Gambling and Card Magic?
March 31, 2008
While not exactly card magic related, the new movie ‘21′ scored big during it’s first weekend in theater.
Based on the true story of a group of MIT college braniacs called the MIT Blackjack Team. They weres a group of students and ex-students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard Business School, Harvard University, and other leading colleges who attempted to beat casinos at blackjack worldwide. The team and its successors operated from 1979 through the beginning of the 21st century. The film draws from Bringing Down the House, the best-selling book by Ben Mezrich. 21 follows the ups and downs of the Vegas high-life while winning 100’s of thousands playing Blackjack (also known as 21 to some people). Raking in over $23 million in it’s first weekend, there are now plenty of opportunities for magicians to showcase their gambling talents (and gambling related magic tricks) to unsuspecting audiences everywhere.
Pamela Anderson Burned
March 31, 2008
Recent reports out of Berlin state that hollywood actress Pamela Anderson was injured while working with magician Hans Klok. It’s been rumoured that the two of them have been dating since 2007 while she was appearing in ‘The Beauty of Magic’ in Las Vegas during the same time.
Pam stated that during one trick where there are ’spikes that go through a box’, she had a close call that involved her getting burned and possibly throwing a rib out. (How that’s done I’ll never know).
We all knew that some of the big box illusions were dangerous if not performed properly, here’s the proof.
UPDATE: I want to thank everyone who’s writing in and letting me know that Pam & Hans aren’t dating, however, the key word that everyone seems to be missing is ‘rumoured’.
CelebraCadabra New Air Date: April 27th, 2008
March 28, 2008
As the sponsor of CelebraCadabra, Ellusionist has learned that the air date for the first show has been pushed back to April 27th, 2008. Inside sources who have seen some of the footage from various episodes say that the show is extremely well done and should entertain magicians and lay audiences at the same time. We look forward to watching the series and seeing how the celebrities learn to respect and appreciate what magicians around the world are currently doing every day.
UltraGaff DVD sneak peek with Danny Garcia
March 25, 2008
Imagine stunning your audience with some of the most creative and innovative gaff cards ever created… well that thought will soon become a reality as we are approaching the highly anticipated UltraGaff release!
The UltraGaff 3 DVD set will give you the tools to deny reality and treat your audiences to the pure eye candy of extreme gaff handling. These effects are not possible with just any deck, and the UltraGaff deck proves that not all playing cards are created equal.
In the DVD’s, a variety of different effects are taught in great detail, and not one stone is left unturned. There is something for all skill levels too, as each DVD presents it’s own progression, always offering more to learn. Additionally every single card in the deck has it’s own purpose and magical prowess, and it all comes together with Wayne and Danny’s enthusiastic teaching of the art they love.
Danny spreading astonishment throughout the Ellusionist warehouse.
David Blaine getting help from Daniel Garcia?
March 21, 2008
A little birdie has spotted Daniel Garcia on the streets of New York City along with the Mystery Man himself, David Blaine. Garcia is working with Blaine as a consultant for his upcoming special, which should be airing on ABC sometime in September. What will we see? Only time will tell. Congrats to Danny on such a cool gig!
Point of Clarification - As with most magic consultants, it is unlikely that Garcia will actually appear on-screen during Blaine’s special. In all likelihood, he is just working with Blaine on material for Blaine to perform himself.
Everyone can improve
March 20, 2008
While the Ellusionist Blog covers many important updates for magicians who hold a high profile (David Copperfield, Criss Angel, David Blaine, etc), I also think that it’s important to focus on improving ourselves as magicians. For those who don’t have the career (yet), it is especially important for all magicians to focus on themselves and find areas where we can improve. This way, everyone’s magic impoves and thus the art itself improves, too.
Something that I like to do is look at each piece I’m performing and find out which one I feel is the weakest. Using this technique allows me to judge my own act and discover which areas need to be improved the most. The weakest part of your show doesn’t always have to be a trick; it can sometimes be a transition between two tricks or the order of your tricks in the act itself.
Once we know which area needs improvement, then working on those improvements comes next. I like to bounce ideas off of magician friends of mine and also to try out some of the ideas in front of live audiences until I find out what improvement works best for me. I hope that this helps magicians reflect a bit on themselves and inspires them to improve their own magic.
The Shaman
New Magic show for the UK.
March 15, 2008
Magic on UK TV seems to be taking an upturn as of lately with a number of specials and shows having aired. These shows have subsequently spread across the shores to the US; the trend seems to be continuing. We’ve heard of a new magic show will be shooting this summer at bars around the UK.
The show that has yet to be named is being produced for a new UK channel launching this year. The difference—they are working with a little known magician who’ll be performing his own material alongside the cream of effects from the magic community in a ‘new and unique way’.
Having spoken to the magician at the center of the show, we’re sure that UK viewers are in for a treat, and a refreshing change in magic shows. “Everything I’m performing in the show, from my own material to the already released material, will be very unique in its presentation.”
As to what the unique slant is and who the mystery newcomer is—stay tuned, and don’t touch that dial—we’ll be right back!
Sponsor reveals more photos, info & gossip on Celebracadabra VH1 airing April 27
March 13, 2008
Just announced today, the celebrities on the VH1 Celebracadabra show, airing April 20th are C. Thomas Howell, comedian ANT, Hal Sparks, Chris Reid (Kid from Kid n’ Play), Lisa Ann Walter, Carnie Wilson, Kim Wyatt from The Pussycat Dolls.
Show sponsor, Ellusionist has provided EXCLUSIVE behind the scenes photos.
C. Thomas Howell & Chris Reid
Kim Wyatt & Hal Sparks
Jonathan Levit, C. Thomas Howell & Magic Coach David Regal
