In this groundbreaking DVD set, learn the design, performance and approach to modern stage illusions through one of the top illusion teams in the world.
If you ever wanted to learn how to approach illusion performing, designing and producing, this DVD is a must-have.
J C Sum & 'Magic Babe' Ning, "Asia's Most Famous Illusionists" (The Straits Times), take you behind their illusions and share their experience & expertise by analyzing 10 cutting edge illusions in live performance.
This is not an illusion method explanation video but J C & Ning offer a comprehensive overview to stage illusions that will be invaluable to stage magicians & illusionists of ALL levels.
The duo covers illusions of different sizes and scale to illustrate various learning points, highlight design elements and shed insight on illusion techniques, motivation and philosophy of performing illusions for today's audience.
As a bonus, for the first time ever, J C & Ning will share behind the scenes information on one of their live mega illusions, "The Aerial Exit".
Information shared in Behind the Illusions include:
Illusion Performance Approaches & Tips
Stage Movement & Blocking for Illusions
Working with an Assistant/ Partner
Making Illusions Unique through design and/ or presentation
Illusion Design Approach & Philosophy
Illusion Building Tips
Thoughts on Overly Performed Illusions
Illusions - to buy or to build?
Choosing the right illusions
Illusions with Multiple Uses
Recycling Illusions
Lighting Enhancement for Illusions
Illusion Cloth Handling
Casing Illusions - Managing space, weight, time and efficiency through illusion breakdown design.
Resources for Illusionists
Illusion Reference/ Credits & History
Illusions used to illustrate teachings include:
Crystal Metamorphosis An original design for a see-through "Substitution Trunk" built for speed Teachings: Illusion Design, Illusion Choreography & Movement, Lighting Design
Crystal Appearance An original design & approach to performing the "Crystal Casket" illusion Teachings: Deceptive Base Design, Illusion Construction, Illusion Cloth Handling
Smoke Chamber A magical appearance from an empty glass cabinet that fills with smoke Teachings: Deceptive Base Design, Illusion Construction
Human Light Tunnel* / Shadow Vision* A reinvention of the Jim Sommer's "Lights Fantastic" mini-illusion Teachings: Illusion Design, Ethics & Rights, Designing a Presentation to Enhance Stage Character, Onstage Cueing between Performers
Impassable* A reinvention of Jim Steinmeyer's "Through a One-Inch Hole" illusion Teachings: Illusion Design, Illusion Presentation, Practicality in Illusions
Light & Space A high-tech "Spiker" style illusion using LED Light Staffs Teachings: Illusion Design, Illusion Recycling, Examining Illusion Appearance Reveals
Theatre of Shadows* The classic Shadow Box illusion presented in a modern illusion show Teachings: Classics in a Modern Illusion Show, Choosing a First Illusion, Redressing an Illusion
Modern Art* A different presentation for Jim Steinmeyer's neo-classic dividing girl illusion Teachings: Illusion Design, Illusion Presentation, Differentiating your Illusion Performance
Revollusion An original presentation for an illusion with a giant industrial fan Teachings: Illusion Design, Character Development through Presentation, Creative Illusion Thinking, Show Production
360 Sawing* J C's complete redesign and rebuild of Gerry & Leonora Frenette's "Woman's Revolution" Teachings: Illusion Design, Illusion Choreography & Movement, Working with Stage Crew
* While approaches to illusion design are discussed, the exact methods of proprietory illusions are not revealed. The viewer will need to have a working knowledge of basic methods and principles used. Full credits and references of all illusions are included in the DVD
REVIEWS
"If you're looking to get your feet wet and learn about illusions then this is a great resource for you. The price is right, you get a lot of fun content and a great behind the scenes look from working pros. One of my favorite parts was seeing a full performance and then a behind the scenes look at one of their latest mega illusions. Great job JC Sum and 'Magic Babe' Ning!"
Luke Dancy, The Magic Session, 24, Jul 2011. Watch the full review at HERE (You will need to sign up for an account) Or read a written review on The Magic Cafe HERE
"This DVD is a valuable teaching tool that nicely augments the information that you'll find in illusion books. If you've been wanting to learn about the real work and magic behind the big boxes, I think that most can learn something here. "
Wayne Kawamoto, About.com Magic & Illusion guide, 19 Jul 2011. Read the full review HERE.
“There is so much in this DVD… I’m giving it a 90% (rating)!”
David Penn, Wizard Product Review. 15 Jun 2011. Watch the full review HERE.
“Anyone who performs illusions will get something out of this, it is the first time I have seen something like this for illusions. It is a great product, highly recommended”
Paul Romhany, Romhany Report, 14 Jul 2011. Watch the full review HERE
“I have always admired how JC creates his magic and especially the subtleties he employs during his performance. An example of his subtleties during his performance would be when he is “panting” for breath after a magical appearance. These little things will help create better magic. So, if you are into Illusions, you should check out this DVD, if you like it, you can even get the plans from his book. Rating 4.5/5”
Bernard Sim, Sexy Magic Reviews, 23 Jun/2011. Read the full review HERE
"I’m very happy with this DVD set. It is very well worth the price and does a lot for people trying to learn more. What I learned more was J C’s aproach to illusion design and experience (which is not saying little, since a professional illusionist’s experience, especially a world class top one, is invaluable.) I would recomend this DVD set to anyone interested in Illusions, because, as far as I know, this is the most complete and broad analysis on the subject (on DVD) available. 5 out of 5 stars!"
Maximilian Draco (aka) Draco the illusionist, from Portugal, Sexy Magic Reviews. 16 Jun 2011. Read the full review HERE.
