The Next Level: Shock master Sean Fields breaks down the bizarre

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October 10, 2009

Welcome back to The Next Level, Ellusionist’s portable mini-lecture series.

This week, we talk with Sean Fields, a fieldmaster of bizarre magic. Fields is a hands-down expert, having created Sick and Saw, but he has also separated himself with the way he has blended in mentalism with the messy.

In this episode of The Next Level, you’ll find out why he thinks you should watch the movie “The Wizard of Gore,” how to work up to bizarre effects in your routines, the differences between weird, creepy and gory and what experiment Fields decided to run in the midst of the podcast, necessitating a second part in the next few weeks.

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Posted by Joe Hadsall | Filed Under Ellusionist Products, General, The Next Level

The Next Level podcast: Justin Miller speaks about audience management

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September 4, 2009

Welcome back to The Next Level, Ellusionist’s portable mini-lecture series.

When we talk about Justin Miller, we usually geek out over his smooth handling of coins, cards, cordless drills … whatever dude touches, actually. But he’s also a fearless performer who can approach anyone and everyone. And, if you’ve watched any of his street magic, you know that he’s an expert in controlling crowds and managing audiences.

Audience management is a subject we’ve wanted to cover in The Next Level, ever since Miller mentioned the idea to us. With the announcement of the video contest winners right around the corner, we thought this was a perfect time to talk about it. It’s a longer podcast, but well worth the time.

Grab a notebook and prepare to take many notes. Miller is going to cover why audience management is not as simple as saying, “Look at this.” He’ll cover basics of anchoring, talk about how to handle hecklers and more curious spectators (and why they should be treated differently) and what to look for when choosing effects. Enjoy.

And keep an eye out for Miller’s new effort, WTF No Limits, which will be releasing the effects Smile and Cell-block. We’ll post a link once the site is live.

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Posted by Joe Hadsall | Filed Under The Next Level

Michigan town hosts interesting magic fest

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July 31, 2009

Photo courtesy Battle Creek Enquirer

It’s still summer. There’s still time for a road trip. May we suggest Colon, Mich., U.S.

The self-proclaimed “Magic Capital of the World” is hosting a magic festival from Aug. 5 to 8. A report from the Battle Creek (Mich.) Enquirer gives a great look at the history between two rival magic stores.

OK, maybe Abbott’s Magic Company and FAB Magic Co. are not exactly rivals:

“This has always been Abbott’s,” FAB owner Rick Fisher said of the Get Together. “We were budging in on their turf, but we weren’t doing it to be nasty or put them out of business.”

The two stores host a bevy of magic lectures and performances during the festival. It’s a fitting fete for the town which houses the grave of the legendary Harry Blackstone.

The Web sites for Abbott’s and FAB have event schedules. Enjoy your trip and send us a postcard.

Posted by Joe Hadsall | Filed Under Criss Angel, General, Magic on TV, The Next Level

Next Level: Rich Ferguson speaks about starting, maintaining your magic business

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July 17, 2009

Welcome back to The Next Level, Ellusionist’s portable mini-lecture series.

It’s been a while since the last one. We had a great podcast lined up with Aaron Fisher, but then tech problems reared their ugly heads. Never fear: Aaron will check in soon enough. But this week, prepare for some incredible wisdom about starting your magic business from the creator of Tagged.

Rich Ferguson has been performing magic since he was 22, and has a booming business. He has performed for countless celebrities, politicians and corporate clients, and he has a schedule booked with weddings and other events. That steady performance schedule is part of the reason his magic is so solid: He’s always using it.

He talked to us at length about how to develop a business in magic, how much time we should spend on business pursuits and how the game changes once you get business cards and a business license. Brace yourself: Ferguson is filled with tough love and brutal honestly. This is an outstanding interview from a guy who knows what he is talking about.

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Posted by Joe Hadsall | Filed Under Artist Interviews, Ellusionist Products, General, The Next Level

Welcome to The Next Level: Ellusionist introduces new podcast series

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June 19, 2009

Welcome to The Next Level. This is a new podcast series from your friends at Ellusionist.

The Next Level is a regular mini-lecture with some of your favorite names in magic. We’re going to talk about a bunch of different subjects, including palming, starting a business, writing patter and storylines and much more. Some of the subjects will be on the beginner side of the scale, some might require some basic knowledge of the Erdnase one-handed shift. Most will be in the intermediate range. You’ll get to know more Ellusionist artists, and even a few of the forum’s Moderators and Elites. And you’re going to hear much more from Brad Christian.

Best of all: You’ll get to have a say in future content. In the podcast forums, you can respond to the current episode, request future topics or ask questions for the next episode.

Actually, this is the best of all: It’s completely free. All it costs you is the time to click on a play button. Or download it to your MP3 player. Do whatever you want. We’re not the boss of you.

This week, in the first edition of The Next Level, Brad Christian talks to us about some of the finer points dealing with performing for complete strangers. You’ll hear where some of the best places to perform are, how to spot the best spectators and what to do when you blow a trick. Plus, you’ll hear about the first time Brad performed for strangers. It’s an epic story.

Future episodes will come out once every two or three weeks. Next time, Aaron Fisher will join us to talk about palming cards.

Bottom line: We’ve always been about helping you improve and grow as a magician. We want you to get the kinds of reactions you see in the trailers for our products. Whether you’re a hobbyist content to perform for friends and family, or someone with aspirations of breaking through to the big-time, these podcasts will help you reach the next level of your performance goals. Enjoy, and be sure to leave your feedback in the Podcast forums.

Download it here.

iTunes subscription link coming soon.

Posted by Joe Hadsall | Filed Under Artist Interviews, Ellusionist Products, The Next Level