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iTricks.com Magic Week in Review: 02.22.09

The Panel:
• Joe Monti (Joe Monti.com) Mindfreak Lead Consultant, Masters of Illusion
• Cashetta (Magics A Drag.com) Vegas headliner at Harmon Theater in Planet Hollywood
• Andi Gladwin (Andi Gladwin.co.uk) Vanishing Inc.

Joe Monti and Cashetta weigh in on how David Blaine would play in the UK with his rumored close-up show and what Derren Brown needs to do to play in America. Meanwhile, Ed Alonzo goes on tour with Britney Spears and Andi Gladwin calls in live from Blackpool to let us know what the big stories coming out of the convention are.

Trick Shop Magic
Andrew Mayne’s Close-Up pack

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Posted by Editor on Monday, February 23rd, 2009 at 1:00 am.

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  • Greg

    I loved the podcast with Cashetta and Joe Monti. I want to find out more about Criss Angels TV show and what I need to do to fix my act. I've been wanting to improve my stage performance for years. Did Joe work with Cashetta yet? Right on Itricks you bring the “voices” of change to a dull world.
    Greg in Ohio

  • Brookie

    That DragFreak comment was absolutly fantastic.

  • Jane L.

    I can't WAIT to listen to this! Maybe tomorrow, when I have more time and can soak it all in.. :(

  • http://www.RenditionsDesign.com Dylan Malone

    I'm a big fan of iTricks, so I offer the following comment in a constructive spirit. Joe Monti of Mind Freak infamy is arrogant enough to tell Derren Brown to call (or visit FixMyAct.com!?@) so that he can learn how to succeed in America? What a horrifying thought. I can only imagine the advice: “Look Derren, dude, your act is way too high brow for us dimwitted Yanks… if you're going to succeed here you need to make the following changes: 1) Get some bling, lots of it. 2) Stop doing so many effects per show, you really only need a few tricks that you can stretch for at least 30 minutes. 3) Half the effects you do should rely heavily on editing, the other half on stooges. 4) Loose that British accent, and at least 80% of your vocabulary… etc. etc. etc.” Aaaargh It's a nightmare.

    Derren is the most original worker in the business, and by far and away the most compelling magic on television today. The six episodes of “Mind Control” that played on SciFi cable were only modestly successful because they were old odds and ends from some of his British programs, chopped mercilessly and offered, without marketing support, in a relatively low profile venue. Footage that was so old as to include the WTC towers in the backgrounds of his street performances was hardly ideal for introducing Derren to the U.S.

    Give Derren a prime time network special, ideally with a live component, and he'll blow the minds of the country and become a household name overnight. Telling Derren to study under a MindFreak consultant is like telling Eric Clapton to study guitar from the Jonas Brothers. Incredible.

  • Joe Monti

    Dylan,
    I dont know you as I believe you dont know me. Your comments are off base and rude. You have so much of a dislike for Criss Angel that you're obsessed with bashing him and accusing me of crafting Derren in the same way. I began on Season 4 and changed much of the process. Criss is a star. get over it.

    I dig Derren and in no way suggested he should change the content of his craft. I suggested its the American viewer that needs to understand him more. Most viewers are not jaded like we are. Dylan, please take a Midol and get some rest.
    I hope you're a damn good magician to be so arrogant.
    PS I'm always availabe to help you if you need it. FREE OF CHARGE :)
    Joe Monti

  • Greg

    Dylan,
    You missed the point.
    You seem so rapped up in bashing CA that you are accusing Joe Monti of creating him. Your anger shows Dylan. Anybody offering help, especially a talent like Joe, is good.
    Whats your problem?
    Greg

  • PB

    Network executives many years ago explained to the maker of Police Squad, one of the funniest shows ever, why their show was being cancelled: “People have to watch it.” Meaning, people actually have to pay attention. Unlike a million sitcoms and reality shows you can't have it mindlessly on in the background and still enjoy it. If I had to point to any reason Derren's show didn't go over as well, this must be it. Having said that, I'm sure the right people found it and enjoyed it.

  • Joe Monti

    Excellent point PB.
    Joe Monti

  • Robert Gill

    Just out of curiosity, how would Joe Monti exactly prep Derren Brown for an American audience? I think Derren would do just fine in the US. His Scifi series, in my opinion, were amazing but it was Scifi and not something like prime time ABC, NBC, or FOX. Had these networks primetimed Derren, then I'm certain his demand would be much greater in the US than the UK. My gut tells me that Derren Bown would not ask for Monti's help. Monti did sound a bit cocky in the interview. Could you Imagine Monti's ego if he did help Brown? Wow. It would be funny that instead of Derren asking for Monit's help, he pull one of his Trick or Treat stunts on Monti hhhahaaa.

  • Roger Brand

    Robert Gill sounds like an idiot. Show some respect for talent that only suggests help. Joe Monti might sound cocky to you but I thought he was generally speaking about “how to help any performer”. I know Joe's work and he's a killer entertainer. If he offers help….take it.
    Roger from New York

  • Roger Brand

    Robert Gill sounds like an idiot. Show some respect for talent that only suggests help. Joe Monti might sound cocky to you but I thought he was generally speaking about “how to help any performer”. I know Joe's work and he's a killer entertainer. If he offers help….take it.

    Roger from New York