* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #824 Date: Sunday 27th March 2011 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. All Proceeds Will Be Donated To The Japan Red Cross 3. Palladium Magic Update 4. David & Dania To Appear At S.A.M. Convention Gala 5. Oldest Magic Show In The United States 6. David Ginn's Is On April 1st 7. Marketing to Daycares - #202 - Kyle Peron 8. Tony Brook in Conversation with Vinny Grosso (Part 5) 9. Las Vegas Magic - April, 2011 10. Group Bookings For The Melbourne Magic Festival - Now Open! 11. Only Fools And Irishmen 12. To Mark Wilson's Magical Friends 13. Maintaining the Trust of Television Viewers 14. Allakazam Magic on Television 15. Mark Wilson Private Magic Class & Tour 16. Dave Newhouse: Sad Farewell To A Renaissance Man 17. Young Magician Of The Year Competition 18. e-zine Archives 19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Pleased to announce that there are now 17 different magic publications around the world that now has permission to publish items from Magic New Zealand. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. All Proceeds Will Be Donated To The Japan Red Cross -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Critelli Chairperson - S.A.M. Contest of Magic The devastation that struck Japan has been felt all over the world - not just by Magicians, but by everyone who can feel any empathy at all. Several young Japanese Magicians have put together a book of varied and original effects that they are offering to the Magic Family. All proceeds will be donated to The Japan Red Cross to help their fellow Japanese. To find out how to purchase this - either as an ebook or as a hard copy published by H & R Magic Books, please go to: http://www.3half.com/donate.php?lang=en -------------------------------------------- 3. Palladium Magic Update -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Stone writes Tickets for 'Palladium Magic' will be going on sale at the beginning of April. It is going to be an unmissable Show at the 'Home of Variety', the London Palladium Theatre. The world class line-up of talent includes Mac King, Silvan, Michael Finney, Erix Logan, The Great Tomsoni & Co, Jeff Hobson, Kris Kremo and Hans Klok. We've still got a few spaces left for Close-up magicians to be a part of this unique event and enjoy a 'once in a lifetime' experience. For full details send a current photo and a short Bio to producer@palladiummagic.com In association with MagiCares The Magic Charity, we have launched a 'Palladium Magic' - 'Sponsor a Legend' initiative. An important part of the 'Palladium Magic' Show will be a tribute to the 'magic greats' who have graced the stage of the London Palladium Theatre over the past 100 years. Legendary names like Houdini, Cardini, Channing Pollock, Robert Harbin, Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton, and Tommy Cooper. We will also be paying tribute to the extraordinary life of movie star, and master magician John Calvert who will be celebrating his 100th Birthday in August. We plan to fly Jack Kodell and his wife Mary Naylor (a major Variety Star in UK in 1940's & 1950's), Marvin Roy (Mr Electric ), and of course John Calvert & Tammy, over to London to be our 'Special VIP Guests' at this memorable event, and so we have set up the 'Palladium Magic' 'Sponsor a Legend' Fund to help make this happen. If you would like to make a donation and help us to honour these wonderful performers, go to www.palladiummagic.com/sponsoralegend ALL donations will be acknowledged in the superb Souvenir Programme produced specially for this unique event. Thank you for your support. -------------------------------------------- 4. David & Dania To Appear At S.A.M. Convention Gala -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) The world' premier "Quick Change" couple "David & Dania" will close the Saturday night gala "Champions of Magic: show at the S.A.M. convention in Pittsburgh. Critics World Wide have called them "Pure Magical Eye-Candy". They have appeared everywhere from a Royal Command Performance in London to The Oprah Winfrey Show. From the NBA to Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, David & Dania have set the standard. As an added event they have agreed to do a special "Workshop" to teach their incredible Styles, Techniques, Construction and Know-How at a rare one time only extra fee event limited to no more than fifty people. Early registrants eligible for workshop discounts. Don't miss any of the shows, contests, dealers, lectures and close-up July 13-16 Check out the fantastic schedule of events at: http://www.magicsam.com/SAM2011/schedule.asp- -------------------------------------------- 5. Oldest Magic Show In The United States -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) Society of American Magicians "102nd Salute To Magic Show May 14, 2011 at 8pm El Teatro at El Museo Del Barrio 1260 Fifth Avenue @ 104th Street New York City, New York --All tickets $50.00 "American Escape Artist" starring Thomas Solomon Thomas Solomon: "World's Greatest Escape Artist" - "The Thinking Man's Magician" The Parent Assembly #1 is proud to present Thomas Solomon in "American Escape Artist." Don't let the title fool you - this is a full-evening show of both Magic and Escape Artistry. In addition to his world-famous death-defying escapes, Thomas Solomon will present dazzling classic magic with a contemporary twist, as well as never-before-seen magic effects. Backed by a supporting cast as well as spectacular sets, costumes and lighting by top professional designers, this show will be a feast for the eyes and a not-to-be missed magical thrill ride. Thomas Solomon has won awards as both an escape artist and a magician. He was named "World's Greatest Escape Artist" at the 2000 World Magic Awards. In 1980 he won the national S.A.M. close-up competition. His many TV appearances include starring in two specials - "Thomas Solomon - The Escape Artist," for CH4 in Great Britain, and "No Jail Can Hold Me," for The History Channel. He starred in two Off-Broadway shows in New York, "Ellusions," and "Theatre of the Macabre," which ran for 1500 performances. As a magician he's performed for many Fortune 500 clients. Tickets go on sale March 21 www.sampa1.com 212-772-6636 -------------------------------------------- 6. David Ginn's Is On April 1st -------------------------------------------- Message by David Ginn (US) Hello, Friends: Our Thursday meeting with Dr. N the neurosurgeon in Snellville went well. He spent an hour with Lynne & me going over my MRI and diagnosis of severe spinal stenosis with a slight herniated disk. That is the official name, but you might call it a pinched nerve. What happens? When that nerve is pinched (when I stand or walk or climb stairs), it shoots excruciating pain through my left leg (7 weeks now), leaves my feet occasionally numb and makes it hard to walk. I am managing on a 4-prong cane right now (made Sunday School & church today), plus doing shows 90% sitting on a stool, even though I can stand a moment or two during the show. So far I have performed 28 shows that way, and I have 8 more this week. Bottom line: Spinal Stenosis will not cure itself; in fact, it will only get worse. I may have caught mine early; a friend at church today told me she waited 6 months and it got worse. Real Bottom Line: We have scheduled a laminectomy surgery for 12 noon on April 1st (no joke, April Fool's Day). After the surgery I will spend one night in the hospital, come home on Saturday the 2nd, and stay at home lifting nothing heavier than a cup of coffee (one pound weight limit) for five days. (I can add 10 lbs every 10 days.) Dr. N says I can never lift more than 75 lbs or I'll be seeing him again for more surgery! I will obey, because this surgery is 90% effective. Since we have postponed the Italy lecture tour, I now have 10 days with no shows to recover. When my shows resume, I will take Lynne, friends & family members with me for a while to roadie for me. It's too long a story, maybe I've already told you some of it, but I believe God has led me to this doctor and all will turn out well. I am not afraid, and I am trusting in God to take care of me. I think He has more for me to do in the kid show field, and I want to do it His way. I'll try to update you all once more before the surgery day, but until then - I deeply appreciate all your prayers and words of encouragement. And if you know any magicians/clowns who need some great props, books & DVDs, our Big Sale continues at the link below. Love to you all! David Ginn at home *******Sale Ends in 11 Days!******* Our Huge Blackpool Cancellation Sale continues at Ginnville! We're going to run out of things! There are only 16 educational Imagination Kits left and we will make no more! That's a $115 bargain for $45 postpaid in the USA!!! Please get one fast! Check it out on page two of the Special Sale List that ends March 31st! Here's the link: http://www.ginnmagic.com/specials022011.html -------------------------------------------- 7. Marketing to Daycares - #202 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com A few fellow magician friends were talking the other day about various methods of marketing to a daycare. It was an interesting discussion and one topic kept coming up repeatedly. There were a few opinions about whether or not showing up to a daycare unannounced was a possible method for marketing or selling your show. How it works for some markets and could the approach work for daycare facilities or not. It's a great question and a topic I would like to discuss here with you. First off I would never show up at a daycare or preschool unannounced with the intention of trying to pitch my show to them. It just does not work for many reasons. There are much more effective ways in which to actively market to daycares and preschools to get them to "hear" you. First off, we must allow ourselves to get into the mindset of the consumer. In this case we must start to think like a daycare director. The key to landing any show is to understand the prospect's needs and then provide a solution that best meets those needs. This does not only apply when you are selling the features and benefits of the show, but even through the art of engaging them in the sales process. My wife is a daycare teacher and also a magician. We both do shows for daycare and preschools. I bring this up because she has opened my eyes to what goes on daily at a daycare. This information helps me to really see the best ways to target market and the best approaches. The first reason why showing up unannounced doesn't work is the simple fact that the director is extremely busy all day long. There simply is no time in their schedule to stop what they are doing to devote time to you. If they are not in the process of running the daily activities, they are either on the phone or helping a parent take a tour through the school. To have time to devote to seeing you, just simply doesn't happen. A bigger reason is simply security and safety of the children. In this day and age, daycares and preschools take security and safety to extremes. They have to make sure that the kids are safe and that proper protocol is followed every time. In most every location, you will not be able to even get in the door unless your name is on a list and they know who you are. Even then, you must be a parent and they must have you on an approved parent or vender list. Now another common reason why this approach does not work is the fact that you are seen as soliciting at a center of learning. It instantly sends the wrong impression to the decision maker. Instead of them feeling comfortable and eager to hear you, they are putting up their defenses wondering why you are there and trying to make sure you are not trying to hurt the kids. With this said, then how do you market effectively to them? Well you take a marketing approach via mail and /or email. Daycares are used to getting mail every day and they do read it. They are also used to checking email every day as parents often will communicate to them in this manner. An effective postcard that tells about you, your show and the benefits of it, works really well. If this is mailed out to a daycare mailing list, you can get some pretty good responses. The postcard needs to have an engaging image and needs to sell your show well through how your show benefits their kids and the director's needs. It also needs to have a powerful call to action that gets them and directs them to take the next step. Postcards work well because they are cheap to have digitally printed and they are instantly seen by the director as they are going through a lot of other mail. It simply stands out. It is also very easy for them to place it on a bulletin board for future reference. However, any mailing is not good as a standalone process. You really need to do a follow up system with them. Typically I would mail out a postcard and then wait 5-7 business days and send an email follow up to them. It is a simple email asking them that I hope they have received my postcard in the mail and have had time to look it over. It also asks them if they have any questions to check out my website or simply write or call me for more details. This gets your name back in their mind. If I do not hear back, I will send a final follow up email 2 weeks after the first one as a simple final email reminder to them asking if they have any questions and that dates are available but filling up fast. After this, I leave it alone. If you do more than a 2 step follow up on any one mailing, it may be seen as spam. This mailing and follow up system has worked very well for us over the years and gets results. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. I am VERY proud to announce the launch of my new product website: http://www.kpmagicproducts.com. I hope you find it of help to you. Please stay tuned to the site for sales, news and upcoming product launches. - "Blue and Gold! The Complete Guide to Working The Scout Market!" is now available as a soft cover printed book as well as an ebook download. http://kpmagicproducts.com/Blue_and_Gold.html - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online now at: http://kpmagicproducts.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order online now at: http://kpmagicproducts.com/Chairs.html -------------------------------------------- 8. Tony Brook in Conversation with Vinny Grosso (Part 5) -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA TB: As you know Vinny, I am known for my views on the performance & presentation of Magic. Much of my written work has reflected those views. My performances most certainly. I practice what I preach. You and I have had a few conversations on this topic in the past. What are your views on the performance & presentation of Magic? VG: My biggest pet peeve with magicians is when they do someone else's act. I don't mean the blatant copying which hopefully we all know is wrong. I am talking about an effect they buy and have the right to perform. Too often I see them performing it as the creator of the effect does, not within their own persona or character. It really confuses an audience when they see a magician do a comedy routine, often verbatim, from Harry Anderson followed by a mentalism routine as if they were Max Maven. I'm not saying you can't mix effects but you can't mix characters, unless, maybe, if your character is a crazed person suffering from multiple personality syndrome. Nope, I take that back, you really should not try and mix characters. It can be tough because a lot of times we see an effect we love and want to do and it is difficult to be honest with ourselves to say this just doesn't fit. TB: For some time now you have been a key figure in The S.A.M Veterans program. For those of us not familiar with that aspect of your work in The S.A.M tell us about that and the shows you organize . VG: That was the first job I had in the S.A.M. It is a wonderful program and makes you proud to be a part of the organization. Essentially, it provides entertainment to veterans. S.A.M. members around the country volunteer to put on shows primarily but not limited to VA hospitals. We have a guide book that helps our members who have the initiative to setup shows in their area, we also give members a specially designed lapel pin for volunteering. If you ask any magician that has volunteered I will guarantee they'll tell you they get more out of it than what they put in. TB: You have also volunteered and have done shows for US Military personnel stationed overseas. The logistics of that must be quite overwhelming. Share some of your experiences on that . VG: I did two tours through Armed Forces Entertainment. They were great! Having your travel schedule dictated by the Pentagon is not for everyone. You do a lot of hurrying up to wait. You also have to go with the flow. I was in Guantanamo Bay getting ready to go to Ecuador when I got the message that the Ecuadorians overthrew their government and my show scheduled at the embassy was obviously canceled. So the next few days were spent in a hotel in Jacksonville before going on to the next stop. The experiences were great and if you can do it, I'd highly recommend it. It is a bit weird though, you go to places because you want to thank the troops for their service and sacrifice and they end up constantly saying thank you to you. I think the shows are secondary to the time you spend just hanging out with the troops. Send comments & corrections to:- tbrook47@gmail.com -------------------------------------------- 9. Las Vegas Magic - April, 2011 -------------------------------------------- Message by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com Magic Production Shows: Aaron Radatz - Magical Entertainer 2:30 pm (Dark Tues. & Wed.) - Clarion. www.aaronradatz.tix.com/Schedule.asp?OrganizationNumber=3326 Up to 10 children free with each paid adult: www.vegas4locals.com/couponaaronradatz.html Amazing Johnathan 9 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Planet Hollywood. Criss Angel - Believe 7 (except Wed. & Thurs.) & 9:30 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Luxor. www.cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel David Copperfield - An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion 7:30 & 10 pm (also 4:30 Sat.) - MGM Grand. www.mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Dirk Arthur - Wild Magic 7:00 pm Mon. - Sat. (Dark Sun.) - O'Sheas. www.harrahs.com/osheas/dirkarthur.html Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 7:30 pm (Dark Wed.) - Planet Hollywood. Comp Tickets and info: www.mentalist.com Jeff McBride's Wonderground 3rd Thurs. each month 7:30 to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A whole new show each month. Free with 2 drink minimum. www.vegaswonderground.com Streaming LIVE: www.streetofcards.tv Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Harrah's. www.mackingshow.com Free tickets (buy 1 drink) are usually available at the concierge desk or handed out occasionally by showgirls. Magical Mix Christopher Karpiak 7-10 pm (Dark Tues. - Wed.) - Mix Lounge at Mandalay Bay. www.mandalaybay.com/dining/mixlounge.aspx Free to locals until 10 pm. Mike Hammer Comedy Magic Show 5 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Four Queens. www.tickets.fourqueens.com Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 2 pm (starting March 29) & 4 pm - Flamingo. www.nathanburton.com Comp. Balcony Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html Paul Vigil - Mentalist Extraordinaire Close-up & Parlour 7-10 pm (Dark Sun. - Thurs.) No Cover. Formal show 7 pm (Wed. & Thurs.) Cover/RSVP - King Ink, Mirage. www.kinginklasvegas.com/events.html Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Thurs. - Fri.) - Rio. www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html The Magic and Tigers of Rick Thomas 7 pm. (Dark Tues.) & 4 pm. Sun. & Mon. - Sahara. DARK THROUGH MARCH 17. Note: The Sahara is scheduled to close May 16 www.saharavegas.com/shows/magic-of-rick-thomas Zen Magic - Ai & YuKi vs. Tengu 4 pm - Saxe Theater, Planet Hollywood. www.saxetheater.com/saxe-thaeter-zen-magic.htm Kids free with paid adult. Magic In Production Shows: Bram Charles 2 sets between 10 pm - 2 am (Dark Mon. - Thurs.) The Can Can Room on Industrial. Circus Sundays Seth Grabel - Sundays, 9:00 pm to Midnight Rhumbar at The Mirage. Crazy Girls Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.) - Riviera. www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment_crazygirls.asp 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponcrazygirls.html Haunted Vegas Show and Tour Jac Hayden, Robert Allen. 9:30 pm picks up at the Royal Resort. www.hauntedvegastours.com $10 off Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponhauntedvegas.html Matsuri TamBa provides magic between acts. (TamBa may not be there - awaiting confirmation) 4:00 pm (Dark Tues.) & 8:00 pm Fri. - Imperial Palace. 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponmatsuri.html $15 off for locals: www.vegas4locals.com/couponmatsuri_15.html V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) & various others. 7 & 8:30, Planet Hollywood - www.vtheshow.com Vegas! The Show Joseph Gabriel. 7 & 9 (Dark Thur.) - Planet Hollywood. www.vegastheshow.com/index.html Other Vegas Magic: Shimshi - Resident Magician - Wynn/Encore. Seth Grabel - Fri. & Sat. 9-11 pm - Foundation Room, Mandalay Bay. Brian Irwin - Resident Magician - Caesars Palace. Craig Keith performs bar magic at various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur. Chris Randall - Tues. to Sun. 6-9 pm - Carluccios Italian Gardens. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257, 7 pm 1st Monday each month. Clark County Library, 1401 E Flamingo Rd (1 block E of Maryland Parkway). Children's Classes at 5:45 www.ibm257.com Darwin's Magic Club, meets 10 pm Wednesdays. Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. KIDabra Las Vegas, 7 pm every 3rd Monday. Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. www.kidabralasvegas.com March, 2011 Mar. 31: 6 to 9 pm and VIP performance at 10 pm. Seth Grabel - Enchantment - intimate magical performance at the Foundation Room on top of Mandalay Bay. April, 2011 Apr. 1-2: Seth Grabel - 8:30 Louie Anderson Theater - Palace Station. May, 2011 May 23-25: IMX 2011 - 3 days of non-stop magic - Orleans Wayne Houchin - USA, Banachek - USA, Ellis & Webster - Australia, Rudy Coby - USA, An Halim - Korea, Boris Wild - France, Morgan Strebler - USA, Luke Jermay - England, Richard Sanders - Canada, Pit Hartling - Germany, Oz Pearlman - USA, Shoot Ogawa - Japan, Michael Ammar - USA, Juliana Chen - China, Ponta the Smith - Japan (making his US debut) plus Banachek, Chris Capehart, David Acer, Daniel Garcia, Helder Guimarães, Jason Bishop, Hayashi, Simon Coronel, Paul Vigil plus more... www.imx2011.com July, 2011 Jul. 18-24: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class - Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith and Lawrence Hass. www.magicalwisdom.com August, 2011 Aug. 14-17: MAGIC Live! celebrating 20 years of MAGIC Magazine - Orleans. www.magicmagazine.com/live Aug. 19-25: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class - Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith and Lawrence Hass. www.magicalwisdom.com Aug. 26-28: Magic & Mystery School - Sisters of Magic & Mystery - Abigail McBride, Special Guests: Jeff McBride and possibly a Special Surprise Guest (details to come). www.magicalwisdom.com October, 2011 Oct. 7-9: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Street Magic - Jeff McBride. www.magicalwisdom.com Oct. 16-18: The 9th Annual MINDvention - Palace Station http://www.mindvention.net Oct. 19-22: Magic & Mystery School - Magic and Meaning 2011 - Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Robert E. Neale and Lawrence Hass. www.magicalwisdom.com November, 2011 Nov. 10-13: Magic & Mystery School - Magic and Medicine - Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.magicalwisdom.com -------------------------------------------- 10. Group Bookings For The Melbourne Magic Festival - Now Open! -------------------------------------------- Message by Tim Ellis (Australia) Group Bookings (10 or more) are now on sale for the Melbourne Magic Festival. Group Booking Hotline on 0459 487 381 and book your tickets before May 1 and you could win a brand new MyTab valued at $279. Click Here For More Info http://melbournemagicfestival.com/northcote-town-hall/group-bookings/ -------------------------------------------- 11. Only Fools And Irishmen -------------------------------------------- Message by Paddy McCullagh (Australia) Tickets Are On Sale Now!!! The Elephant & Wheelbarrow Bourke St Melbourne 30 Mar-24 Apr 8.15pm Full $20 Grp/Con $15 Preview $10 The Irish are simple people, but are they as foolish as they lead you to believe? With a mixture of jokes, storytelling and friendly deception, Paddy debunks the myth that has tarnished the Irish reputation. The truth will come out! "Don't Miss it." The Age "Over the years we have seen too many shows that left us disappointed. Not this one!" Adelaide Fringe -------------------------------------------- 12. To Mark Wilson's Magical Friends -------------------------------------------- Message by Mark Wilson (US) To my Magical Friends, This issue of Magical Messages focuses on something I feel is critical to our success as magicians . . . the ethical presentation of magic on television, I was there when it all started. As a young boy before World War II, television was something of science fiction fantasy. Nobody had a TV in their home, but not too long after the war, in the early 1950's TV was starting to be something we now call "early adopters" bought for their living rooms. As a new medium for the presentation of entertainment in the home, performing magic on TV presents unique opportunities and some dangerous shortcuts. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on how we can maintain the trust of our audiences as they view magic performances on television. -------------------------------------------- 13. Maintaining the Trust of Television Viewers -------------------------------------------- Message by Mark Wilson (US) A major portion of my career has been based around the performance of magic on television. I have been fortunate to have pioneered, performed and now am teaching and observing the evolution of our art on that electronic medium. I feel it is essential that I make my thoughts known to my fellow magicians, because magic, as it is currently being presented on television, is creating lasting damage to the future of our art. Let me explain how I have reached this conclusion. The wife says, "John what's on TV tonight?" The husband replies, "Okay honey. Let's see. There is a two-hour magic special starring the top ten magicians from throughout the world. How about that?" To which you but wife responds, "Oh John, everybody knows all the magic on television is done with trick photography. What else is on? " My point is, if home viewers believe the magic they see on television is done with camera tricks, we have a major problem. And that's beginning to happen more and more often. The odds are, today television viewers may not see the kind of magic you and I love, the kind we may travel halfway around the world to see. Much of the magic today is done by the camera, the editor, the director and by incorporating those increasingly more undetectable "digital special effects", not by the magician. Over the years, I have taught many actors.Cary Grant, Burt Reynolds, Tony Curtis, Cher.how to perform magic in live shows, on television and in movies. But, utilizing these new ground rules for magic in the media, I can take any actor and make him the world's greatest television magician in a few days. "What would you like to see vanish next week, the Egyptian Pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, or how about Seattle?" Just think about it. The folks in Hollywood spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year creating those amazing effects we see on motion picture and television screens. That's fine for fictional movies and television series. We know the White House didn't really blowup; Doctor Frankenstein didn't actually bring that monster to life; and the world will not be hit by a giant meteor in 48 hours. We know what we are watching is not "real". And then there are programs we watch because they are real, not fiction. You would not turn on the news, weather and sports, if you did not believe what you were seeing was really happening. If you discover they're lying, that what you're seeing is not true, you may lose faith in the reporter, the newscast or even the network. Some may say, "Nice story Mark, but what does this have to do with magic on television?" That's basically the same statement many are making now about the "magic" they see on television today. Those watching must believe what they are seeing is real, not cleverly edited video, and that the magic is being performed by the magician not the special effects artist. -------------------------------------------- 14. Allakazam Magic on Television -------------------------------------------- Message by Mark Wilson (US) When the first Magic Land of Allakazam show went on the air from the CBS network in Hollywood 50 years ago, we knew that the most essential achievement was to entertain the people at home. This meant that they must believe that the magic they were seeing was not done with any kind of "trick photography". In other words, the magic must come from the magician, not the television camera. I was not too worried that people would believe in the magic they saw, because we had achieved that goal with our local shows back in Texas Here is how we accomplished that. When our first local series, "Time for Magic", went on the air, we had created three new rules for presenting magic on television. 1. Never have the camera cut away during a trick. 2. Always have a live studio audience. 3. Always make a statement that, "no camera or television trickery is ever used on this show". We used those same three rules in the new network show and hoped, in this way, to convince the home-viewers that WE were performing the magic, NOT their TV set. And by George, it worked! To show you how well it worked on that local series back in Dallas, let me tell you about what was the first ever television series magic premium, the "Sealed Secrets" booklet. "Sealed Secrets" explained 13 very simple magic tricks, the kind you see in comic books or on the backs of cereal boxes [as we created later for Kellogg's cereals.] I would perform one trick from the book each week on the television show. Viewers must send in 12 Dr.Pepper bottle caps to receive those "Sealed Secrets." The first Sealed Secrets book was so successful, I wrote another, which I cleverly called "Sealed Secrets #2." With those two booklets, we broke the station's record for incoming mail. In only the greater Dallas-Fort Worth market, which meant within 50 miles of the broadcasting station, those two "Sealed Secrets" books pulled in over 300,000 Dr.Pepper bottle caps! So our magic did work on television! The art of magic has proven over hundreds of years it's tremendous potential for entertainment, which now can be transmitted to millions of people through television and on the Internet. But that will only continue to happen if we maintain the trust of the viewers. -------------------------------------------- 15. Mark Wilson Private Magic Class & Tour -------------------------------------------- Message by Mark Wilson (US) **For those in Southern California** A very special opportunity! Limited to 10, the class is held at Mark's secret warehouse on the north side of Los Angeles. In addition to special lessons, you will also learn more about Mark & Nani's history-making performances and business ventures. Also rare opportunity to visit their mini-museum created by Greg Wilson and see their warehouse collection of magic illusions. Saturday March 19th or Sunday March 20th 2:00PM to 4:30 PM $40.00, pay at the door. Advance reservations required email: naniwilson@sbcglobal.net phone: 1-661-288-2517 * One class will be held on one of these days (not both days) depending on participants' availability. Lecture Opportunities MAGIC Magazine named Mark Wilson one of the ten most influential American magicians of the 20th century. Have a personal visit by Mark & Nani where they will share their incredible experiences, and have an exclusive opportunity to see personally narrated video clips not seen in 50 years. To book a lecture please contact us at: Phone: 800-367-8749 -------------------------------------------- 16. Dave Newhouse: Sad Farewell To A Renaissance Man -------------------------------------------- Article forwarded on by Phil Temple (US) Dave Newhouse: Sad Farewell To A Renaissance Man By Dave Newhouse Oakland Tribune Columnist Posted: 03/20/2011 12:00:00 AM PDT Updated: 03/21/2011 06:53:46 AM PDT A light rain fell on the 108-year-old Claremont Country Club last Sunday, dampening the oak trees that frame this Alpine-esque wood-and-brick cathedral, and contributing to the heavy sadness that had descended inside the building. For a great man was being celebrated -- the kind of man one doesn't meet very often. Thus the 800 in attendance had great difficulty in saying goodbye. Dr. Robert J. Albo packed everything that's decent and diversified into 78 years of living a heroic and honored existence few could emulate. He was the epitome of the modern-day Renaissance man. Berkeley High School valedictorian. UC Berkeley basketball and baseball star. Teenage illustrator for Walt Disney. International expert on magic, author of 15 books on the subject. Oakland general and oncology surgeon. Team doctor for the Raiders and Warriors. UC San Francisco professor of surgery. And there's much more to this distinguished gentleman who died Feb. 21. Marge Albo, his wife of 55 years, offered additional qualities a few days ago. "His family came first -- his love of family," she said in their Piedmont home, where they reared three children and then entertained six grandchildren. "He was a happy and warm person, always smiling. He treated everyone the same, made everyone feel special. "He was honest and generous, always picking up the dinner tab. He was kind and thoughtful. He had certain strong values, and he stuck by them. He was a doer -- always doing something. We had wonderful times together." Marge Albo didn't speak last Sunday, but her husband did. Realizing last November that he was in failing health, he wrote, in essence, his own epitaph, which appeared in the "A Celebration of Life" program. Here is the condensed version: "My life has been magical in more ways than one "... whether family, medicine, magic or sports, I've strived to give each my best "... what the future holds is anyone's guess "... it's been a wonderful ride and I have no regrets." His son, Robert W. Albo, welcomed guests in a red tie that his father certainly would have made disappear magically. The son spoke of how his dad canceled social events "at the drop of a hat to stay home with a grandchild. Of course, my mom stayed home to change the diapers." The elder Albo, the future medical student, was Earl Robinson's freshman basketball and baseball coach at Cal. Albo was every bit a man, and when sensing a problem in basketball with a self-inflated Robinson, Albo told him to change or they would fight on the spot. Robinson changed. "Bob made everyone's life better -- his umbrella was so wide," said Robinson. "One of his nurses told me he was an angel." Dr. William Schecter, a professional colleague, described Albo as "larger than life "... the quintessential American "... the happiest person I've ever met "... if there is one word to describe him, it's decency." Whenever a magician dies, tradition calls for the breaking of a wand. Illusionist Patrick Martin performed that act last Sunday. He also made a red scarf vanish, which Doc Albo would have loved, even with his Stanford friends in the room. Raiders legend Jim Otto recalled Albo the team physician: "He'd pace the sideline like he was a coach -- sometimes he thought he was the coach." Albo wouldn't hesitate to get on a referee or to second-guess a coach. Doug Albo said his 6-foot-4 muscular father could be "intimidating. He had a very strong grip. But he always did what was right." Doc Albo was highly critical of UC Berkeley's hierarchy for canceling several sports programs, including baseball -- which UC sources tell me will be saved. But on the back of Sunday's program was Albo's request to send donations in his memory to the UC Athletic Dept., 195 Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA 94720. As his son said, he always did what was right. -------------------------------------------- 17. Young Magician Of The Year Competition -------------------------------------------- Message by Dr. C. M. Colley MIMC Many years ago I started to write a history of the Young Magician of the Year Competition. For a number of reasons it never got finished. This year is the 50th anniversary of the Competition so I'm trying to complete it. I have now assembled the basic information and written a first draft but just names and details of acts can a bit dry so I'm chasing reminiscences etc. Part of my plan is also to include a "where are they now" section. One of the competitors in the first competition was Aston Brits who was from South Africa. Could this be the brother? Do you have a contact address? I'd greatly appreciate any info you can give. Also about anyone else you know who may have entered the competition over the years. Dr. C. M. Colley MIMC YMotY Competition Secretary cmcolley@tiscali.co.uk -------------------------------------------- 18. e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are Coded, e.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) -------------------------------------------- 19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. 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