep your hands moving in a smooth fashion.
- Discharge all sceptics by going over and around the floating object, work on routines your also able to use a metal loop or similar.
- Use both a LeClair Animator routine and a reel routine, spectators always belive the thread goes in an vertical fashion - use that to your advantage..
- Buy Ammar's Thread Miracles Vol.1-3

Good luck!

-e-
...As long as i`m not a world-champion at anything, the great reactions of doin` magic will do just fine.....
Dougini
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Inner circle
The Beautiful State Of Maine
7130 Posts

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You CAN do IT in Flourescent lighting and in sunshine! Not recommended, but it CAN be done. You turn so you cast a shadow on the area you want them to focus on. Then, be very brief. Problem with IT is, that newer magicians tend to get carried away, and float, float, float, until it's boring. Sometimes ya get busted! It happens.

The real secret is setting up beforehand, tell a story, building it up in their minds, and briefly (did I say BRIEFLY?) animate first, then a quick levitation, and DONE!

I try not to come across as a "magician" when performing with IT. They sometimes are not as impressed, as they figure you can do "anything", and nothing surprises them. But when the ol' "ordinary" Doug comes along with a shrug, and pulls that on 'em, well...there you are.

Do it right, and songs will play in your name, schools will be named after you, people will lower their heads as you pass...you get the idea! Good luck, BerkleyJL!

Doug
RSD
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Toronto, Ontario
534 Posts

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Before you a buy an ITR a highly reccomend the purchase of John Leclair's IT DVD. Once you get it, you may never want to buy an ITR.
rtgreen
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Inner circle
Portland, Oregon
1322 Posts

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Quote:
On 2004-06-23 16:21, RSD wrote:
Before you a buy an ITR a highly reccomend the purchase of John Leclair's IT DVD. Once you get it, you may never want to buy an ITR.


I wouldn't neccesarily say that. ITRs have some great features that make them unique. However, John LeClair's hookup is very easy to use and a great way to use IT. The best part of John's stuff is he gives you practical uses to use the IT on. When you buy a ITR, you get very little help on using it properly.
BerkleyJL
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Veteran user
Chicago, IL
397 Posts

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I personally don't think I'll ever use an ITR after learning the LeClair hookup. Since I don't do stage performances the Animator is perfect for any IT effect I'll ever use--which is rare because bright sunlight makes it really difficult to get the conditions right for it.
I need a stage name.

Joe Berkley
GypsyPirate
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Regular user
110 Posts

Profile of GypsyPirate
If you use it inside, never do it in a room with lots windows, because there is always a light source behind you. You can if you keep the spectators between you and the window, but be careful.
Magic Mark

"How'd you do that?" ... "Very carefully."
Kent Wong
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Inner circle
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
2458 Posts

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I perform using both the LeClair hookup and an ITR. It depends on the effect I am performing. LeClair's book does talk about lighting conditions and how to adapt to them. Another good source for learning thread work is Ammar's video series. He also provides extensive tips and suggestions concerning lighting.

Many people do get frustrated with IT, but for those who stick with it, the rewards are amazing. You just need to get to the point where you no longer think about the thread.
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________
<BR>
<BR>www.kentwongmagic.com
Mediocre the Great
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Rich Hurley
1062 Posts

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I put IT down for 2 years. When I picked it back up, it was much easier... guess I'm more patient in my old age.
Mediocrity is greatly under rated!
--------------------------------------------

Rich Hurley aka Mediocre The Great!
www.RichHurleyMagic.com
Eirik
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Special user
Oslo
879 Posts

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Getting used to wearing the thread is very important, as Ammar teaches in Classic Renditions Vol.1.
Casualy hook up infront of your audience without even doing anything with it will help you realize that the thread is infact undetectable. Self confidence is important when handeling IT - well, it's very important for all magic really...

-e-
...As long as i`m not a world-champion at anything, the great reactions of doin` magic will do just fine.....
Dougini
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Inner circle
The Beautiful State Of Maine
7130 Posts

Profile of Dougini
You can do a LeClair hookup with a small ITR...think about it... Smile
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