Flow by Paul Harris - Ellusionist Exclusive Release
May 8, 2008
Tuesday May 13th, 2008 at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern / 8PM GMT.
Be sure to check back here soon for more information about Flow including preview videos and product shots.
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Collectability, or, Black Ghost Decks and Me.
April 21, 2008
With the release of the much heralded Second Edition Black Ghost Deck now less than 24 hours away, I’ve been thinking about collectability vs function, about just what it is that sets the Black Ghost Deck apart from it’s every rival.
Is it that untill very recently, they’ve never been officially offered for sale? Is it due to the extremely small quanitity ever produced? Or, is it maybe that the deck itself was just *right*?
When I was asked to be the guest blogger for this post, I realised that the timing was perfect for my sphere of knowledge, you see, I’m a collector. I’ve been collecting various things for most of my life (from Autographs to Star Wars Figures, from Trading Cards to Movie Props), and I’m now almost able to tell whether something’s going to take off in a big way, or be resigned to the broken toy shop in the sky.
Or at least, I thought I did.
That all changed with the release of the original Black Ghost Deck Giveaway, back some 3 Christmases ago.
I remember now, reading the forum post that laid out the rules. “If you spend $350 or more, we’ll give you a brand new, extremely limited edition Steel Case Enclosed Black Ghost Deck” was the essence of the post, and I don’t mind admitting that I was a little dubious at the time.
I’d not ordered anything for a while though, and at the time, seeing that I was using the regular Ghost Deck, and wanted to replenish a few other items, by the time I’d finished adding everything up - I wasn’t too far off the target.
Now, the other thing about me is, that if you tell me something’s free - but I have to spend another $50 to get it, I most likely will do. I know it sounds strange, but I’ve got to have it, whether I need it or not.
Order placed, I waited for my parcel to arrive.
Between Christmas and the New Year, it finally did, and I unpacked everything excitedly, unable to contain my joy at managing to get all the giveaway prizes that year.
Any and every concern I had regarding the point of the Black Ghost Deck vanished when I saw it sat nestled in it’s steel frame. It almost sat there winking with a certain gleeful malevolence, just daring me to open it up and take a look.
Honestly, it didn’t take me long to do just that - despite having promised myself that I wouldn’t. After all, there was only ever 5000 of these decks made, surely it had to be worth something one day!
(I wasn’t too far wrong with that, as the decks have sold on ebay for… well, take a look)
I removed the deck from it’s box and sat there agog as I spread through the cards. These were literally only the reverse of the cards I was currently using, but that’s like saying that a Ferrari is only a couple of buckets of parts.
There was just something about the deck that captured me, some part of it’s essence embedded itself within my psyche.
I reluctantly replaced the deck back in the box, replaced the box in the steel frame, and sat the frame on top of my book case in my office. In fact, it’s there now - just 8 feet behind me and to my left. (Please, don’t believe for a second that it remains untouched since then, although I may be able to count on my fingers the times I’ve unboxed it, there’s some certain amount of joy that spreading through that deck brings me - almost like a cocoa on a winter’s day)
Fast forward to near the end of last year, and news surfaces that there *may* be a Second Edition Black Ghost Deck on the horizon.
I didn’t know how to feel.
All in one, I felt elated - that I’d be able to get hold of more of these cards, and I felt upset - that now just *anyone* could own them.
Fast forward a little bit more, to a few mere weeks ago, and I managed to catch a glimpse of the gallery for the Second Edition.
I don’t mind telling you, I’m as excited now, as I was the first time I held the Black Ghosts in my hands three years ago.
For the very first time (in my personal opinion), the Jokers are just *perfect* to the vibe of the deck.
Why though? Simple. They show the Black Ghost himself - the dark phantom who’s power seems to purvade the very fibers of the cards, the apparition who maybe even called the cards into being, and the all powerful mage who’s able to project the name of a spectator’s card into his hands*
The same quality artwork, the same love and care that goes into every deck, and the same awesome quality card stock and finish that goes into every Ellusionist deck is gracing these Second Edition decks too, meaning that I’m even closer to the edge of my seat waiting for tomorrow.
I don’t know how you feel about the new alternative coloured and styled playing cards that seem to hit the markets with an alarming frequency these days, but there’s one thing *I* know.
If it doesn’t say Ellusionist on the box, it doesn’t go in my cart.
Brendon Selley.
*Take a look at the jokers, you’ll see what I mean…
All views in this blog entry are the opinion of the author, and may not necessarily represent the views of Ellusionist or any of it’s employees or subsidiaries.
David Regal’s insider comments on Celebracadabra
April 2, 2008
Illusion & Reality
by David Regal
“Celebracadabra.” Say it three times fast. It still sounds kind of funny, doesn’t it. It’s the kind of coined word that sounds patently silly, but once it’s in your head it just won’t leave. Easy to make fun of, yes, but the word ‘prestidigitator’ has a similar Frankensteinian birthright.
At any rate, the word ‘Celebracadabra’ did not exist on the day I first met Chris Martin and Karla Hidalgo, producers of a proposed magic-themed reality show pilot for VH1 that was to be shot in the Los Angeles area. We met at a tony West Side hotel far from my suburban home in Burbank. Chris, a bearded wry young man with an amateur’s enthusiasm for magic, and Karla, a beautiful and businesslike young woman, greeted me with the kind of drawn weathered faces that can only have been preceded by meeting hundreds of other magicians. And what was exactly the case. As we sat and they explained their project to me, it became clear they they had already met every magician I knew, heard of, or saw in photographic form as I flicked through The Magic Castle’s complete file of Genii. I think they even met with Vernon.
Their idea was, on the surface, simple. To my mind it sounded like Dancing with the Stars, but with magic. In other words, several ‘magic coaches’ would train an equal number of celebrities in our mystical art, with eliminations and winners in the manner of any number of reality shows. We talked about the show, my background in television and magic, their vision, and then something happened that I can’t explain. It has happened before, but always without warning, catching me by surprise as much as those around me and affecting my livelihood in both positive and negative ways.
I was suddenly, inexplicably honest.
There’s more where that came from, but in order to read it you’ll need to own a copy of the April 2008 issue of Genii to finish part 1, and May 2008 to finish the article.
Excerpt reprinted with permission from Genii Magazine (Copyright 2008 The Genii Corporation)
Original article written by David Regal
Celebracadabra meets the Magic Castle
April 2, 2008
In a little over 20 days, seven people are going to trade in their title of celebrity for magician. Along with the guidance from world class magic coaches, it will be up to them whether they sink or swim out performing.
Whether on a stage for many people, or out on the streets of Los Angeles performing one on one for strangers, there is no doubt that they have some tricks up their sleeves. Be sure to catch the premier episode to see for yourself, April 27th on VH1!
Seen here standing in front of the prestigious Magic Castle are the seven contestants of Celebracadabra - cards and coins in hands. Yet only one will have the opportunity to perform at this famous magic landmark, and to walk away with the hefty $100,000 grand prize.
VH1 Celebracadabra Stars & Magic Coaches Exclusive Pics
April 2, 2008
Celebracadabra sponsor Ellusionist is providing exclusive behind-the-scenes photos of the cast on set. Who will win the $100,000 grand prize? Tune in and see – coming April 27.
Magician/Coach Murray Sawchuck and Pussycat Doll Kim Wyatt
What do you get when you have an avid poker player, comedian, actor, and television host all rolled into one? You get ANT, one of the contestants on Celebracadabra. While often found in the position of judging on such shows as “Last Comic Standing”, the tables are now turned. He’s on the competitor’s end of things, and competition is fierce.
Magician / Coach David Regal and Comedian ANT - Doesn’t ANT know David Regal can’t be killed by conventional weapons? 
Fear not. No black leather belts were harmed when this picture was taken.
Magician/Coach Rocco Silano and Comedian/Actor Hal Sparks
Among the list of celebrities vying to win VH1’s Celebracadabra is Carnie Wilson. Through these exclusive behind the scenes photos, you can get a sneak peek at this singer-gone-magician’s talent. Not new to VH1 after being on the fourth season of Celebrity Fit Club, she’s back on TV again to try to prove herself worthy of the title “Best Celebrity Magician”.
Magician/Coach Silly Billy and Singer/TV personality Carnie Wilson
Magician/Coach David Regal and film & tv actor C. Thomas Howell
Does Real Magic Exist?
April 1, 2008
Hi Everyone,
This is Clifford, a fellow magician from far-away Goa in India. This is my first post on the Ellusionist blog.. and based on feedback, I intend to post regularly .. I will write mostly about the practical aspects of our art.. trying to look into the performer’s mind, find out what are the issues that arise there, and try to answer them based on my personal experience. Once in a while I will also write about important happenings in the Magic Scene in India. And if any one of you plans to be in this part of the world, do get in touch!
The topic I would like to touch upon today is “Does Real Magic Exist?”
As a magician you see a magic show and are watching an effect which you have performed dozens of times. Do you ever get thrilled or get transported into the world of magic after watching the same Chop Cup routine, which you are an expert at? It happens to me, and am sure it might be your experience as well. The question is, why did that happen? You know the effect backward. You know the logic and every step in the routine. But still the magic hits you !!!
If the performer believes that the ball penetrated a metal cup, his belief will be transmitted to the audience and they will believe the same. In my opinion, to create “Real Magic”, being skillful, or mastering the principles of the art of magic, are not the only criteria. You have to feel the magic happen. Your expression and your body language will convey this to your audience. It will convey the “Real Magic in you” to the audience.
So remember “Real Magic exists”. Yes, your magic is “Real Magic“.
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.
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.