* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment
* www.magicnewzealand.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1050
Date: Sunday 29th September 2013
Editor: Alan Watson
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1.
Editor's Message
2. Report On Some Rough Sledding For Tammy And John Calvert
3. The Great Tomsoni
4. Discovery Networks International Has Recommissioned Breaking
Magic
5. Caesars Entertainment Auction
6. Remarkable Magic #320 - Nick Lewin
7. Birthday Party Marketing - #313 - Kyle Peron
8. 2013 October Magic Castle Schedule
9. A Note From Walter Blaney Re June Merlin McComb
10. Updates So Far This Week On VanishLive.com
11. Broken Wand - Jon LeClair
12. New Zealand World Festival Of Magic Tour
13. Cinema Is A Magic Effect," Says Copperfield
14. Emmy Host Neil Patrick Harris Is Magic Ambassador
15. Update - Palmerston North Magic Circle Convention
16. Magic New Zealand App
17. e-zine Archives
18. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
Just had a magical phone call from daughter Larissa Watson
who lives in Australia announcing her engagement to Chris
Gregory-Naum which we are thrilled for them both ... wonderful
news!
----------------------
For those who would like to read Magic New Zealand in a
HTML format go to:
http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2013-Jan-to-Dec-2013/1050-Sep29-2013.html
Remember
if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com
--------------------------------------------
2. Report On Some Rough Sledding For Tammy And John Calvert
--------------------------------------------
Message by John R. Browne III
Martindale-Hubbell 2013 Highest Rating
in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards (AV)
Law Offices of John R. Browne III
A Professional Corporation
50 California Street, Suite 3500
San Francisco, CA 94111
We
hit a roadblock in court yesterday in Tammy and John Calvert's
California lawsuit against Ohio physician Randy Wolf, who
still owes the Calverts $67,000 on his $100,000 purchase
of their world famous magic show, Magicarama, which was
delivered to Dr. Wolf in Ohio in 2008. According to the
parties' contract, title to Magicarama does not pass until
the full purchase price is paid, even though Dr. Wolf has
physical possession of the show.
Yesterday
after a hearing, a San Francisco Law & Motions judge
granted Dr. Wolf's Motion to Quash Service of Summons in
California, holding that we had not established sufficient
"minimum contacts" to subject Dr. Wolf to personal
jurisdiction here in California. We had argued that each
of Dr. Wolf's 3 trips to California to receive instruction
from the Calverts for the performance of stage magic in
general and of Magicarama in particular constituted separate
"minimum (Dr. Wolf) contacts" with California,
as did John Calvert's facilitating Dr. Wolf's membership
in the Magic Castle in Hollywood, Dr. Wolf's sending $20,000
of the purchase price to the Calverts in California, and
the parties' other contract activities in California.
However,
the judge held that the 3 California "training sessions"
were part of one California transaction, invoking case law
which holds that one California transaction does not satisfy
the law's "minimum contacts" requirement. My wife
Jan thinks we should appeal yesterday's ruling, which is
certainly one option at this point. (Frequently Jan's intuition
has proven correct during my 46 years of practicing law
here in San Francisco.)
However,
an appeal would take a year or longer. A more expedient
option would be to sue Dr. Wolf in Ohio. Our celebrated
San Francisco magician friend Jade, who knows the Calverts
well and who has followed their lawsuit closely, has been
in contact with Greg Wilson, whom I understand through his
Mason network has located an attorney in Ohio who is also
a magician and who may be willing to take Tammy and John's
case on a pro bono basis. I am awaiting the contact information
for this attorney and will talk to him as soon as possible
in the hopes that he will represent the Calverts in Ohio.
I hope that also, like California, Ohio has financial elder
abuse laws which warrant enhanced remedies such as punitive
damages and attorneys fees for unlawfully taking or appropriating
the property of elders.
More
important than John and Tammy's lawsuit, however, is John's
present health and well-being. John has been at the Lancaster
Health Care Center in Southern California for the past 98
days, receiving various medical treatments for some very
serious health complications. This medical facility is near
the Calvert's home in Palmdale. Tammy has been at John's
side virtually the entire time. Unfortunately, John can
only stay there for 100 days. He will then have to leave
or pay $200 per day. So things are critical for John and
Tammy right now.
In
addition to Jade's help in seeking out Greg Wilson to find
an Ohio attorney to take over the Calvert's lawsuit, Jade
is also very busy right now preparing a Facebook posting
to make folks aware of John and Tammy's dire situation,
and possibly setting up some kind of a PayPal arrangement
so that people can help. Right now, the Calverts need prayers
and support from their friends in the world wide magic fraternity.
Tammy's email address is epicproductions@juno.com.
Alan,
I regret having to bring such disturbing news to your readers.
Regards,
Jack
Browne
--------------------------------------------
3. The Great Tomsoni
--------------------------------------------
Message by Stan Allen, Editor of MAGIC Magazine
On August 14, the final night of MAGIC Live, John and Pam
Thompson performed their iconic dove act one last time.
In an interview recorded a few weeks later, I asked Johnny
what it was like doing the final performance of the act
that night.
"Well, I've been doing Tomsoni since 1969, with Playboy
Bunnies, dancers, and finally with Pam. I've never had stage
fright or anything like that, but that night I was like
a horse wanting to get out of the gate. I wanted to do the
act as well as possible, and I wanted to have the best time
doing it. And I did."
Johnny also talks about how he tried to retire the act a
year ago, what the future holds for him, and what will happen
to The Great Tomsoni & Co. bird act.
"A Moment with The Great Tomsoni" and a lot more
can be found in the October 2013 issue of MAGIC Magazine.
Visit www.MAGICmagazine.com.
--------------------------------------------
4. Discovery Networks International Has Recommissioned Breaking
Magic
--------------------------------------------
Article forwarded on by Peter Philips
Televisual
DNI
orders more Breaking Magic from Objective
Discovery
Networks International has recommissioned Breaking Magic
from Objective after its first season was a hit for the
broadcaster.
Another
14-part series will return with its international cast of
magicians, Ben Hanlin, Billy Kidd, Wayne Houchin, along
with newcomer, Nate Staniforth, for stunts and street magic.
Each episode, the cast performs a range of street magic
across London, New York and Warsaw.
Season
one aired in over 200 countries and was viewed by more than
100 million people around the world. The second series will
air on Discovery Channel in 224 countries across Europe,
Middle-East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, beginning
February 2014.
"Breaking
Magic is that rare intersection where fact meets fantasy,
and is one of the most successful shows for DNI to date,"
says Sarah Davies, vice president of Production & Development
for Factual programming for DNI. "The series showcases
both the art of entertaining visuals and practical theory
through impromptu performances filmed internationally, and
audiences are captivated by the explosive thrills and science
behind the spells. The pure reactions of the audiences speak
for themselves."
For
the balance of the article go to:
http://www.televisual.com/news-detail/DNI-orders-more-Breaking-Magic-from-Objective_nid-3276.html
--------------------------------------------
5. Caesars Entertainment Auction
--------------------------------------------
Message by Geno Munari
Veni,
Vedi, Emi (I came, I saw, I bought)
Las
Vegas- Caesars Entertainment has decided that it is time
for its various independent casino hotel legendary properties
to dispose of excessive furniture, fixtures and equipment
from past special events, acquisitions, construction projects,
remodels and surplus purchasing. Over 14,000 items will
be sold at public auction. "It is amazing how quickly
excessive inventory can build up and be stored with all
good intentions for future use, but as the old adage says,
'out of mind, out of sight' said Matt David, Munari Auctions
spokesperson.
Caesars
Entertainment Corporation (formerly Harrah's Entertainment
from 1995 to 2010) is an American public gaming corporation
that owns and operates over 50 casinos, hotels, and seven
golf courses under several brands. The company, based in
Las Vegas, Nevada, is the largest gaming company in the
world.
"Being
the largest gaming operator in the world makes it pretty
easy to accumulate literally thousands of individual items
that just can't be utilized in the foreseeable future. The
space that the items occupy is suited for a better and higher
use. Currently the excessive facility items are just taking
up valuable space.
The
company's intention is to pass "best use" to their
customers, in the way of the finest facilities and guest
amenities. You can imagine how many extra pieces of equipment
a hotel-casino can accumulate in a few years. There are
over 30 warehouses in Las Vegas alone, filled with items
that need to find a home for someone to put to good work.
This first time ever sale will be a bargain of a lifetime."
There
are thousands of items to auction including a company 2007
Mercedes with 34,000 original miles, kitchen equipment,
hotel furniture, tools, facility equipment, parts, art work,
professional audio equipment, theatrical lighting, carpeting
and a multitude of extra accompaniments will be sold. The
auction will be held live in Las Vegas, and online through
Prox ibid, October11-14, with a preview on October 10.
For
information and registration for this chance of a lifetime,
please contact: Munari Auctions at (702) 236-4114, or go
to www.MunariAuctions.com
--------------------------------------------
6. Remarkable Magic #320 - Nick Lewin
--------------------------------------------
Message by Nick Lewin (US)
Remarkable
Magic #320. Great Magic in Northern California.
My
recent Californian trip began with a corporate gig in Sacramento.
There were only 36 people attending the meeting that I entertained
at, to me this is a rather tiny event and it was interesting
to adapt my show for the group. With that few members in
the audience it is necessary to slow down the show a little
and present your magic rather like a favorite uncle doing
a family event!
The
toughest part of adapting to a mini-audience was in adjusting
to the way I had to present the stand-up comedy which is
the heart of my show. When you have a small crowd you can
find that your comedic timing is thrown off base by what
appears to be a truncated response.
A
simple technique to avoid the appearance that you are missing
response to your jokes is to adapt your delivery so that
you appear to be delivering your material as something of
an improvised series of asides. It is much better if it
sounds like a witty stream of dialogue rather than a comedy
monologue that fails to be getting the laughs you expect.
Standing in front of an audience looking like you are waiting
for laughs is never a good thing!
The
next leg of my journey took me to the California Magic Dinner
Theatre in Martinez. What a delightful venue this is. Created
by Gerry Griffin, the theatre is a perfect example of how
to deliver a first rate magical experience to a lay audience.
In the 10 plus years that the CMDT has been presenting shows
(Over 800 of them) to the paying public, Gerry has mastered
the art of blending pre-show close-up, a great meal and
a three person stand-up performance. There is also a great
deal of fascinating memorabilia adorning the walls of the
club that will warm any magician's heart
I
was delighted to share the stage with Joseph Bartholomew
who performed some very entertaining tricks including Tony
Clarke's gypsy balloon effect. He was skilled and very likeable
in his presentation and a real crowd favorite. The stage
show was hosted by Griffin himself, who proved to be very
witty and polished in this role, he has had lots of practice
as he has MC'd every single performance in the Theatre.
First-rate design made the venue a delight to work and top-notch
(but simple) sound and lighting allowed the receptive audience
to share the delight.
The
magicians who dazzled the crowd with their close-up skills
featured a fine assortment of performers including Jack
Fowler, Jack Alexander, David Hirata, Timothy Jones, John
Gardenier, Hank Morfin, Jeffrey Korst and Steve Goldstein.
I will have more to say about them all in the full-length
article I am writing about the Theatre. Stay tuned to my
blog and a future series about smaller magic venues that
I am writing for Vanish Magazine. The camaraderie that existed
between the various performers was a delight and spilled
out to the paying guests.
I
had the honor to attend a special barbecue at the home of
Jay Alexander, which was more like a miniature magic convention
than anything else. Amongst the attendees were Jack and
Jan Brown, Fred and Manya Castro, 'Big Al' Catraz, Jade
and Mathew Holtzman, Bruce Koren and Rafael Benatar. The
food and company were both great and I enjoyed every minute
of the gracious and delightful event that Jay and his wife
Meg hosted.
Another
highlight of the visit was a luncheon trip to the Apple
Campus in Cupertino-AKA Geek Heaven! This was a pure delight
to an Apple fan such as myself and I want to thank Jay Alexander
and John Signa for making it possible. An additional treat
was a meeting with Apple's Kim Silverman who entertained
Susan and myself with some incredible magic. Kim recently
recorded a Ted Talk about the nature of his role saddling
the world of science and magic, it is very well worth checking
out on the web. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5rwYnj2GZQ
Finally
I recorded a 90-minute interview with Jay, which will be
the basis of future articles. After 90 minutes I was left
in no doubt why he is one of the busiest pros in the business.
His grasp of both business and magic is astounding and it
was one of those rare interviews that leave you much smarter
after you finish conducting it. Jay knocked me out with
his grasp of subtleties that many performers don't even
know exist!
Thanks
to everyone for making this a very special week.
My
email address is nicklewin1@mac.com
My blog is at www.remarkablemagic.com
My web site/online store is www.nicklewin.com
--------------------------------------------
7. Birthday Party Marketing - #313 - Kyle Peron
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kyle Peron
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
I
do a LOT of birthday parties but that is because I have
been doing this a long time and I work it constantly in
regards to my marketing. Let me list some things I do that
might spark ideas for you or that you may not be doing at
all. I hope this helps.
You
first must have a website form on your page and have every
page of your website with a link that takes them to that
form page. On my site it is called my contact page and I
drive folks to it. I get inquiries a lot simply because
I make it super simple for them. If they have to pick up
a phone or write an email, I may lose their business. This
allows them to fill out a form in less than a minute and
I get that info to my email instantly. Now I can check it
on my phone or anywhere that I am at. This means I am faster
at getting back to them. Ultimate customer service made
easy.
I
have a full series of email templates already written up
for every situation in my birthday party booking process.
By doing so, I am sending out a branded message consistently
every single time. Now this is not just one email. I have
a full series of email templates for my birthday party booking
process. This makes things so much easier and really works.
Customer service one again brought to the forefront.
My
site is Search Engine Optimized. It is important for me
to have my site come up high ranked in searches. I constantly
check my SEO stats and make adjustments frequently.
My
site, and all pages on it, are connected to Google Analytics.
Google Analytics is amazing and it is 100% free. Very easy
to add to your pages. Once you do. YOU have the total power
of knowing all information you would ever want to know about
folks who come to your site. This is critical in my SEO
and marketing efforts.
With
Google Analytics, on any given day, I can tell how many
folks went to my site, how many were new, where they came
from, what town they were from, what pages they went to,
how long they stayed on each page, what search term they
used and even what browser they used plus a TON more. This
is how I track my marketing efforts.
My
website is written and structured and geared towards total
customer marketing. Every page has a reason and purpose
for being there and every page has a call to action. I make
sure I have a good balance of features and benefits on each
page and I use bullet point concepts as it draws folks in
more. I do not list prices on my site because I want them
to contact me. I want them to use the form and go through
the process with me. The form gives me the information I
need upfront to add customer value.
Customer
service has to be the key. You must be able to deliver a
consistent branded message and get back to someone ASAP.
If you wait, you lose. That is why my email template system
is in effect and why I have them saved in drop box and ever
note. This means I can use and send them no matter where
I am in the world.
When
at events, I also do a LOT of marketing. My goal is to brand
myself at all times. I have a sign on my table that has
my logo and my website URL. Every table has this sign on
it. I have a vertical retractable banner system 33 by 80
that is set up and used as part of my show and backdrop
that brands my image, my name and my URL again.
Every
single child gets something THEY want to have. They want
it so they keep it. This is my Magicians Assistant Certificates.
Of course every one of them has my contact info on it, name,
website, email, Facebook fan page etc.
I
make sure I have business cards with me at ALL times. I
never leave the house without them. I give them out as a
business card left in your pocket does you no good.
I
utilize a POWERFUL thank you letter and evaluation form
system. THIS works well. It is a thank you letter from me
to them but also an evaluation form that is easy to fill
out but gives me a ton of information AND generates quotes
I can use in my marketing. It also talks about my referral
rewards system and how this works to benefit them. This
thank you kit system really works.
I
have a referral rewards system set into place. This makes
people WANT to refer their friends, relatives and others
to me and to do so not because I force them, but because
they want to. It is all in how I have it set up.
I
do 2 special tricks with the b-day child and one being a
big illusion. Now THEY are the star. The child also gets
a magic wand, a magician certificate and a full magic kit.
All of this once again cost me next to nothing but adds
huge value. Now if the other kids want this, they have to
have me at their party. It gets the kids always talking
to the parents and gets me handing stuff out to parents
after shows. All items once again are branded to me and
have my contact information on it.
I
have a Facebook Fan Page and I use it and social media a
LOT. I am also connected to LinkedIn as well as others.
My fan page is an amazing way to get folks knowing about
what I am doing, where I will be and a great marketing tool
that cost me nothing at all. I get folks to join because
I state the fan page and talk about it during the show.
I give them also a reason to go there. =)
I
make sure I am also using paid services as needed. For example
services such as Gigmasters, Gigsalad, Decidio and Thumbtack.
Each have to be evaluated by you but each can and have worked
if you handle them correctly.
I
make sure that my marketing materials are the best I can
possible make them. I make my branding so quality comes
first. That means everything that goes out is branded the
way I want it to be branded.
I
also look and search out showcases. These may not be for
birthday parties but they could be for libraries or even
parks and recreations. I do it to get the name out there
and get into their guide books. These guide books DO get
seen by parents and that means b-day gigs.
I
also end my shows by talking to the adults. I thank them
for coming and I thank the client and I state clearly that
if anyone is interested in the shows I put on for birthday
parties and other events, PLEASE see me after the show and
I would be happy to give you some information on it. Simple
as that and it works.
I
list my public events on as many online community calendars
as I can. They even give you places for your URL in most
cases. More folks at the gig makes the client happy and
more marketing for me.
I
also list my website and services on a LOT of free online
websites. There are so many that will allow you to place
your information on them without any cost to you. The more
you have out there, the better chance someone is to see
you. Not only that it is a part of SEO called back links.
It helps your rankings.
These
are just a few of the things I do to land birthday party
gigs. There are more, but I will leave it at this as there
is a lot of information shared here. Take your time and
go over them and read and re-read them. I can and will go
over any with anyone who asks it of me. I can always be
reached at magic4u02@aol.com. Thank you.
--------------------------------------------
8. 2013 October Magic Castle Schedule
--------------------------------------------
Message by Jack Goldfinger
Director Of Entertainment
Academy of Magical Arts, Inc.
September
30-October 6th
Close-Up
Gallery
Earlier: Jon Armstrong
Early: Cameron Francis
Late: Mark Matsumoto
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Robert Dorian
Late: David Gabbay
Palace
of Mystery
Bruce Gold
Chris Randall
David & Dania
Peller
Theatre
Eric Buss
Woody Pittman
W.
C. Fields Bar
Rich Cowley
Friday
Luncheon
Cameron Francis
Saturday
& Sunday Brunch - Parlour
Tim Mannix
Lecture
6th
Cameron Francis
October
7-13th "Women In Magic Week" - Produced by Dale
Hindman
Close-Up
Gallery
Earlier: Sophie Evans
Early: Suzanne
Late: Alba
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Lisa Cousins
Late: Joan Dukore
Palace
of Mystery
Liberty Larsen
Luna Shimada
Farrah Siegel
Juliana Chen
Peller Theatre
Jeanine Anderson
Kimberly Bornstein
W.
C. Fields Bar
Sisuepahn
Friday
Luncheon
Suzanne
Sunday
Brunch - Parlour
Nancy Jean Gray
Lecture
Tina Lenert
October
14-20th
Close-Up
Gallery
Earlier: Pop Haydn
Early: John Carney
Late: Luis Magic
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: David Regal
Late: Todd Robbins
Palace
of Mystery
Chris Mitchell
Tina Lenert
Les Arnold & Dazzle
PellerTheatrre
Dan Trommater
Shawn McMaster
W.
C. Fields Bar
Jamy Ian Swiss
Friday
Luncheon
Jamy Ian Swiss
Saturday
& Sunday Brunch - Parlour
Shawn McMaster
Lecture
Martin Mercy
October
21-24th
* Acts return to complete their full week. November 1-3rd,
2013
Close-Up
Gallery
Earlier: Doug Brewer
Early: Will Houstoun
Late: Daniel Sylvester
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Eric Buss
Late: Jimmy H.
Palace
of Mystery
Dave Cox
Steve Owens
David Zirbel
W.
C. Fields Bar (24th)
Jon Armstrong
October
25th - 31st, 2013 - "Halloween Week"- Produced
by Rob Zabrecky
Close-Up
Gallery
Early: Bill Goodwin
Late: Paul Vigil
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Pop Haydn
Late: Steve Valentine
Palace
of Mystery
Rob Zabrecky
Conjure
Peller
Theatre / Inner Circle
The Mums
Brett Loudermilk
Scott Land
Friday
Luncheon October 25th
Paul Vigil
Saturday
& Sunday Brunch - Parlour Oct. 26-27
Frank Thurston
Lecture
27th
Jon Armstrong
Performers
are subject to change due to circumstances and availability
----------------------------
9. A Note From Walter Blaney Re June Merlin McComb
----------------------------
Message by Walter Blaney (US)
A
note from Walter Blaney
walter@walterblaney.com
Dear
friends in magic,
Most
of us knew Bill McComb, an amazing and wonderful character
in the magic world. Below is a short version of his charmed
life. Some knew he was once married to a beautiful lady
magician named June Merlin, "The Bewitching Witch".
I happened to run across a TV clip of June doing a few tricks
close up. The link is below. I thought you might enjoy seeing
her work. If you can take your eyes off June long enough,
you will see she really is doing some magic. Billy sure
could pick a winner.
Cheers
to all. Walter
_________________________________________
Billy
McComb, who died aged 84, was one of Britain's leading magicians
in the 1950s and 60s, and crossed the Atlantic regularly
as a cruise-ship entertainer till he took up residence in
California in the 1970s.
Born
in Belfast, he was the son of a physician father who was
knighted for X-ray research. His family had medical ambitions
for him, too, and he graduated as a doctor in 1949, but
instead he developed the talent he had discovered at school
as a magician and comedy entertainer. He began to make a
name for himself in Ireland and came to the notice of the
wider magical community in Britain, soon making his mark
in London, in the flourishing cabaret scene in the West
End.
Billy
married June Cochrane, a former Miss Ireland, and they became
a sought-after duo. He constructed a magical act for her
as June Merlin, "The Bewitching Witch". Billy
had a number of TV series and was on the bill with Bob Hope
at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London. To hold large audiences
at the Palladium he needed more than baffling tricks and,
billed as "the world's largest leprechaun", made
full use of his gift for the blarney.
After
his move to Los Angeles, he made over 300 appearances on
television and in the movies. And in his 80s, he performed
regularly in Las Vegas.
He
was happiest chatting with fellow magicians - at the Magic
Circle he was always surrounded by a group of eager listeners
as he generously dispensed his advice, and he was one of
the Circle's elite honorary members.
Billy
leaves a library of videos and DVDs, along with his classic
book McComb's Magic: 25 Years Wiser. He is survived by June,
now resident in Spain, where she became established as a
painter. Their son, Sean, died in 2002.
·
Billy McComb, magician, born April 12 1922; died April 30
2006
June Merlin, Mrs. Billy McComb
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/girl-magician/query/magicians
Walter
Blaney
walter@walterblaney.com
--------------------------------------------
10. Updates So Far This Week On VanishLive.com
--------------------------------------------
Message by - Mick Peck
Online Content Editor
www.VanishLive.com
Updates
so far this week on VanishLive.com include:
-
Penn to take a stab at filming
- Business card marketing
- Broken Wand: John LeClair
- Desperate Acts of Magic
- An update on Collins Key
- David Copperfield on why Penn is "a bad guy"
VanishLive
features *DAILY* updates of magic news from around the globe
as it happens. Plus regular contributions from Jeff McBride,
Eugene Burger, Steve Spill, Nick Lewin, Keith Fields, Bizarro,
Paul Romhany, Richard Webster and others.
Bookmark
us today at:
http://www.VanishLive.com
-
Mick Peck
Online Content Editor
www.VanishLive.com
--------------------------------------------
11. Broken Wand - Jon LeClair
--------------------------------------------
Message by Mick Peck (New Zealand)
Jon
LeClair 47, passed September 10, 2013 peacefully in his
wife's arms at home. He was born on November 15th, 1965
in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Jack F. and Sherry LeClair.
Jon was a caring, creative, generous, loving individual
who enjoyed making others smile and be surprised. At a young
age he was inspired by magic and went on to be a professional
magician. He is the author of the bestselling magic book
and DVD "The Art of Invisible Thread", which was
later translated to French.
He
married the love of his life, Kuniko Yamamoto May 5, 1992.
He is survived by his loving wife Kuniko, his parents Jack
F. and Pam LeClair, Sherry and Milford Garness , his brother
and his wife Jack K. and Lynn LeClair, nieces Rikki and
Jacki LeClair, nephew John Keith LeClair, aunts and uncles
George and Kathy Arnold, Jean and Robert Schnider, and cousins.
The
memorial service was held September 14, 2013 at Mckee Funeral
Home, North Port, Florida.
http://www.vanishlive.com/2013/09/24/broken-wand-jon-leclair/
--------------------------------------------
12. New Zealand World Festival Of Magic Tour
--------------------------------------------
Message by Rose McCarthy (New Zealand)
International Entertainment
Saturday
16th November 2013
Tauranga - Bethlehem College Performing Arts Centre
4.30pm 7pm
Sunday
Monday
18th November 2013
Gisborne - House of Breakthrough Auditorium
6pm
Tuesday
19th November 2013
Napier - Napier Boys High School
6.00pm
Wednesday
20th November 2013
Palmerston North - Speirs Centre Palmerston Nth Boys High
5pm and 7.30pm
Monday 25th of November 2013
Dunedin - Regent Theatre
2.30pm 7pm
Wednesday
27th November
Invercargill - Civic Theatre
4pm 7pm
Thursday
28th November
Timaru - Theatre Royal
6pm
Saturday
30th November
Christchurch - Christchurch South Intermediate School Performing
Arts Hall
4.30pm 7pm
Saturday
7th December
Wellington - Wellington High School Riley Centre
11am 2pm 5pm
Sunday
8th December
New Plymouth - New Plymouth Girls High School
6pm
Monday
9th December
Taupo - Great Lakes Centre
6pm
Tuesday
10th December
Rotorua - Civic Theatre
5pm 7.30pm
Wednesday
11th December
Hamilton - Melville High School
7.00pm
Saturday
14th December
Auckland - Logan Campbell Centre
11am 2pm 5pm
Sunday
15th December
Auckland - Logan Campbell Centre
11am 2pm 5pm
Monday
16th December
Whangarei - Forum North
4.30pm 7pm
--------------------------------------------
13. Cinema Is A Magic Effect," Says Copperfield
--------------------------------------------
Message by William Bowers (US)
Variety
David
Copperfield Has No Illusions About His New Film Prod'n Co.
Red Safe
The
highest grossing solo entertainer in history previously
consulted on 'Paranormal Activity,' 'Now You See Me,' 'Burt
Wonderstone'
Steven Gaydos
The
source of Las Vegas' Cirque du Soleil "Love" show,
the Beatles, were working on "The White Album"
and fellow Las Vegas illusionist David Blaine was five years
away from making his first appearance on earth when Copperfield
became the youngest person ever admitted to the Society
of American Magicians.
He was 12.
At
16 he was teaching magic at NYU.
At
21 he began a string of national TV specials that ran for
decades and racked up nearly two dozen Emmys.
According
to those who've worked with him, even back in those early
days, Copperfield's always been focused, calm and the master
of his own domain.
Writer-director Norman Gerard remembers working with Copperfield
on commercials for Burger King when the magician was still
in his early 20s and describes him as "all business
all the time and completely in control of every detail of
his act and his business."
Today
Copperfield essentially four-walls his MGM Grand show. "I
control my business. It's my money." Virtually everyone
you talk to in Vegas confirms that assessment.
MGM
Grand president Scott Sibella seems to have no problem with
Copperfield's deal. Obviously happy to have him drawing
hotel guests and casino patrons for the past decade, Sibella
extolls him as "the preeminent magician in entertainment
today" and "part of our extended family."
Still
packing in crowds most weeks two shows a night to the tune
of an estimated $30 million a year, a less-driven entertainer
might figure it's time to retire and rest on his laurels.
For Copperfield, his partner Chloe Gosselin and their infant
daughter Sky, the option would appear simple: the Bahamian
islands Copperfield purchased many years ago.
But
look into his eyes: they say, "Ain't gonna happen."
Instead,
Copperfield has set his sights on a major career shift and
this week announced the formation of his own film production
company, Red Safe.
In Copperfield's view, making movies is not a transition
but something akin to realizing a childhood dream and a
parallel form of magic making. "Cinema is a magic effect,"
says Copperfield, whose study of the histories of both film
and magic led to the creation of his museum. "The movies
started as a trick. It was a trip to the moon, a journey
to Hades. The illusion of the cinema became the medium.
That's why we are here talking."
Just
as he might tell an audience he's going to walk through
the Great Wall of China (which he's done), Copperfield explains
how he plans to make movies that rank with Hollywood's greatest
filmmakers.
"My
real love as a kid was sitting in a darkened theater and
watching films by Victor Fleming, Orson Welles, Frank Capra,
Walt Disney," Copperfield says. "So in a way,
where I am today is where I have always been. I was good
at magic but when I saw those movies I said, 'I want that.'
"
"That"
in Copperfield's view, is the emotional connection that
is at the heart of all great storytelling, on stage or on
film. That vintage automobile appearance/disappearance that
is a classic showstopper is also a heart-tugger as it serves
to tell the story of the former David Kotkin's father and
grandfather and its message of "pursue your dreams"
resonates long after the stunt is over.
"Emotionally,
where the audience is going is what the camera is doing,"
he says. "On screen, it's always about the story. 'Raging
Bull' is not about the punches, it's about the story."
While
the magic biz is still booming for Copperfield, he clearly
has a desire to achieve more. You can hear it in his voice
when he recites his greatest hits.
"I vanished an airplane and the fast food of it worked.
So I said, 'Next?' And I vanished the Statue of Liberty.
Maybe people will only remember it as a stunt, but I want
everything I do to have more depth, to resonate as metaphor.
I have always wanted everything I do to have some gravitas.
The story should have substance and not just be a stunt."
Like
many of Copperfield's famed misdirection ploys, it appears
that while such Hollywood hits as Paramount's "Paranormal
Activity" and Summit's "Now You See Me" haven't
trumpeted his involvement, his consulting work for those
films and others has earned respect from the filmmakers,
including Paramount film group president Adam Goodman, who
calls Copperfield's assistance on "Paranormal"
invaluable.
"Paranormal"
producer Jason Blum echoes that sentiment, crediting Copperfield
with "a unique take on movies and the filmmaking process"
and notes their continuing partnership on "a variety
of other projects we have been working on together, like
our upcoming Halloween live event 'The Purge: Fear the Night.'
"
But creativity and passion aside, it is called the movie
business and Copperfield has no illusions about the challenges
he faces and the lack of autonomy he'll have to confront.
"I've
spent years watching others go through the challenges of
production and distribution," says Copperfield, observing
that he "had to see the whole picture" before
making the plunge into the deep financial waters of modern
filmmaking. The reported negative cost on "Now You
See Me" was $75 million and marketing costs could easily
double that number, which isn't bad when measured against
the pic's $320 million global B.O. take.
But
then there's "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone,"
another film Copperfield consulted on and in which he appeared
in a cameo, which cost $30 million and but only earned $22
million domestic. In other words, there can be a big upside
but there's also no faster way to make money vanish into
thin air than making movies.
Still,
Copperfield has been tackling big projects all his life
and seems to especially relish the small details that make
up the creative side of filmmaking. "I love to get
the call to help on story points," says Copperfield,
recalling that on "Now You See Me," "I told
Louis (Leterrier, the director), 'Tell me the entire story,
scene by scene.' My process on creating magic parallels
the process of making movies. Besides, the way I see it,
I'm in the movie business when I'm on stage."
Judging by friends and fans in high places, Copperfield's
Red Safe will find a small army of eager and willing partners,
including Goodman, who calls Copperfield "a born storyteller.
My hope is that we can figure out a movie to do together."
Honors
- Knighted by the French government
- Declared a Living Legend by the Library of Congress
- Dubbed the King of Magic by the Society of American Magicians
- Named Magician of the Year, Magician of the Century, and
Magician of the Millennium
Milestones
First: Living magician to receive a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame
Most: Broadway tickets sold in a week (more than "Cats,"
"The Lion King" and "The Producers")
Most:
Awards received by a magician (Magician of the Year, Magician
of the Century and Magician of the Millennium)
Highest:
Grossing solo entertainer in history (more than Madonna,
Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley)
By
the Numbers
6 Countries that have postage stamps branded with his face
11 Guinness World Records
13 Years performing at MGM Grand
15 Shows per week
20 TV specials
21 Emmy Awards and 38 noms
http://variety.com/2013/biz/news/david-copperfield-has-no-illusions-about-his-new-film-prodn-co-red-safe-1200665662/?_r=true
--------------------------------------------
14. Emmy Host Neil Patrick Harris Is Magic Ambassador
--------------------------------------------
Article forwarded on by Barry Khoo (Malaysia)
New
Straits Times, Latest News:
Emmy
host Neil Patrick Harris is magic ambassador
Los
Angeles: Neil Patrick Harris is magical, and not just because
he can sing, dance, act and host the Tony and Emmy awards.
He's actually magical, like in the abracadabra way, and
has been since he was a kid.
Long
before he was "Doogie Howser, M.D.," Harris loved
magic. Every trip to his grandparents' house in Albuquerque
meant a visit to the local magic shop, where he used his
allowance to add a card or coin trick to his collection,
mastering the new illusion on the ride home.
These days, the 40-year-old entertainer injects magic into
most everything he does. He levitates an Emmy trophy in
advertisements for Sunday's big show, which he's hosting
for the second time. His "How I Met Your Mother"
character, Barney, dabbles in magic. And Harris often does
magic tricks on talk shows.
He also makes countless hours of his free time disappear
as leader of the Academy of Magical Arts, which is headquartered
at the famed Magic Castle on a hill overlooking Hollywood.
"If magicians and magic work well, it really amazes
people at a core level, and that level stays with them for
a long, long time," Harris said in a recent interview,
sitting in one of the Magic Castle's many theaters.
"You can talk to almost anyone and ask them to recount
when they saw a magic trick and they get that giddy expression...
I like knowing that the end result is that reaction."
Harris knows the historic, Victorian-style Magic Castle
like a favorite trick - the winding corridors and staircases
as familiar to him as the "How I Met Your Mother"
set. He greets staff members by name, fiddles with temperamental
switches himself and feels proud of the place's progress
under his leadership.
Now in his second term as magic academy president, Harris
doesn't just promote the art and appreciation of magic,
he basically runs the business of the Magic Castle, attending
regular board meetings and handling occasional "angry
emails from magic people.
Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/latest/emmy-host-neil-patrick-harris-is-magic-ambassador-1.357747#ixzz2fghVOYXP
--------------------------------------------
15. Update - Palmerston North Magic Circle Convention
--------------------------------------------
Message by Andrew Wilson (New Zealand)
Palmerston
North 26th - 28th October 2013
Hosted
by the Palmerston North Magic Circle (Inc.) and supported
by IBM Ring 160
We
(the convention committee and the PNMC) have agreed that
numbers are encouraging enough not to invoke the price rise
that might have followed the Early Bird invitation. Registration
will continue to be the wonderful low price of $90 for adult
magicians and $50 for wives, partners, assistants and all
students in education.
The
Night before Cabaret will now take place in Valentine's
Restaurant nearby in Featherston Street. Meet from around
7 p.m. and start buffet eating around 7.30 p.m. Cabaret
will follow.
We
are recommending The China Town Restaurant for a good and
quick meal before the Gala Show.
Our
favourite local eatery, the China Town Restaurant on Cuba
St (where we tend to taker magic guests giving lectures)
has been alerted to a group of magicians coming on Sunday
27th because it is very good value and very efficient.
--------------------------------------------
16. Magic New Zealand App
--------------------------------------------
Magic New Zealand now has its very own app that can be launched
on any tablet.
Go
to: www.app.cat/magicnewzealand on your tablet to download
the FREE Magic New Zealand app.
--------------------------------------------
17. e-zine Archives
--------------------------------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to:
www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button center right
"Archives"
When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order
in folders for each year 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)
---------------------------------------------
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--------------------------------------------
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