talkmagic.co.uk

hey, i am in serious need for stores that sell large illusion products!

i only know 3:

tilford illusions
wellington enterprise
magic makers

i need as many illusion shop as there are int the world!

unless, if there is a list of magic shops worldwide on 1 site. please let me know.

*I searched all over google, and cant find anything else.

*NOT* a place that sells plans!

Firstly, why would you need to know all the illusion makers on the planet when most of the pros work with one or two key builders for life, rarely venturing out beyond them.

Your top builders in the States will be Bill Smith, John Gaughan (though he's heading towards retirement) and of higher profile, Owens. There are many other builders but these tend to be the prime sources in that they build some of the best, most deceptive and dependable equipment available and it has the kind of assurances few other builders wouldn't even consider.

The other thing you need to bear in mind is that some builders have exclusive rights on key pieces that no other builder is allowed to build (legally).. .there are those like Doug Tilford or Jim Sommers who don't care about royalties and manufacturing rights and will build anything for you... I can assure you, it will not be on par with the sanctioned systems.

Decide what it is you want and check out the top half dozen builders known to the industry and I will lay money on it, you'll get exactly what you need. But don't be cheap and don't think you can cut corners by shopping things out. When it comes to big illusions you must remember that someone's life could be at risk and cutting corners is STUPID.

Be prepared to pay serious money even on used equipment. Even you brashness in this post I'd say you haven't much of a clue as to what you are getting into so allow me to educate you a bit.

The average "stock" effect like a traditional Thin Model Sawing, Broom Suspension, etc. starts at around $2,000.00 to $4,000.00 USED and if you are lucky, that will include the cases. Brand new you are looking at a low quality unit for around $5,500.00 to decent versions coming in at around $8,500.00 + an additional $2,000.00 + for the ATA Cases.

A rare "cutting edge" piece, like Shadow Vision you can only purchase used (there are only 18 in existence) and if you are lucky, you can get one for around $10,000.00... I've seen one of the early models for $8,500.00 at MagicAuction a month or two ago. But then you have other unique pieces like the See Thru Step Loader created by Ken Whitaker and yours truly... used they are still selling for more than we sold them for new.

So, after you drop about $150,000.00 to $200,000.00 on props you will have to get the costumes, sound system, lights, sets and of course crew and transportation as well as a warehouse space that is large enough to store, repair, build and rehearse in.

I fully understand that dream of becoming a major stage star but I can also introduce you to several dozen old broken old salts like me that have been there, done that and have the aches, pains and empty bank accounts to prove it. It is an amazingly difficult job and like a farmer you tend to have most of your money tied up supporting the business and not in your pocket.

I admit, I could be wrong in assuming this your intent. The only other reason someone would want such a list leaning towards the other common day dream of becoming the next Jim Stinemeyer or Rand Woodbury... pick a number, the world is filled with such folks. I've designed and produced tailored bits for people for over 30 years and have a reasonable reputation at it but it's not made me much money, not even with the award winning pieces here and there.... and NEWS FLASH, there is a reason why Jim and Rand and all the others tend to keep a day job and not depend on what they make from designing magic.

So think long and hard about things, I'd hate to see you (or anyone) set themselves up for the kind of heartache this course can (and typically will) render.