talkmagic.co.uk

Hey guys once again! I've been contemplating the creation of a trick (gimmicked) but need to comprehend the feasibility of the workings of it. It would involve a small manufacture/modification of a pre existing idea, but in my opinion would vastly improve the effect no end. How would I go about manufacturing a prototype, best to contact somebody?

It would involve a small manufacture/modification of a pre existing idea

Contact the makers of the original product, you will be treading on dangerous ground under a copy right act using any part or all of the original prop.

Example. If you put 2 plastic ends on a paint hook does that give you the rights to the paint hook or the plastic ends?

I hope this helps
TC All

If it's a modification of an existing gimmick, then I would first think about contacting the originator of that gimmick and ask his permission, unless it's a huge modification.

As for the manufacturing process, that depends entirely on the type of gimmick. i.e. is it a card? plastic? metal?

Also you have to search to make sure that it's not already been created.

I spent years and lots of money developing a gimmicked pack of cards, I thought I had researched it enough, but just before I was due to release it, I accidentally stumbled upon a deck very similar, bang goes my idea! It was there the whole time, just not well marketed.

Dave Bonsall

Thanks for your advice guys! I just did some research and found an obscure page, which did however reveal that the idea has already been done. I wanted to create a locking pen for the pen through bill effect. Has been done! Sigh* Many thanks!

http://magicref.tripod.com/magref/artpen.htm

For future reference, if you are thinking of putting an effect out there, there are resources under your nose. Find an ethical magic shop, (there are some out there) or some magic manufactures and give them a rundown of your idea. If the idea has not been done and they like it you just may find your effect on the market before long. Often times you really need name recognition to sell a product. So you may take a little loss on your first few ideas but you can save hundreds of dollars and hours. A reputable dealer will by the rights from you, then list your name on the effect, ie (new from blah blah magic COMPUTER THROUGH WALL created from the mind of {insert your name}) Submit ideas and routines to magic magazines. Pretty soon people will start wondering who this magician is and then you are well on your way. True there are always unethical people out there how may steal your idea once presented, but sometimes it pays to take a chance.