Later today I’m doing a virtual magic lecture at 7:30pm eastern time. If you want the link to it, send me an email!
I really enjoy doing virtual lectures because I can use video elements for me doing the tricks in actual shows. This allows people to see me do the tricks that I teach in the actual setting they are intended to be used in. I’ve seen soo much good material die in a room full of magicians over the years. I think going forward, if I ever do in person lectures again, I will have a video element of the lecture.
Anyway, shoot me a note and swing by the lecture!
-Louie
Tag: video projection
Production Value…
Over the last year or so I’ve been wanting to add more production value to my show. One of the ways is using video elements, the added bonus to using video elements is that using them takes up virtually no space in your case, but can play extremely big! The challenge is that it’s hard … Continue reading “Production Value…”
Over the last year or so I’ve been wanting to add more production value to my show. One of the ways is using video elements, the added bonus to using video elements is that using them takes up virtually no space in your case, but can play extremely big! The challenge is that it’s hard to run if you’re a solo show that plays places that have minimal tech.
On the recommendation of a friend who is a hypnotist, I ordered the Media Star Pro.
This is a remote system for music and video. I haven’t used it in a show (yet), but really like how it works at home. I’ll be trying it out at a live show soon.
The hidden bonus with Media Star Pro is that it comes with software to run music, and video with. This software was pretty easy to use, and my first attempt at running something “complex” is going to be for a workshop I’m teaching in about a week. It’s going to have still images and video in the presentation and I’ll be suing the Media Star Pro to run that. We’ll see if I still like it after that!
Using Projection…
Lately I’ve been thinking of using video projection in my show. Not just using it enlarge smaller tricks, but to incorporate video into my show. Adding video elements can make a trick play a lot bigger without carrying additional props. I have some ideas and have been thinking about how to work them in. Seeing … Continue reading “Using Projection…”
Lately I’ve been thinking of using video projection in my show. Not just using it enlarge smaller tricks, but to incorporate video into my show. Adding video elements can make a trick play a lot bigger without carrying additional props.
I have some ideas and have been thinking about how to work them in. Seeing Darren Brown’s show and how he used video to enhance a few things that he did really inspired me.
What I really loved was how he didn’t use a traditional screen for the video. It was projected on the wall behind him. This made it feel like my attention wasn’t divided between him and the screen. Both were in my field of vision, so it wasn’t like I had to choose between watching him or the screen.
Production Value
Working more and more in theaters, it has me paying attention to the things that really aren’t possible in non theater shows. I remember when sound became a thing for me, and that was a game changer in my show. Now being able to play with video projection, video and lighting is opening a whole … Continue reading “Production Value”
Working more and more in theaters, it has me paying attention to the things that really aren’t possible in non theater shows. I remember when sound became a thing for me, and that was a game changer in my show. Now being able to play with video projection, video and lighting is opening a whole new world for my show.
I really want to add a video element to the show, where I play a video at some point. I’m not sure what, I think I want to do something with my daughter where I talk to her on the screen. I think this would be fun, but it’ll take some work for it to not come off as cheesy. Currently I call my daughter in the show and that works well, but that has a “live” feeling, where with a video I’d be worried it would feel canned.
Having these options opens a world of possibilities for my show. Like being able to do a few smaller tricks for larger audiences. I’ve been doing my mismade bill routine, which isn’t for 500 + people, however it works with the projection screen and plays well.
Modern Manipulation Act
The other day I was taking a shower and it hit me that with the success of Shin Lim on America’s Got Talent the traditional “manipulation act has changed. It’s no longer split fans and billiard balls, it’s at a table, with a video camera and projection to a screen. The new stage manipulator won’t … Continue reading “Modern Manipulation Act”
The other day I was taking a shower and it hit me that with the success of Shin Lim on America’s Got Talent the traditional “manipulation act has changed. It’s no longer split fans and billiard balls, it’s at a table, with a video camera and projection to a screen.
The new stage manipulator won’t be loading up a jacket with doves, they’ll be loading up a table. I think this a step forward for magic. The last time I saw a manipulation act was on the Illusionists tour and he was good, but producing cards really felt dated. We’ve done this before, and the audience has seen it before.
While I personally don’t do a traditional stage manipulation act (I did do a manip act when I was younger), this still does affect me. Every magician needs to be aware of the changing times. If you choose to not keep up with the times, you need to be aware of that you aren’t.
Also being aware of the how magic is changing even if you choose to not change with it, keeps it in your head. From a creativity standpoint you may see something a year from now that will spark an idea for a modern manipulation act.