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Hey guys, as part of a college project I'm doing a short experimental film based around Magic, Escapology and Macabre Imagery, I've chosen to do this because of my strong interest in magic. I basically am just asking for some ideas of what i can include into my film.

Just to clarify I'm not asking for method to tricks, I'm just asking for some visual tricks that I can include in my film. I'm into close up magic, escapology, and grand illusion and id say, my inspirations were David Blaine (in his street magic days), Derren Brown, Paul Zenon. Basically I'm more interested into more mature magic rather than 'kids party' magic.

As of yet i have no narrative so any input would be a help. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks in advance guys.

Joe Rabone

Have you done any magic before? If so, what is youre skill level. And are you planning on performing the tricks yourself?

Yes i do perform magic, id consider myself at intermediate level, I'm 19 and i've been interested in magic since i was about 4 or 5 years old and recently i've thought about going somewhere with it, my knowledge of magic methods and history is quite vast, but experience of performing is what i lack, which obviously, is the most important thing i need, and yes i will be performing myself.

Well if you need ideas on what to perform then I can imagine a chop cup, some card manipulation (flourishes and backpalm vanishes maybe) and perhaps linking rings could look good in this kind of thing. Just perform what looks good and you are comfortable with. I'm probably not the person to help though-a more knowledgable fellow than I should pop along soon.

Hi. After reading your first paragraph an old magic series immedietley popped into my head - The Secret Cabaret. I think there are some clips on you tube. It starred Simon Drake and the style of his magic, and the show, may give you some ideas.

jim

JRabone wrote: Magic, Escapology and Macabre Imagery,

Macabre Magic - If you have a look at Tarbell's Correspondence Course In Magic the section on Seances (Lesson 46 and parts of 45) will tell you plenty of stuff you need to know about scaring the pants off people.

Escapology - I did a film for London Underground last year that is currently showing as an Art On The Underground exhibition on the London Underground with Larry Barnes who is currently, to my understanding, a working escapologist in London with a macabre act. He might be worth contacting. If you want to see him perform the film is showing on the London Underground screens at Stratford Underground Station.

Macabre Imagery - I dunno, there's plenty of examples from the history of magic, from the Indian Rope Trick to the wicker basket sword trick with all the blood spewing out of the basket when the magician forces the sword into the basket with the lady inside. However the thing that always sticks in my memory is the scene at the end of the film "Man On The Moon" about Andy Kaufman where the pseudo doctor/healer performs a sleight of hand to fool the waiting public into believing he is performing organ transplants on patients who are coming to see him. Perhaps the most macabre form of magic.

Thanks for the help guys its all greatly received, also i was wondering if anyone had any ideas about how i could incorporate a storyline with my tricks, maybe a metaphorical meaning behind the tricks? thanks again for your help

JRabone wrote:Thanks for the help guys its all greatly received, also i was wondering if anyone had any ideas about how i could incorporate a storyline with my tricks, maybe a metaphorical meaning behind the tricks? thanks again for your help

Scripting Magic by Pete McCabe might be a good place to look.