talkmagic.co.uk

Also check anything from here : http://www.blackhart.co.uk/page53.html as it will probably suits you (and there are many reviews of his tricks if you search the site). I haven't used any but the reviews are pretty good.

I'm surprised no-ones mentioned Higley's. Everything from dark magic effects to weird showpieces. heres the link http://grindshow.com/GrindShow/Directory.html

Nightfall wrote:Also check anything from here : http://www.blackhart.co.uk/page53.html as it will probably suits you (and there are many reviews of his tricks if you search the site). I haven't used any but the reviews are pretty good.

I agree. There are lots of TM reviews for Black Hart products and they are well worth seeking out. Keith is also a very nice guy who places a high priority on customer service (not something I can say about other dealers). Also, they are the only magic dealer I know of to offer a refund guarantee. I guess the fact that Keith only sells his own effects means he can offer this sort of warranty, but it's still an impressive guarantee. Definitely check them out.

From a story telling point of view I think 'Up The Ante' (by Martyn Smith) works well with a Devil's deck (available from Blackhart) - people getting drawn into gambling by dark forces!

Also, the effect 'Spirit' - where the cards spookily splits at he point of the spectators card gets a good response (again with the Devils Deck). Doesn't come in this form - you have to make the gaff yourself.

Finally 'Card-shark' has a card effect called Nosferatu. The chosen card is drained of its red colouring (blood) by the evil vampire - good opportunity to let your creative storytelling juices flow.

Mark

Your props do not need to be scary. In fact, think about the best modern horor stories you've heard or seen. My bet will be that they involve daylight, the sounds of children playing in the background (while you and your folks are 'alone' in an attic room etc) and - essentially - normality. The scariness comes from the everydayness of it. The minute you pull out an aged cask of ancient cards you lose it, IMHO.

I have my own range of effects at www.ravenmagic.co.uk but I second Rick Maues book of Haunted Magick. If you think props like Luna are a little too expencive, then you can use that book to make your own routines with cheaper props

Higley is the BEST prop maker I have ever seen for wierd monsters, disembodied eyes, body parts, shrunken heads ect BUT his prices are way above Outlaws for that reason! If your looking for medium price effects, buy his 'Three no Evil' with the leather envelope, $40. Its a really nice effect thats quite easy to do

the Curator wrote:

Sorry Christian, but that's a Sh*tty idea


As to creating your personal arsenal of "Scary" props... MAKE YOUR OWN!

My question has to be though, are you wanting to do a Bizarre styled act or something more side show?

Both use unique materials but they don't tend to overlap. But then you have the eclectic "steam-punk" type path such as The Curator and I lean towards; it's a blend of Jules Vern, Robert Ripley and Edgar Allen Poe all wrapped up into one thing... what you get glimpses of in films like Hell Boy, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and some of Johnny Depp's classics like "From Hell" and "Sleepy Hallow".

If you're in the UK attend the next Tabulus Mentis gathering and sit down with Roni for an hour. He can give you the first hand dirt when it comes to one facet of this style of magic. There is likewise the Shadow Network and Carl Bartoni's DragonSkull (http://www.dragonskull.co.uk/main_map.htm) sites followed closely (when it comes to props) by the following...

http://www.blackhart.co.uk/page53.html
http://grindshow.com/
http://www.lebanoncircle.co.uk/Home_Page.htm

Do understand however, this form of performance can be an exceptional challenge and business wise, a serious challenge to market and actually get into the money making side of things. But there are ways of doing it.

Another Important Thing... is to decide just how "theatrical" you wish to be when it comes to presenting this sort of material. Bizarre Magick can be done in the all so serious mode or with a more tongue-n-cheek approach, the latter proving the more commercially viable. But the reason I bring this up is the fact that one requires a bit more "authenticity" when it comes to the devices used vs. the other... this is especially so if you're looking at the Seance & Ghost Walk side of the Bizarre.

I remember a spooky effect described in the Magigram magazine (I was a subscriber as a child ) that appeared to use nothing but an envelope and a photo of a family.

I'm sure I don't need to explain how the effect worked, nor that the story-telling element was the most important thing. I clearly remember getting goose-bumps just reading the description.

I guess the only ageing you might want to do is to edit the photo so that the colours have that 70s tone. And maybe get some creases worked in there.

Those who know the method will have twice as much work to do

Ted wrote:I remember a spooky effect described in the Magigram magazine (I was a subscriber as a child ) that appeared to use nothing but an envelope and a photo of a family.

I'm sure I don't need to explain how the effect worked, nor that the story-telling element was the most important thing. I clearly remember getting goose-bumps just reading the description.

Sounds like "Til Death Do Us Part" which is just a recently repackaged (and apparently poorly presented) version of this.

Thanks for your contributions, some interesting effects mentioned here. I will definitely look at Luna in more detail, but I'm still of the opinion that $90 is expensive for what you get... I really need first hand experiences of using the prop; what kind of information is on the pages?

Cerulean

Cerulean wrote:I will definitely look at Luna in more detail, but I'm still of the opinion that $90 is expensive for what you get... I really need first hand experiences of using the prop; what kind of information is on the pages?

Cerulean

The books are very well prepared, aged and certainly authentic in appearance. The pages have very intensive and realistic looking details of patient names, locations, ailments, treatment and background details. Check the Approved Items for Sale section from time to time in case anyone has one surplus to requirements .

Cerulean wrote:Sounds like "Til Death Do Us Part" which is just a recently repackaged (and apparently poorly presented) version of this.

I have not bought that effect, although I've just been reading about it after your post. I don't think it's the same in terms of method. In the story I have in mind there is a family photo, complete with kids, dog etc. It's placed into an envelope and a story told about some tragedy or other. Someone dies, disappears or whatever and the photo is removed again. This time the individual (or dog) in question is missing from the photo.

The method is pretty obvious but my point is to note that everyday items are sometimes very suited to creating a spooky atmosphere and that aged books, brooches etc aren't always necessary. The story is the thing. But I know you know that. I am now officially rambling.