talkmagic.co.uk

Hey all,

So, constantly trying to improve myself as a magician, something I've been rather reluctant to do is to start writing patter rather than just improvising.

I perform mostly voluntarily in public places such as pubs and clubs which I mention because I'm sure its important to the story I use.

I'm not sure where to begin scripting as I've never seen a magician's script, given the choice I would like to see a original script, then a video of how the script actually plays out in front of an live close-up audience. But I've had no luck trying to find such material.

I would like to be able to write original (perhaps away from the classic, gambling stories etc) and creative stories that I can tell and incorporate which will interest people and will want to listen as the cards act as the pictures in the book.

Thanks allot,
Danny

Here is a free program that will make your process much easier.

http://www.salsbury.f2s.com/rd.htm

Enjoy.

That free programme does not provide a grammar check. As a resource for a writer that makes it fairly primitive - and inferior to Word, etc.

Beyond that I can't help, as I have never scripted anything. I know what I am going to say, and over dozens of performances what I say becomes honed until it is right for the effect. Nothing is ever written.

TonyB wrote:That free programme does not provide a grammar check. As a resource for a writer that makes it fairly primitive - and inferior to Word, etc.

Yeah, it's only the standard in the industry for writing treatments. But what do thousands of playwrights know?

jdmagic357 wrote:

TonyB wrote:That free programme does not provide a grammar check. As a resource for a writer that makes it fairly primitive - and inferior to Word, etc.

Yeah, it's only the standard in the industry for writing treatments. But what do thousands of playwrights know?

Oh, you're a playwright too, now? Ever heard of Final Draft? No, I didn't think so.

So Danny, you may want to let us know how that FREE program works out for you? In these days of hard economic times, saving money is sure prudent.

Danny, i write scripts for all my bizarre magick, if you need any help just send me a PM and i will see what help i can give you.

I used to write the scripts after I had been performing them the effects for a while, just as a way to consolidate things.

Now, I sit down and write something before I start performing it, and gradually add to it, as it grows through performance.

I also find that when I start performing something it might be very similar to way the original creator performed it, but as time goes on, I take out their lines, and add my own slant on it.

One quick example, I have a few extra phases on Jay Sankey's Stirring Silver, and I have my own reason for bringing out these two rather strange objects - a ring (ok) and a spoon (wtf!?)

likewise, if you PM your email, I will send you a script or two of mine.

p.s. just my preference, but I hate 'patter' it sounds like, bleh, dribble, dross, pitter, patter, rubbish. I write a script, what I say has meaning - it's not just pattering on! Just me!

Ed.

Well, I hate the word "Script". Too bloody pretensious and artificial for me. PATTER has been the word from time immemorial and so it should remain.

You should have a rough idea of what you are going to say and hone it over many performances. After a while you will say virtually the same thing every time but will have some flexibility to improvise and be spontaneous if you need to be. If you initially write out a rough idea of what to say that is perfectly fine although not always essential. You must have some idea what to say though.

But don't learn it off by heart as some various incompetent ninniess will advise you to. Ten to one you will forget the scripted patter halfway through it. Avoid doing things by rote.

Incidentally, the patter is often more important than the trick. Make it interesting and enteraining.

I don't really want to disagree with the illustrious Mark Lewis....but for sure, write a script! It's basic performing 101, in my opinion. Virtually all speaking performers use a script, including comedians. Yes, you should be prepared to change it, but today you can sit down at your computer, and search for great gags and lines that will tie in with your patter.
To present a trick without first considering the patter is akin to trying to prepare a meal without the correct ingredients. Sure, you can look in your cupboards, to see what you have that may be OK, but if you go the store and get the exact ingredients you need for your recipe, the food will probably taste better.
You have the meat and veg, now seek out the perfect spices to enhance the flavour....
With a little practise, script writing is easy, and a joy. When you find those "perfect" lines that will turn your trick into entertainment, you'll understand what I mean. It can be as simple as a one-liner, or maybe you'll want to produce something special......reminds me of my flea circus presentation, which includes many awful puns and repetitive references.....it's a "groaner", but also due to its repetitive nature, engaging and funny. I use "flea" as a leitmotiv, and it works for me. "flea-tastic", "flea-nominal", "flea-o-tard", "fleasy-peasy", etc.

I've asked several professionals about this and the answers varied from a full script with plenty of room for ad libs down to just a list of salient points as a guide. One performer advised that he wrote a fully detailed script, almost like the late Frankie Howerd with all the 'ooh's, 'aaah's, ' no don't' and 'listen missus'es written in the appropriate places. He read it a few times then threw it away and relied on the fact that he'd written it in the first place therefore would remember it on the hoof as he worked.

On that basis the extent to which someone 'scripts' is purely a personal choice and will vary with each performer - like most other things in life.

Potty hasn't read what I said properly. I didn't say you shouldn't write things out. I have done this myself in the past. I merely said you didn't have to. And Mandrake's suggestion is very close to the method described in Expert Card Technique.

Write out a script, learn it and then forget it.

I prefer to plan what I am going to say and because I have a good memory I don't have to write it down. I then have a rough idea and as time develops I improve on it.

I am just very against learning things by rote. It usually sounds awful and you may forget what you were supposed to be saying. And you lack spontaneity if things do not go according to plan.

jdmagic357 wrote:

TonyB wrote:That free programme does not provide a grammar check. As a resource for a writer that makes it fairly primitive - and inferior to Word, etc.

Yeah, it's only the standard in the industry for writing treatments. But what do thousands of playwrights know?

Standard in the industry is to do a grammar check. But what would I know? I just write screenplays.

Pirate Potty wrote:I don't really want to disagree with the illustrious Mark Lewis....but for sure, write a script! It's basic performing 101, in my opinion. Virtually all speaking performers use a script, including comedians.

Potty, in twenty five years as a member of Toastmasters International (the world's premier public speaking organisation) it has been my experience that the top speakers, including world champions, don't write out a script and learn it. They work around a group of salient points. Most of the comedians I have worked with also use this approach - a series of points they will cover in the course of their performance, but no script. Its the way I work and I wouldn't change it for the world.

And it's more or less the way I work too. Especially for lectures or speeches. I did hours on end for International Magic when I was lecturing. I would have gone insane trying to remember by rote everything I had to say. I merely remembered various headings and took it from there.