Archive for January, 2012

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What Was Chinese Superstar Lu Chen’s Biggest Fear About Performing in Las Vegas?

Posted by Editor on January 31st, 2012
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In an interview with Time Out Hong Kong, Lu Chen discusses his shows at The Wynn last year in Las Vegas. Specifically, which element send a chill down his spine before taking the stage as the only ticketed Chinese magician in Vegas history.

I needed to speak English in the shows, which made me nervous because I had to think about the language and do acts at the same time. Oral communication plays a big part in my performance, so that’s challenging. But Wynn in Las Vegas is a great place to perform magic, and the Americans were really enthusiastic.

For those unaware, Lu Chen’s popularity in China is remarkable. Thanks to a burgeoning population and limited broadcast options, shows like the Chinese New Year celebration are watched by staggering numbers. To use a movie example: if Chen were to play the Justin Timberlake role in Social Network he might tell American television magicians that performing for a million people at once isn’t cool… performing for a billion is.

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7 Illusions for Under 10 Bucks

Posted by Editor on January 31st, 2012
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Andrew Mayne presents seven incredible, easy-to-build, inexpensive stage illusions for the beginner and the pro.

Make motorcycles appear, move through human beings, build a Shadow Box illusion for under $50 and more!

Based upon his experience performing around the world in resorts, showrooms and cruise ships, Andrew Mayne presents practical illusions that can be put together very quickly for very little money.

Minimoto – Make a mini-motorcycle appear in a fraction of a second
5th Dimension – Walk through a volunteer from the audience
Banished – Vanish a nuisance helper instantly
Transformer – Change places in the blink of an eye
The Wall – Move through a solid object like a brick wall
Shadows – Build a pack-flat shadow box for under $50
Enlarger – Make objects grow to several times their size

+ 7 illusions
+ Video running time 65 minutes
+ Shot in widescreen 16:9 format

Available now as an instant download for just $9.95

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Magician Tapped to Shoot Illusionist Action/Thriller Now You See Me

Posted by Editor on January 31st, 2012
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We’ve talked quite a bit about a certain magic comedy filming in Las Vegas, however, all stealth-like there is another studio magic flick currently in production. And this one has some magic chops behind the camera.

Larry Fong is not only a cinematographer with visual blockbusters like 300, Super 8, Lost and Watchmen on his resume he’s also an avid magician.

He is currently shooting Now You See Me, a thriller centered around a band of stage illusionists who rob banks using magic methods and the FBI team sent to stop them. It stars Morgan Freeman, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg.

Pretty smart hire for director Louis Leterrier, he gets a A-List DP and magic consultant in one dude.

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UPDATED! Do David Copperfield, Criss Angel & David Letterman Have Cameos in Burt Wonderstone?

Posted by Editor on January 30th, 2012
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letterman burt wonderstone-1.jpgCinema Blend is reporting that David Copperfield, Criss Angel and film-shy late night host David Letterman might have cameos in the upcoming magic comedy Burt Wonderstone. It would not be the craziest rumor ever, we’ve seen the cast visit DC and CA’s shows over the last few weeks and the film apparently explores the “magic community” element of Vegas.

As for Letterman, who is notoriously critical of magic, this would be the first on-camera cameo for him since 1994′s Cabin Boy.

iTricks has also heard that there are few more names readers to this site might be excited about seeing on the big screen. We will have more on that as we get it.

UPDATE: We’ve received word from a source involved in the production confirming David Copperfield as having a cameo. They also told us that Criss Angel will not appear in the film.

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Criss Angel, David Copperfield, Rumor | 4 Comments »

Three Moments at Walt Disney World that Will Change the Way You Look at Magic

Posted by Editor on January 30th, 2012

Tony Ley is a magician and performer at Walt Disney World, you can currently see him at the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom. Also, follow him on Twitter at @TijuanaTaxi. We asked him for the three most magical moments during any given day at WDW, here are his answers…

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Illuminations (Epcot Center) – Why should magicians want to see it? Spectacle. It’s eye popping, bigger than any other show on property. Every building in the park is part of the show. The barge in the middle is called “The Inferno Barge”. No matter where you are it comes to you. Watch that and then consider how “big” your act plays.

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Fantasmic (Hollywood Studios) – Fire, water effects, giant dragon. Pretty much the closest thing you’ll get to a Siegfried and Roy show these days. Although much more doe eyed considering the stars of the show are Disney characters. A real mixture of everything. Much more for the family.

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Wishes & Magic, Memories and You (Magic Kingdom) – A great example of how you can pull the heart strings of people with explosives. The firework timing along with the music cues are all amazing. Notice how the story runs from beginning to end. If you watch guests while they are watching it, families will just start hugging each other. It’s remarkable.

I actually met my birth mom for the first time on property and we watched Wishes together and I got a teary eyed. I stood there and was like, “What’s happening to my emotions.”

Watch what they do with a story and put that in your show.

BONUS: Check out the high tech puppeteering in Turtle Talk with Crush. It’s actually not fair how much the minds of children who see this are going to we warped.

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Penn Radio Lives! Penn’s Sunday School Debuting on Adam Carolla’s Network

Posted by Editor on January 30th, 2012
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We had a feeling…

Penn has officially announced via Twitter that his new podcast Penn’s Sunday School will debut on Adam Carolla’s ACE Broadcasting Network on February 19th. Fans of the long-dormant Penn Radio will surely rejoice to hear that his sidekick Michael Goudeau will again be by his side.

The first episode will feature Carolla as a guest.

What’s more, to replicate the call-in nature of his former show, the podcast will record live for a select 666 super fans. Dubbed the “congregation” they will be allowed to text and call the program as it moves along.

This is a great move for Penn. Previous takes in the podcast space (namely Penn Says and Penn Point) relied on Jillette’s monologue ability which although nothing to sneeze at, is an incredibly difficult genre. A long form program with someone to talk to seems like a can’t miss.

Follow Penn Sunday on Twitter for more details.

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THE WORLD’S BEST HEAD FOR IMX 2012!

Posted by Editor on January 30th, 2012
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The IMX team having been scouring the globe – bringing you the very the best of magic. They are excited to announce that FISM Asia Grand Prix Champion – Yu Ho Jin – will be joining the excitement direct from Korea … and sensational close-up star, Eric Jones, will be sharing some of his most closely guarded material at IMX 2012 taking place in Las Vegas 21-23 May.

Yu Ho Jin, a truly phenomenal performer, literally stole the show at FISM Asia in Hong Kong and walked away with the Grand Prix … his skill and talent is simply incredible and has to be seen live to be believed! Card manipulation will never be the same again!

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In the world of close-up, Eric Jones, has long been known to the magic underground, but now he has truly exploded onto the scene. His magic is smooth as silk – his performance looks the impossible … slow, beautiful, stunning. To learn from such a pro is a joy. Every piece of his performance is thought out to the nth degree. It looks and feels like true magic because every detail has been considered, every nuance appreciated and he finally shares this all with you. Eric Jones will change your magic, your thinking about magic, and will simply motivate you to be a better magician.

With less than 4 months to go – excitement is mounting. Last year’s event broke all records – and 2012 looks set to be even more amazing!

IMX 2012 is truly cementing itself as the international magic experience with performers literally joining the event from the four corners of the globe – Korea, Spain, Argentina, England, USA, Sweden, Canada, Germany, Israel, Australia – it’s a veritable United Nations of Magic.

Over 20+ of the world’s finest performers in 3 days of nothing but magic – unrivaled choice, hard-hitting training & sensational performances. There’s nothing else like it. Register now at www.imxlasvegas.com – limited ProPass registrations remain.

And if you’re wanting to win your entire trip to Vegas FREE … free hotel, free registration & free flights – check out their Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/IMXLASVEGAS

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