What is the best way to research effects?

[Dayton76]

Hello everyone! I was watching the Nate Staniforth video and on the video he opened up with some Bizzare magic during his live performance. The effect was dealing with swallowing thread and needles and regurgitation both with the thread through the needles. There is a talent show going on and i would love to open up my perfomance with that same effect. Does anyone know how to do this and/or where I can go to research this effect?

Also, what is the best way to research magic or effects? I was talking to Daniel Garcia one day and he was saying how there are 2 types of magicians, one is a performer and others are creators. So, if you concider yourself a performer, what is the best way to reserch effects? Especially if you are not connected in the magic circle to consult with some of these more respected and known guys.

Also, on the end of the Nate Staniforth DVD he did a lottery prediction with a printed lottery ticket. Does anyone know how to do a similar effect? And again, where can i go to research how to do it?

 

[Johnlawl]

I don't know if this helps at all, but try the INTERNET.

 

[cklam]

There's a similar effect by Thomas Medina with razor blades; I don't know if you would be interested. It is taught in the DVD "Geek Magic with Tomas Medina".

https://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=928


hope that helps...

 

[manipulation4food]

well, i would try googling the type of effect maybe a short discription of it something like that so you can get things that are similar. Like say if it's Witness, type in "Card Through Bag" Things like that.

 

[Dayton76]

Yea ok... I know how to use the internet to find tricks. But a lot of times google will get you close.. but not exactly to what you are looking for.

 

[Brad Henderson]

Many of our greatest performers were also amazing creators - Tommy Wonder, Roy Benson, Channing Pollack, Hofsinzer, Robert-Houdin, Al Baker, Don Alan, Max Maven, Robert Harbin, Buatier Dekolta...I think you get the point.

First step - the classic books. Tarbell and Greater Magic are good first stops. The trick is in there. (both tricks, if you do a little thinking)

As the needles/razor blades are often considered a form of bizarre magic you might want to look at the Invocation or Swami Mantra.

There are other more advanced research techniques, but if you own the Tarbell series you will find the first step to searching almost everything you need.

As to the trick, there are many ways of performing it. I have featured it for many years. The way I do it is genuinely dangerous and I have had many close calls. So, I would not advise leaping into the performance too quickly. Depending on the method you use, you can get hurt.

Finally, it seems the research you are doing now consists of watching other magician's acts and wanting to do their tricks. It's a normal feeling. But remember, a magician often tries to find material that makes him special. When you copy him, you take that away from him.

Instead, buy some books and read through them. You will find - right there in front of your eyes - tricks you may have never seen anyone do. No more research is needed.

Brad Henderson