talkmagic.co.uk

HI ,

Looking for some tips and pointers here - I'm looking to do some levitation illusions for a new show I'm putting together.

It will be in a cabaret type environment so quite close up. Ive just bought a Mini ITR, and have familiarised my self with its basic operation but wonderd if anyone could point me in the right direction or had any good routines/method of operation etc.

I'm looking to say - wander up to various tables and 'impromptu' select an object from th epunters table and levitates this before their eyes then replace it back on the table.

Any thoughts?

This isnt a caberet type of envioroment, Its table hopping isnt it?
I would sugest that before you base an act around the use of Thread, you make sure that the lighting is right, otherwise you may be wasting time.
Now another point is, trying to levitate any object found on the table is dangerous ground.Why? Well, just because it looks light, it doesnt mean that it wont break the thread.
Its safer to float an object of yurs, or something specific like a ring, or a bank note.
Lastly, consider anchoring points. These rarly occur where you want them.


D.


hey look at this post. 321 !! Wheres dusty bin!.


( i must remember to remove his when i post next, it will make no sense.)

Yes, lighting a major issue. You must avoid strong backlighting or overhead lighting. I have seen some people use a beer bottle as an anchor point.

You may want to consider animating an object by using 'loops', with the right lighting you can make a fork move across the table.

LeClaire has a really good dvd - "Who's afraid of the IT". I have a copy of his book "The Art of the IT". In it you'll find tips on lighting, as well as how to make somethibng look as if it's floating - and not just hanging on a piece of thread. I use the LeClair hookup often and I think it's great.
Michael Ammar also has a dvd on IT - I haven't seen it but I've heard good reviews.
Loops are also great and require very little setup.

I personally prefer to animate things rather than levitate them - and do very slight movements and then a sudden larger movement. I find it's a lot more believable, although I have had a few interesting comments when I have levitated a napkin or something. ("I can see the aura around it! - now that's a demonstration of raw energy", "ok - now that's wierd")

Thanks folks

The lighting levels will be low - and the environment (to a certain extent) under my control - so i can pre-rig anchor poitns a the venue(s) prior to punters arriving etc so possibilities there.

Ive not used loops before - I'm new to the more close up stuff as i have mainly beein involved in larger scale theatre based illusions - for stage shows etc.

I willt ake a look at he books you have suggested and dvd etc.

You are tight it is more table hopping os very little set up time - allthough i will have the ability to prest things before punters arrive.

what i need to build up is a variety of illusion that can be pulled off quickly with little set up and a t close hand - all need to be of a 'spooky' nature rather than just somthing with cards etc - Currently have some spirit slates etc and that the kinda themeing i need - 'ghostly- spooky stuff' and mentalism

Forgive me for saying this, but it sounds a bit jumbled.

I assume that the type of mentalism you want is basically PK effects. Don't forget things like the Haunted Deck. Yes, it's cards, but can be very spooky when done right.

Dan Harlan's Premium Blend vol 1 has a couple of nice PK effects and an interesting hook up technique which you might need to adapt to work for you.

I wouldn't stray into other areas of mentalism, though. It's best to keep PK effects separate from mind reading (in the opinion of Max Maven and Bob Cassidy, to name but two).

Right - ok thanks for the tip

as i say I'm new to this - i know the types of event we are planning - and need a selection of illusion prior to the main event/shows fopr the putners at the tables etc.

All need a spooky theme - and yes PK stuff is the kinda area I'm looking at.

okey dokey then this sound like a good idea for the haunted key then.
http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic5112.php&highlight=haunted+key check this thread as stephen has found a website that combines the haunted key and a paddlock which would be ideal for your show.

May i also add the lock and key has now been used by now for a few weeks now and it is really good, I have not seen other dealers selling it yet but i am sure they are some. I can't really review it as to write too much would tip the trick. So just assume it is a class piece of magic

steven how do you find the key does the clockwork mechanism have enough ballance for you.

Well i have been fine with it (a few problems at first) but on the whole it is good. I think there may be a much better version out there somewhere but it is not gonna be cheap is it?

I also like the look of Perfect bend, see demo at http://www.jbtv.co.uk i would like a fellow professional view about this. I am now unsure about it.

If it is good then it may suit our friend in his act

If this is a gimmick, why bother? There are tons of published bends that are clean, and all are audience winners.

as an effect this looks good and i could not see the loading and unloading of the gimmick if it can be done surrounded as stated then it sounds a winner.

dale can the same bend as shown be done with the apropiate sleight so to speak, if so could you let us know which media would allow us to do this.
i dont do much spoon work myself so will bow to your greater experience.

Yes if Dale can help then great, i was gonna buy this but if you know a better version then please tell all. Thanks

I've been performing PK effects for 6 years now. It takes a while to find your character. But it sounds like you have a great opportunity here to work out a lot of things.

As far as IT, I usually start with an effect. If I need IT to accomplish that effect so be it. But all my effects are built around the experience I want to create. I've grown away from levitations and into physical phenomenon. But I would recomend getting the experience with levitation.

Let us know how it goes!