by bananafish » Jan 26th, '12, 18:49
I feel I should say something in David's defence, because I do think it very unfair to judge him from what you are seeing on that program. Perhaps it was a mistake him doing it perhaps not, but it is a program dedicated for ridiculing all it's contestants. I admit he knew that going in and it was his choice to do it - if he can take that then I don't see any problem.
In reality David is a very talented young magician. yes he still has a lot to learn and his performance may not be everyone's cup of tea, but he is nevertheless dedicated to the art and I have no doubts that he will be a success. He is being judged at the moment on some very loose editing designed only to increase ratings and not any ones personal profile.
A few things about what we have seen so far.
1. The crew asked him to make the lemon disappear - so he said no problems, he asked that as this is tv can you mute the sound and focus on my hands and I will just drop it on the floor. They said no problem. They then stitched him up. (although I did smile, it was afterall funny - but it certainly didnt happen as it was shown)
2. He doesn’t do vent except for his kid shows when they, the kids are so engrossed in the character, that the lips moving isnt such a big issue - I know that is an argument in itself and vents will say it is important, but the bottom line is he wouldn’t have chosen to do the vent bit at all, but the crew brought the puppets to him and insisted he do something with them. Yes he should have said no. I agree it didnt show him in good light - and actually agree it was a bit scary - he really should have said no, but dont judge his professional performance on that.
3. The Grumpy Millwall supporter is also being potrayed very badly and David says they get on fine and she isn't as nasty as they make out. When the Millwall suporter said "magic was guff before I saw him and after I saw him it is still guff". That didnt happen after his "entertainment after the meal. He did a few minor bits and pieces during the meal which was cut - and she said it after that. After the entertainment they all, she included, said it was amazing.
You have to remember they film approx 6 hours of conversation throughout the evening and they can edit it show absolutely anything they want.
4. David isnt bitter - he is actually already getting a lot of wok out of it - and to be honest bearing in mind that the program takes the * out of everyone, I think he is doing very well indeed.
No this isnt particulary great for magicians, but I certainly do not think it is doing any disservice to magic. The fact that David is getting work from it bears this out.
As for "This is the reason I dont belong to a Magic Society" - What the heck as that to do with anything? I dont mind you not being a member of a society - your choice, but it beggars belief that that is a reason.
Just some thoughts