How does Derren Brown create such great drama in his routines?
With the release of his new Hulu specials, Derren Brown spoke to the official Hulu blog and among the conversation was an answer to that specific question. And as a bonus, it involves Teller.
On what he’s learned from Penn & Teller on how to create drama.
Teller said something like, “When the hero struggles—if it’s clearly difficult for the magician to do something—then that makes it much more interesting than if he can just click his fingers.” Over the years, that’s had a great resonance.
As a viewer of Brown’s work I’ve always marveled at how much great content he builds into his routine beyond the “annnnd I got the right answer” moment. Words to build a show by…