talkmagic.co.uk

I stumbled across this video clip on the web for a wonderful self levitation illusion:

http://www.downloadmagic.com/fearsons_box_info.shtml

Although watching it a few times gave me an idea asto how it was done, I did love the prop design and just the whole concept of it.

What I was wondering was other people's views on how this would appear to the lay public. And I suppose what I'm really wanting to know is, is it worth the effort to build it?

regards,
Valentino

I can answer this one for you!

The effect is actually quite mesmerising - it really does look as good as the video clip demonstrates.

However, due to the 'method' used in the levitation, it's angle-specific - perhaps moreso than standard levitations.

The actual construction is pretty cheap and easy - if you have the tools to hand, it's about an hour's exercise.

But- and this is a big but (You sayin' I look fat in these Speedos?) - the actual crate does ALL the work, obviously, and so this is definately a stage effect - but one with pretty dodgy lighting restrictions.

Any more info needed would probably be prudent via PM rather than the forum!

It is very clever, very good and very cheap. teve designed it more for a parlor setting than stage--angles in a true stage show, particularly at the extreme sides and in a balcony, would not be conducive to a performance. However, in a living room or for a small group of people in a more formal setting, it's a real killer and a lot of fun.

$15 for the download and about another $5-10 for the materials, plus about a half hour of your time; even if you only perform it occasionally, you can't go wrong!

Yes,
This is a nice trick under the right conditions. But (and this is a BIG but) we do not have square milk crates in the UK. I have been trying to find an alternative for a long time and the best I can do is a cardboard box with part of the sides cut out. This is not ideal as although it can look good the audience must be asking themselves why the sides are cut out! A milk crate goes unquestioned.
I know it sounds trite, but you would not believe how difficult it is to find a square plastic crate!

brightsun wrote:Yes,
This is a nice trick under the right conditions. But (and this is a BIG but) we do not have square milk crates in the UK. I have been trying to find an alternative for a long time and the best I can do is a cardboard box with part of the sides cut out. This is not ideal as although it can look good the audience must be asking themselves why the sides are cut out! A milk crate goes unquestioned.
I know it sounds trite, but you would not believe how difficult it is to find a square plastic crate!

LOL

Right... forget milk crates... think more along the lines of alcoholic beverages. You need to get friendly with your local pub.

you can also build your own grate and stick some wine stickers on the side or stikers from grapes etc.