That was some great information on performing, from some pretty experienced guys. I don't think it was meant to be an "ego" fest. I think it was just an affirmation of discussing the stuff that "works" from a common, professional experience viewpoint.
I was a bit "put-off" by Simon implying "the bigger the prop, the more insecure the performer". I haven't found that to be true. Sure we can find examples of it, but it's not as common as he made it sound. For the past 10 years, it's seen more often by close up "manipulators" who can shuffle a deck 200 different ways, but can't create a "single moment" where magic happens. I think the "show-off" moves are the facade behind which todays new magicians hide insecurities.
Fitchs coin vanish routine was beautiful. I liked how each part of his story revealed more about who he was and his take on life. As Simon mentioned, the story was personal and I felt like he shared himself with me on a personal level. With each growth in his life, his magic grew too, displaying an increasing level of honesty and expectation, culminating in a purity in his magic and a comfort zone with his life. I felt like his magic said "everything will be alright". I loved it.
Simons "foreplay" trick was fun, casual, simple and direct, and he proved that sometimes an uncomplicated approach to magic can easily invite someone in to share the WOW moment with the performer. The trick he did was as much about his volunteer and the cards, as it was about himself. And the pay-off of the four common cards finding each other seemed like they were always meant to be that way. Symbolically friendly, as he was friendly. A perfect trick for him. Again, I loved it.
DeCamps did what he does best. He kept his "work" to a minimum. He hid it as if he wasn't the skillful performer we all know he is. He made you trust that all was fair and honest, and even made you doubt the assured accuracy of his guess. Then, like the luckiest poker player at the table, he showed you the winning card and took the pot with a satisfaction that LUCK was to blame. Nothing could be further from the truth. He didn't show you that the pot was his before the trick started. Again, I loved it.

This video was initiated and produced by Fantasma Magic and not by the the individual performers on the video.

lolol. Sorry couldn't resist "runs from thread"

Fantasma...wasn't she on American Idol?

Does anyone else find these videos to be about these performers trying to boast their own ego?
I get that if you have students or people looking up to you, you'll want to share your thoughts on the subject with them in some way... but taping yourself and posting it online as a statement just seems a bit much for me.

I'm pretty sure Fantasma filmed and posted this, hence the logo.

that was a really cool set of videos.
i had the chance to see Simon lecture out at Ronjo's Magic Shop here on Long Island last summer, incredible experience.