Shaq and Teller

[Jim Riser]

This past week while attending a trade show in Vegas, we happened to catch an episode of "Shaq vs.". Featured that evening was Shaq against Penn and Teller. As part of the negotiation for rules of the challenge, Shaq would get Teller as his partner and get to use a P and T illusion. Shaq and Teller were born.

The magic shown was different, entertaining, and evidence of why Penn and Teller are as successful as they are. The illusion demonstrated in this challenge would be entertaining and mysterious if played "straight". But with the Penn and Teller twist it is pure genius. In addition, the basketball card location performed by Penn was equally brilliant.

The thought processes exhibited in the performances and creations of Penn and Teller (and staff?) are way beyond those seen demonstrated by the vast majority of those performing magic. I feel it would be wise to study the thought processes of Penn and Teller and utilize these mental tricks to improve magic in general. The point is that originality can still be accomplished without stealing the work of others or copying their performing style.

For those wanting to get addition mental inspiration from their work, I suggest looking up the TV special they did which concluded with the submarine vanish.

I'm really surprised that no one else has mentioned this recent TV episode.
Jim

[Jonathan Townsend]

Jim,

Where do they discuss their thought/design process?

And when/where was this TV special with shaq?

Jon

[Mike Kamlet]

You can watch the episode here...


Shaq vs teller

[mai-ling]

totally forgot about this episode.
it was on after wipeout last night, right?

[Rich Cowley]

Where do they discuss their thought/design process?

In his book 'Scripting Magic', Pete McCabe includes a (IMHO) great interview with Teller, where they discuss The Care And Feeding of the Creative Mind.

If you don't have this book - get it.
If you already have this book - read it again.

Either way: You'll be glad you did!

[Magic Newswire]

In case you missed it, here's the video. Nice little appearance by Johnny Thompson as well! See who you spot in the audience! I know that I saw Randi. (Sorry to those outside the US but t is from Hulu) : http://bit.ly/9T7Lyl