talkmagic.co.uk

Episode 2 is finally done. Check it out here:

http://www.roblaughter.com/media/watch.php?id=4

As always, comments and constructive criticism welcome and encouraged.

just finished watching it...like it very much.

I am actually impressed with this russian roulette version...I must be tired, but I cannae see the method!

Already looking forward to episode 3!

I also enjoyed it, better than the first I think. As another person has pointed out to me on msn, you have a 'touch of the Derrens' but if that's the way you're presenting it then fair enough I suppose. I'd replace the bit at the beginning about "What you are about to see is a mixture of..." etc as that comes across as a straight lift from Mr Brown and I think even a lay audience would spot it.

From a magician's perspective the effects were nice, I was entertained because apart from the truth or lie thing I don't know how any of it was done. This also felt far more like mentalism than the first episode, where I think most of your specs suspected there was some underlying 'magic' method to what you were doing. Maybe that's just the editing though.

Overall, well done and here's to number 3.

I totally agree with you on the "touch of Derren"--after watching his work for several years, I'm finding it hard to be original

I'm making a conscious effort to develop my own performing style for television, but since this is my first project of the sort, it's a gradual process.

I'm glad you enjoyed it on the whole. The next episode should be ready by next week.

Ciao,
Rob

Cool beans, it's easy to sit here and criticize but how many of us have actually gone out and made our own tv show? Hmm.....

I almost missed this, as I rarely visit this bit of the forum. A very good episode.

Yes, there are similarities to Derren's work, but the only place I thought it stood out was the detergent in cups bit. Even then, you did it differently (and got it right both times, although I feel DB only got it wrong to make the main 'Russian Roulette' spot even more dramatic, then they cut the drinks bit from the first showing anyway.)

Derren doesn't have the monopoly on psychological mentalism.

I've seen both episodes and both have some great effects in them. I know how hard it is to make something like this getting it together and everything, as I've tried it and it never came to fruition, so well done.

I would agree with the "Derrenisms", but that's not the biggest issue. The main issue is that I simply don't believe you when you are talking about your skills and your stories. I don't know if you are being truthful or not, but it is just not that convincing to me. Sorry I can't tell you why so it's not particularly constructive, maybe it's your age. Is it feasible that you have mastered these skills at your age? This is something I battle with. I think it's maybe better to play a more odd role as a young mind reader. I don't know I'm no expert.

However good luck with it, I look forward to the next episode.

I can see your point, but it's unfortunate things come across that way. I routinely perform all of the effects from the second episode (except the Art effect) using genuine psychology. I resort to trickery only to make sure it works when I want it to, though it generally does nonetheless.

Alas, my narrative skills are poor unless I'm talking to someone... I recorded all of my narrations talking to my computer, and I simply can't speak naturally when I do so and it seems sort of contrived.

If you can think of any specifics, let me know. Otherwise, I'm just going to keep plugging away at it with that in mind.

Ciao,
Rob

Just as a suggestion, Rob. If you feel more comfortable speaking to people, why not arrange to record your voiceovers in an "interview" format. Such as - writing down questions that a friend can ask you. You can always go back in an cut out the other person in post production. This way, these sequences might come across more naturally?

Personally, I think your voiceover sequences are fine. The only thing I would do, is inject more of YOU into them. Seeing your videos and posts on here, your sense of humor is front-and-center. Not so, here. Allow for more of that to come through, and I think these sections will shine even more.

As for believing in you - the proof is in the pudding, I think. Your effects work, your reactions are real. Beyond that, I see no way (or need) to further prove yourself. Everyone keeps mentioning DB. I'm almost positive not everyone believed him the first couple times.

Keep working your shows - you're doing great. Just keep trying to bring more of your regular self into it. The more you're being yourself, the more entertaining you'll be.

Demitri wrote:Just as a suggestion, Rob. If you feel more comfortable speaking to people, why not arrange to record your voiceovers in an "interview" format.

I like that idea. I very well may do that. Doing so will also make the audio more consistent

Thanks for the suggestions--they really helped me see what I was lacking (and I've known there's been something lacking). We'll see how tomorrow's shoot turns out!

Ciao,
Rob

Forgot to mention the artist model thing was awesome! That was my fav.

SO true...

That art thing had me stumped...I liked the whole thing, although maybe you could have come up with a few variations to the lie detector, seeing you risk your life over washing up liquid twice was one too many times. Maybe you could have had more cups and more of them had the liquid in, making it harder (supposedly)! That would have been cool and made lil Ollie excited...