Ignoring Harry Potter
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Ignoring Harry Potter
It seems to me that the world of professional magicians is ignoring the Harry Potter phenomenon that is sweeping the world of children (and adults). With the arrival of the second film in what will probably be a long series of Harry Potter this and Harry Potter that, wed better get with it or get left behind.
To do my part, Ive created a new Web-site devoted to the kind of magic that Harry Potter fans expect: www.magicnook.com . Its advertised as a little corner in Diagon Alley, where knowing Wizards. Witches and Warlock can obtain their needful supplies to practice their craft. We even have magic for Muggles.
Now, if you dont know what on earth Im talking about, then you truly are out of touch with the real world. Diagon Alley was shown in the first Harry Potter film, as an invisible street in London open only to those with magical gifts. Muggles are non-magic folk. For those who need help with the language, Ive provided a glossary on the site, that will grow as the site grows.
Childrens magicians, especially, should begin discarding their black and white tipped traditional magic wands for a mahogany wand like the one Harry Potter uses in the movie. Get rid of the tuxedos and get ready to perform in a long sleeved robe (every magicians sleeve dream, not to mention the livestock you can easily carry under all that garment!). The top hat gives way to the pointed wizards hat, with some advantages and some disadvantages magically speaking. But as far as the audience is concerned, its all fresh and new when you do the same old stuff with a Harry Potter flair. If you havent at least seen the first movie, you should begin there. You can learn even more about Harry Potters world (and get ideas for new effects and treatments for old ones) by reading the books.
So to make the point and get off the subject dont ignore the Harry Potter craze USE it!
Jim Gerrish (NJ)
magicnook@yahoo.com
To do my part, Ive created a new Web-site devoted to the kind of magic that Harry Potter fans expect: www.magicnook.com . Its advertised as a little corner in Diagon Alley, where knowing Wizards. Witches and Warlock can obtain their needful supplies to practice their craft. We even have magic for Muggles.
Now, if you dont know what on earth Im talking about, then you truly are out of touch with the real world. Diagon Alley was shown in the first Harry Potter film, as an invisible street in London open only to those with magical gifts. Muggles are non-magic folk. For those who need help with the language, Ive provided a glossary on the site, that will grow as the site grows.
Childrens magicians, especially, should begin discarding their black and white tipped traditional magic wands for a mahogany wand like the one Harry Potter uses in the movie. Get rid of the tuxedos and get ready to perform in a long sleeved robe (every magicians sleeve dream, not to mention the livestock you can easily carry under all that garment!). The top hat gives way to the pointed wizards hat, with some advantages and some disadvantages magically speaking. But as far as the audience is concerned, its all fresh and new when you do the same old stuff with a Harry Potter flair. If you havent at least seen the first movie, you should begin there. You can learn even more about Harry Potters world (and get ideas for new effects and treatments for old ones) by reading the books.
So to make the point and get off the subject dont ignore the Harry Potter craze USE it!
Jim Gerrish (NJ)
magicnook@yahoo.com
Phineas Spellbinder
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
"It seems to me that the world of professional magicians is ignoring the Harry Potter phenomenon that is sweeping the world of children (and adults)."
Boy that certainly hasn't been my observation or experience at all. I've seen a number of area bookstores, movie theaters and libraries hosting Harry Potter themed magic shows. Also on a few of the national TV magazine shows I have seen regarding the Harry Potter phenomenom they have always mentioned the same types of shows being performed all over the country. I've also heard many of the local magicians in the shops around here (Chicago and nearby suburbs) discussing how they've incorported the theme into their shows. I'd be curious to see what others have observed.
And just a suggestion, you may want to take a look at the "is a good website important" thread in the "Marketing and Magic Business" topic.
Boy that certainly hasn't been my observation or experience at all. I've seen a number of area bookstores, movie theaters and libraries hosting Harry Potter themed magic shows. Also on a few of the national TV magazine shows I have seen regarding the Harry Potter phenomenom they have always mentioned the same types of shows being performed all over the country. I've also heard many of the local magicians in the shops around here (Chicago and nearby suburbs) discussing how they've incorported the theme into their shows. I'd be curious to see what others have observed.
And just a suggestion, you may want to take a look at the "is a good website important" thread in the "Marketing and Magic Business" topic.
Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Of course, be careful not to infringe on the intellectual property of J. K. Rowling or the book/movie publishers. Making money off of their intellectual property is not only a bit tacky, but it may get you in trouble.
Of course, figuring out how to take advantage of the Harry Potter craze while not borrowing from Harry Potter takes some creativity. But that's good for us magicians.
-alain
Of course, figuring out how to take advantage of the Harry Potter craze while not borrowing from Harry Potter takes some creativity. But that's good for us magicians.
-alain
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
I live in the Outer Siberia of magic and I've seen about 5-6 ads for Potter-like magic shows for kids by the few magicians that work around here -
Are you sure you weren't just trying to put an ad for your new website on the Genii forum -
By the way I've read all the Potter books and I'm trying to figure out the connection between Magic Nook and Daigon Alley-
Or maybe I'm just being too cynical?
Dave
Are you sure you weren't just trying to put an ad for your new website on the Genii forum -
By the way I've read all the Potter books and I'm trying to figure out the connection between Magic Nook and Daigon Alley-
Or maybe I'm just being too cynical?
Dave
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
I'm glad to hear that others have been paying attention to HP and friends. Maybe I'm the one with my head in the sand. However, I took your advice and checked out the thread you suggested and I've never seen such a buch of conflicting advice in all my life. If you have a suggestion for my Web site, I'd appreciate hearing what it is, but not if I have to go through a Web site tupperware party to get it. Thanks, though, it's the thought that counts!Originally posted by Tom Dobrowolski:
And just a suggestion, you may want to take a look at the "is a good website important" thread in the "Marketing and Magic Business" topic.
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Thanks for the advice. I'm being careful. "He who shall not be named" takes on new meaning on my site.Originally posted by Alain Roy:
Of course, be careful not to infringe on the intellectual property of J. K. Rowling or the book/movie publishers. Making money off of their intellectual property is not only a bit tacky, but it may get you in trouble.
Of course, figuring out how to take advantage of the Harry Potter craze while not borrowing from Harry Potter takes some creativity. But that's good for us magicians.
-alain
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
California is hardly "Outer Siberia," Dave, but I'm glad to hear that others are picking up on the HP ideas. For Your Information- Magic Nook is a little corner in Diagon Alley. I was originally going to name it "Diagonal Lee" but figured that was too esoteric and might offend Hank Lee. There eventually will be a photograph of the store front on the site, showing a door fitting into a corner and then it may make more sense. Thanks for responding.Originally posted by Dave Egleston:
I live in the Outer Siberia of magic and I've seen about 5-6 ads for Potter-like magic shows for kids by the few magicians that work around here -
Are you sure you weren't just trying to put an ad for your new website on the Genii forum -
By the way I've read all the Potter books and I'm trying to figure out the connection between Magic Nook and Daigon Alley-
Or maybe I'm just being too cynical?
Dave
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
I can understand how many magicians might want to jump on the Harry Potter bandwagon (or the Lord of the Rings bandwagon -- there's no shortage of wizardry in that movie as well), but I'm willing to posit a different viewpoint.
Many magicians are workaday pros -- kid shows, restaurant gigs, whatever gets the calls to come in and the gigs booked. Gotta pay the mortgage.
But one of the first things we like to ask when you start working as a magician is, "Who are you?"
If you are dropping everything to embrace the latest entertainment fad that has something to do with magic, how is an audience going to find out who "you" are?
Maybe some magicians are "cover bands" and some are "original music only," to use a musical metaphor. Or rather, original arrangements, since there really is so little new in our line of work.
There's always going to be guys that do "Invisible Deck" and sponge rabbits and "Professor's Nightmare" and the like; the "Twelve Tricks, a bag and a business card" kind of magician. Sort of like there will always be that band that plays the Parents Without Partners dances that covers the Beach Boys, Kool & The Gang's "Celebration" and a various assortment of 80s dance standards.
Originality in our line of work, our art form, is hard enough to come by. But I think we need to think long and hard before sacrificing "art" to commerce. Look at ways to make reference to popular fads in the entertainment world -- but I would ask that you not glom onto them wholesale. Be yourself.
How else are you going to step away from the pack and be original if you ditch your regular wand for a pointy stick and a big black robe?
I try and impart to my audiences that this is an art form, something at which I have spent 26 years of my life, with serious moments and levity, romance, science, wonder and mystery. It is no different from the guy who plays jazz piano where I work, only we work in different forms.
I already have to deal with the attendant belief that magic is entertainment suited solely for children's parties. I'm hoping that the popular media doesn't make most magicians feel this is the case as well.
Just another viewpoint, submitted for your consideration.
brian :cool:
Many magicians are workaday pros -- kid shows, restaurant gigs, whatever gets the calls to come in and the gigs booked. Gotta pay the mortgage.
But one of the first things we like to ask when you start working as a magician is, "Who are you?"
If you are dropping everything to embrace the latest entertainment fad that has something to do with magic, how is an audience going to find out who "you" are?
Maybe some magicians are "cover bands" and some are "original music only," to use a musical metaphor. Or rather, original arrangements, since there really is so little new in our line of work.
There's always going to be guys that do "Invisible Deck" and sponge rabbits and "Professor's Nightmare" and the like; the "Twelve Tricks, a bag and a business card" kind of magician. Sort of like there will always be that band that plays the Parents Without Partners dances that covers the Beach Boys, Kool & The Gang's "Celebration" and a various assortment of 80s dance standards.
Originality in our line of work, our art form, is hard enough to come by. But I think we need to think long and hard before sacrificing "art" to commerce. Look at ways to make reference to popular fads in the entertainment world -- but I would ask that you not glom onto them wholesale. Be yourself.
How else are you going to step away from the pack and be original if you ditch your regular wand for a pointy stick and a big black robe?
I try and impart to my audiences that this is an art form, something at which I have spent 26 years of my life, with serious moments and levity, romance, science, wonder and mystery. It is no different from the guy who plays jazz piano where I work, only we work in different forms.
I already have to deal with the attendant belief that magic is entertainment suited solely for children's parties. I'm hoping that the popular media doesn't make most magicians feel this is the case as well.
Just another viewpoint, submitted for your consideration.
brian :cool:
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
I find your above two ideas somewhat conflicting. On the one hand, if you "gotta pay the mortgage" then that means you "gotta be commercial." But when you start making money at it, you're suddenly guilty of "sacrificing art to commerce."Originally posted by Brian Wendell Morton:
Many magicians are workaday pros -- kid shows, restaurant gigs, whatever gets the calls to come in and the gigs booked. Gotta pay the mortgage.
But I think we need to think long and hard before sacrificing "art" to commerce.
brian :cool:
Even the Salvation Army dresses its collectors in commercial Santa Claus outfits to bring in the bucks this time of year. Is that jumping on the bandwagon or what?
But professional magicians, who make 80% or better of their living from magic, should have no illusions about the difference between the "art" of magic, and paying the bills. As for me, I see jumping on this particular bandwagon a high form of art. It requires being able to adapt to the new ways both children and adults are seeing magic after being exposed to both Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. If the art happens to be highly commercial as well, we have the best of both worlds.
When Mandrake hits the screens, those magicians who have opted to maintain the Cardini or Blackstone look in spite of everything will find themselves back in vogue, but we "commercial artists" will be there, too, having learned to adapt.
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
A great many magicians, I suspect, have not "ignored" the Harry Potter phenomenon; in fact, if anything, the field is getting a bit over-crowded.
There are many, many children's performers who have changed some or all of their acts to fit the Potter phenomenon.
But isn't switching from wands and whatever, to Potter-type wands and wizard wear simply changing one stereotype for another?
Not much original thinking there!
And, Jim, may I assume that you have a written contract with Warner Bros., who handle the Potter trademark, copyright, etc., for your site? Because, otherwise it is a violation of their proprietary rights; just not mentioning Harry Potter by name is hardly enough -- the pictorial images, "muggles" references, Diagon Alley, etc., etc. are all covered by WB-owned copyrights. And, believe me, they WILL come down on offenders like "the hammer of God"!
I would suggest re-reading the second paragraph of Alain Roy's post; good advice there.
cheers,
Peter Marucci
showtimecol@aol.com
There are many, many children's performers who have changed some or all of their acts to fit the Potter phenomenon.
But isn't switching from wands and whatever, to Potter-type wands and wizard wear simply changing one stereotype for another?
Not much original thinking there!
And, Jim, may I assume that you have a written contract with Warner Bros., who handle the Potter trademark, copyright, etc., for your site? Because, otherwise it is a violation of their proprietary rights; just not mentioning Harry Potter by name is hardly enough -- the pictorial images, "muggles" references, Diagon Alley, etc., etc. are all covered by WB-owned copyrights. And, believe me, they WILL come down on offenders like "the hammer of God"!
I would suggest re-reading the second paragraph of Alain Roy's post; good advice there.
cheers,
Peter Marucci
showtimecol@aol.com
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
I had a long drive today for work - (What kind of company has their veterans work on 11/11?)- While I was driving it occurred to me why "We magicians are (ignoring?) Harry Potter - NOT A SINGLE CARD TRICK - In the books or the movie!!
Dave
Dave
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
I'm glad to hear it, but I have yet to hear it from one single professional who has actually done it! All these posts are from those who can attest to the "fact" that lots of others who are using Harry Potter inspired acts, but none from even one who has given it a try.Originally posted by Peter Marucci:
A great many magicians, I suspect, have not "ignored" the Harry Potter phenomenon; in fact, if anything, the field is getting a bit over-crowded.
There are many, many children's performers who have changed some or all of their acts to fit the Potter phenomenon.
Regarding your trademark concerns, I purchase my HP stock from suppliers who are all paying WB their potter's fees. The original stuff is all made up without mentioning "he who shall not be named," but who can be legally inferred. As I explain in my glossary, the original meaning of "muggles" was as a slang word for marijuana cigarettes long before HP was written, and Diagon Alley is made from the word "diagonally." I think I'm covered. But thanks for your cautions and concern.
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Well, we have the kind of card effects that HP would have if he could get his hands on a deck of cards at that school of his. It would probably be Tarot cards, so we have those, but for the religious zealots who freak out at the very thought of the witchcraft and sorcery in Harry Potter books (but apparently are OK with the heavy violence of Spiderman and his comic book companions), we also have magic done with regular cards or even kiddie cards (Go Fish decks and the like). We are even planning something using the cards that ARE mentioned in the books and seen in the movie- the Chocolate Frogs cards with moving pictures. So now what's yer excuse?Originally posted by Dave Egleston:
I had a long drive today for work - (What kind of company has their veterans work on 11/11?)- While I was driving it occurred to me why "We magicians are (ignoring?) Harry Potter - NOT A SINGLE CARD TRICK - In the books or the movie!!
Dave
Phineas Spellbinder
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
My word!
Mr. Gerrish,
I don't understand all the [censored] around by others in the above posts.
The advesarial nature of this thread is due to the simple fact that your initial post is nothing more than a blatant add for your business website. There's nothing wrong with advertising, but you should call it an ad and pay Mr. Kaufman for the space it takes up.
On top of that, what you are selling is very un-original.
I read all the Harry Potter books before the movie deal was even inked. Before Ms. Rowling sold out her idea to AOL/Time-Warner, both me and my children really enjoyed the character of Harry Potter and his fantasy world. Now, the mass-media mono-culture is forcing these corporate driven images down our throats at every turn. The Harry Potter franchise has extended to everything - even toothpaste and underwear.
These books had an amazing quality that captivated both adults and children. That charm was completely sold out. Harry Potter was about books, and children and adults READING together - a truly beautiful thing. Harry Potter is now a movie series/marketing licensing phenomenon - an evil greedy thing.
I hope that someday you find a wonderful idea of your own that makes you the kind of money you hope to make selling these cheap trinkets with names from Ms. Rowling's over-marketed idea tacked onto them.
Mr. Gerrish,
I don't understand all the [censored] around by others in the above posts.
The advesarial nature of this thread is due to the simple fact that your initial post is nothing more than a blatant add for your business website. There's nothing wrong with advertising, but you should call it an ad and pay Mr. Kaufman for the space it takes up.
On top of that, what you are selling is very un-original.
I read all the Harry Potter books before the movie deal was even inked. Before Ms. Rowling sold out her idea to AOL/Time-Warner, both me and my children really enjoyed the character of Harry Potter and his fantasy world. Now, the mass-media mono-culture is forcing these corporate driven images down our throats at every turn. The Harry Potter franchise has extended to everything - even toothpaste and underwear.
These books had an amazing quality that captivated both adults and children. That charm was completely sold out. Harry Potter was about books, and children and adults READING together - a truly beautiful thing. Harry Potter is now a movie series/marketing licensing phenomenon - an evil greedy thing.
I hope that someday you find a wonderful idea of your own that makes you the kind of money you hope to make selling these cheap trinkets with names from Ms. Rowling's over-marketed idea tacked onto them.
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Scott, you know the nice thing about books? They're always there, never changing, ready to give the same pleasure (and perhaps more) when they're read a second and third time.
It is still possible to enjoy the Harry Potter volumes (including those forthcoming) as you have. Just ignore the merchandising crap!
It can be done!
It is still possible to enjoy the Harry Potter volumes (including those forthcoming) as you have. Just ignore the merchandising crap!
It can be done!
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Richard, that reminds me of what Raymond Chandler said when someone asked him what he thought of what Hollywood had done to his books.
"They haven't done anything," he replied, and pointed to them sitting on the shelf. "They're still there."
Jeff
"They haven't done anything," he replied, and pointed to them sitting on the shelf. "They're still there."
Jeff
Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Reading the books allows one's imagination to run wild... the movies take that away... tsk tsk :(
Stay tooned.
Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Hi Richard,
What you say is very true, and I don't mean to disparage the Harry Potter books. But "Harry Potter" has become something else now, and the original books seem almost secondary to the movies and the rest of it.
You can't put the Genii back in the bottle, and many young readers will never have a chance to make their own images of Harry's world.
See the article at this link:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=s ... er_readers
What you say is very true, and I don't mean to disparage the Harry Potter books. But "Harry Potter" has become something else now, and the original books seem almost secondary to the movies and the rest of it.
You can't put the Genii back in the bottle, and many young readers will never have a chance to make their own images of Harry's world.
See the article at this link:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=s ... er_readers
Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Jim Gerrish replies to me by saying: "I have yet to hear it from one single professional who has actually done it!(the "it" being the use of Harry Potter and related characters and things in a magic show.)
Well, I do, so now you've heard of one. :D
As well as dozens of others who have posted entire routines on digest like Ring2100 and SAMtalk on the 'net.
cheers,
Peter Marucci
showtimecol@aol.com
Well, I do, so now you've heard of one. :D
As well as dozens of others who have posted entire routines on digest like Ring2100 and SAMtalk on the 'net.
cheers,
Peter Marucci
showtimecol@aol.com
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Wow! I didn't think my post would hit so many raw nerves. Well, I do happen to have some other magic tricks in my on-line store. Surely some of them must be original. I have E-Z magic products like the "Hopping Diamonds." Oh, darn! That's Ken Allen's "Jumping Gems." Well, how about ... well you get the idea. There's not a single original idea in my store, or anyone else's for that matter. Most of the newest tricks coming on the market aren't original at all, but based on older tricks. I feel so ashamed. I'll hang a "Going out of business because I don't have anything original to sell" sign on my door immediately.Originally posted by Scott Ocheltree:
My word!
There's nothing wrong with advertising, but you should call it an ad and pay Mr. Kaufman for the space it takes up.
On top of that, what you are selling is very un-original.
I hope that someday you find a wonderful idea of your own that makes you the kind of money you hope to make selling these cheap trinkets with names from Ms. Rowling's over-marketed idea tacked onto them.
Thanks for setting me straight. Now I'm going to put on my thinking cap and come up with a completely original idea that I can make my own original trinkets from and over-market them without feeling guilty.
And if Mr. Kaufman, who has obviously seen this post because he responded to it, wants me to take out a paid ad in Genii Magazine, I'll be happy to do so. But I could hardly have made my original post without showing that I was backing up my words with actions.
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
But no one forces a person to either read the books or look at the movies. I've done both and my imagination is still running wild. What about movies that weren't made from books? Foe example, the "Blair Witch Project" seems to have made a few imaginations run wild and has caused books to be written. Anyway, I challenge ANYONE to write a book or make a movie that does any kind of damage to my imagination... or anyone else's. I'll make that a million dollar challenge and James Randi can decide the winner (or would that be loser?).Originally posted by Pete Biro:
Reading the books allows one's imagination to run wild... the movies take that away... tsk tsk :(
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
It ain't necessarily so. My grandson got hooked on Harry Potter by first seeing the movie. Then he read the book and discovered that it was different from the movie in many places, so he went on to read the other books in the series. I don't think he is alone and that there may be others who had a similar experience. I remember seeing the movie "The Wizard of Oz" when it first came out, and then eagerly devouring the entire OZ series at the local library. But maybe we're unique and I should believe whatever is printed in Yahoo! News.Originally posted by Scott Ocheltree:
[QB]
... many young readers will never have a chance to make their own images of Harry's world.
QB]
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Well, you could have said so in your earlier post. Anyway, I'm glad to find out that you're a practitioner rather than a preacher and I will check out those sources you listed and see if I can make links to them from my site so others can see what has already been done in the field. Now to important issues... how the heck do you make those funny face thingees on your posts?Originally posted by Peter Marucci:
Well, I do, so now you've heard of one. :D
As well as dozens of others who have posted entire routines on digest like Ring2100 and SAMtalk on the 'net.
cheers,
Peter Marucci
showtimecol@aol.com
Phineas Spellbinder
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The Magic Nook
Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Jim,
Click on "post reply" at the top of the page.
When the message blank appears, scroll down and the thingees are there. :) :( :o :D ;) :genii:
Just click on any you want :cool: , with the cursor where you want them and, like magic, they appear!
However, the system only allows eight per message.
cheers,
Peter marucci
showtimecol@aol.com
Click on "post reply" at the top of the page.
When the message blank appears, scroll down and the thingees are there. :) :( :o :D ;) :genii:
Just click on any you want :cool: , with the cursor where you want them and, like magic, they appear!
However, the system only allows eight per message.
cheers,
Peter marucci
showtimecol@aol.com
Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Jim Gerrish writes:
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
-Ecclesiastes 1:9
Items like "Jumping Gems" and "Hopping Diamonds" are indeed routines that use classic methods. The development of new presentations for these methods, like the paddle move, does involve creativity. I suppose you could also say that it requires creativity to apply the images of the Harry Potter books and films to these things as well. I'm just not sure it can be done without looking like you're merely exploiting the latest mass-marketing blitz.
Harry Potter has been so widely licensed that TO ME it has got the same icky feel that Pokemon and the Spice Girls had before they vanished like last week's flavor. It's not the books (or even the movies really) that have rubbed that nerve raw for me, it's the chronic over-marketing of it at every turn - even here in this forum, thank you very much!
As you point out, the field of magic lacks much original thought. For example, How many people bought "Healed and Sealed" after David Blaine's last TV special? Whether or not that effect made sense for their character or act? But you could be right, maybe plastering images of the latest marketing phenom all over our acts is truly the best thing for all of us to do.
Do you have any Spiderman or Star Wars items?
And I'm sure Mr. Kaufman would greatly appreciate the purchase of ad space in Genii by any relevant and legitimate business, it only makes good business sense that he would. That he has left your post here is good business sense for him as well, it's generating a fair bit of traffic.
Thousands of years ago the same thing was said...I have E-Z magic products like the "Hopping Diamonds." Oh, darn! That's Ken Allen's "Jumping Gems." Well, how about ... well you get the idea. There's not a single original idea in my store, or anyone else's for that matter. Most of the newest tricks coming on the market aren't original at all, but based on older tricks.
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
-Ecclesiastes 1:9
Items like "Jumping Gems" and "Hopping Diamonds" are indeed routines that use classic methods. The development of new presentations for these methods, like the paddle move, does involve creativity. I suppose you could also say that it requires creativity to apply the images of the Harry Potter books and films to these things as well. I'm just not sure it can be done without looking like you're merely exploiting the latest mass-marketing blitz.
Harry Potter has been so widely licensed that TO ME it has got the same icky feel that Pokemon and the Spice Girls had before they vanished like last week's flavor. It's not the books (or even the movies really) that have rubbed that nerve raw for me, it's the chronic over-marketing of it at every turn - even here in this forum, thank you very much!
As you point out, the field of magic lacks much original thought. For example, How many people bought "Healed and Sealed" after David Blaine's last TV special? Whether or not that effect made sense for their character or act? But you could be right, maybe plastering images of the latest marketing phenom all over our acts is truly the best thing for all of us to do.
Do you have any Spiderman or Star Wars items?
And I'm sure Mr. Kaufman would greatly appreciate the purchase of ad space in Genii by any relevant and legitimate business, it only makes good business sense that he would. That he has left your post here is good business sense for him as well, it's generating a fair bit of traffic.
- Spellbinder
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
As a matter of fact...Originally posted by Scott Ocheltree:
Do you have any Spiderman or Star Wars items?
In my own children's act, I did a variation on a UF Grant illusion called the Farmer and the Witch, only I had Darth Vader change places with Princess Leia. But that was when the movie was first out, so I have a history of hopping on bandwagons. It's knowing when to get off that is important.
For spiderman, may I suggest a trick we also sell for Harry Potter fans- The Web? It makes a furry spider appear on the back of spectator's hand and scares the yell out of them when it shows up.
Phineas Spellbinder
The Magic Nook
The Magic Nook
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Thanks, Peter! :( :D ;) :p :eek: :) :cool:Originally posted by Peter Marucci:
Jim,
Click on "post reply" at the top of the page.
When the message blank appears, scroll down and the thingees are there.
Phineas Spellbinder
The Magic Nook
The Magic Nook
Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
I have always had a thing about using existing references in my kid's show. I perform as a magician clown and I like the idea of taking the children to a world unlike any they have ever seen. Think of films like Ron Howard's The Grinch where they live in a world that is a warped version of our own. By placing coke bottles, popular film, popular music etc. in an act, I feel like I am grinding the kids back to reality.
Also, as another magician once said to me "Hey! Coca Cola isn't paying me to advertise their products!"
In short, if I don't want to jump on a bandwagon to get anywhere. I want my own tout bus.
That said, I do perform as BILBO the magic clown (I came up with the name when I was 8 has just started clowning and had also just read the hobbit) so maybe I should just shut up.
Also, as another magician once said to me "Hey! Coca Cola isn't paying me to advertise their products!"
In short, if I don't want to jump on a bandwagon to get anywhere. I want my own tout bus.
That said, I do perform as BILBO the magic clown (I came up with the name when I was 8 has just started clowning and had also just read the hobbit) so maybe I should just shut up.
Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
I have been doing a "Harry Potter" style show for over three years now. Seventy-five percent of the parties that book mt services do so because they are having a "Harry Potter" themed party. These are often lavish affairs with living rooms temporarily tuned into mini Hogwarts. The parents dress up and play Wizard Professors, giving the party goers potions classes or instructions on playing Quidditch. I arrive and present a show that meshes perfectly into this theme. Having a "muggle" magician with his standard tricks and patter would be counter productive to the efforts of the party givers.
It is much the same for my Mediaeval\Renaissance performances. If your having a mediaeval wedding or Renaissance function you want entertainment that fits the theme, not some one doing a modern act in funny clothes. Themed and costumed perfomance is a nitch market but it is one I fill quite nicely and I don't feel for an instant that I have sold out or am limiting myself artisticly
It is much the same for my Mediaeval\Renaissance performances. If your having a mediaeval wedding or Renaissance function you want entertainment that fits the theme, not some one doing a modern act in funny clothes. Themed and costumed perfomance is a nitch market but it is one I fill quite nicely and I don't feel for an instant that I have sold out or am limiting myself artisticly
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Stephen King doesn't get paid to do advertisements either, but he mentions brand names from time to time. A does of reality offsets and emphasizes the fantastic.Originally posted by Nicholas J. Johnson:
Also, as another magician once said to me "Hey! Coca Cola isn't paying me to advertise their products!"
Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
I wouldn't be surprised if King WAS paid to mention brands...that aside, I have seem magicians perform whole acts baed around Coca Cola effects etc. and it just seems a little cheap.Stephen King doesn't get paid to do advertisements either, but he mentions brand names from time to time. A does of reality offsets and emphasizes the fantastic.
I myself perform healed and sealed in my stand up act for adults but I use the can more as a prop then as a theme. In fact, I even through in a couple of lines about the sugar in the coke etc.
I feel that, for me, a Harry Potter themed magic show is like a movie star impersonator or a theme park mascot. They only imitate and a copy is always inferior to the original.
Perhaps there is a way for building on the Harry Potter craze rather then just using a Rowling's characters plots and words etc.
Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Nicholas Johnson writes: "Perhaps there is a way for building on the Harry Potter craze rather then just using a Rowling's characters plots and words etc."
Why on earth would you assume that those who do Potter-based effects would simply use J.K. Rowling's plots, etc.?
Surely the concept is enough: A young wizard, or a school for young wizards, etc.
At least, that is what I do.
There is enough capability for original thought among magicians to come up with original lines, plots, and characters based on Potter & Co.
cheers,
Peter Marucci
showtimecol@aol.com
Why on earth would you assume that those who do Potter-based effects would simply use J.K. Rowling's plots, etc.?
Surely the concept is enough: A young wizard, or a school for young wizards, etc.
At least, that is what I do.
There is enough capability for original thought among magicians to come up with original lines, plots, and characters based on Potter & Co.
cheers,
Peter Marucci
showtimecol@aol.com
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Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Now the pot is beginning to boil! I liked the reference to Coca Cola, but I don't have that problem. If I make a reference to Coke in my show, it's because I want to make the reference and use something kids are familiar with, not because I have to get paid by someone to do it. I'm the one in charge of my shows and I do things for magical reasons, not commercial reasons... unless I start selling Harry Potter wands to kids on the way out... hmmm. But back to the subject. I once did a variation on ink to goldfish, but the goldfish appeared in a clear Coke bottle. So naturally, I didn't call it a bottle of ink, but a bottle of Coke. I asked the kids if they knew where cola came from, and showed them a cola nut (yes, it was an educational program for a school). I then did the magic, covering the Coke bottle with a cloth, and then when I removed the cloth, there was the water with the goldfish, and I squeezed the cloth and popped out a few cola nuts onto the floor. I didn't have to have the goldfish in the illusion at all, but it made a nice effect. I wasn't inferring there was anything fishy about Coke's products.
Themed magic is almost a completely separate world, and yet ALL magic is themed magic. It's just that some magicians don't realize that they are creating a theme before they even begin to perform. You can't even take a deck of cards out of your pocket without setting the theme a bit as to why you have a deck of cards in the first place (most muggles don't carry decks of cards on their persons everywhere they go). The difference between the magciian who doesn't THINK he does themed magic and me is that I know ALL magic is themed and whether the theme is BIG (like the Hogwarts party described above) or small (like picking up some change from a counter and doing a few quick effects with the coins to establish that you are a magician) it is all part of our art. :) :rolleyes: Sorry about this, but I have to get it out of my system. :mad: :confused: ;)
Themed magic is almost a completely separate world, and yet ALL magic is themed magic. It's just that some magicians don't realize that they are creating a theme before they even begin to perform. You can't even take a deck of cards out of your pocket without setting the theme a bit as to why you have a deck of cards in the first place (most muggles don't carry decks of cards on their persons everywhere they go). The difference between the magciian who doesn't THINK he does themed magic and me is that I know ALL magic is themed and whether the theme is BIG (like the Hogwarts party described above) or small (like picking up some change from a counter and doing a few quick effects with the coins to establish that you are a magician) it is all part of our art. :) :rolleyes: Sorry about this, but I have to get it out of my system. :mad: :confused: ;)
Phineas Spellbinder
The Magic Nook
The Magic Nook
Re: Ignoring Harry Potter
Sorry for making blood boil. Although that would make a great trick....
By themed act I was trying to refer to magicians who take an existing commerical story or idea and base a magic show around it. I apologise for being unclear.
I based my conclusion around the themed acts I have seen. All of them, bar none, have simply used buzzwords and concepts from the Harry Potter books (or whatever) . They all seemed a little desperate, as if they didn't have enough personality of their own and so they had to pretend to be linked to Harry (or whoever) in some way.
In the past when I have attended a Harry Potter party I have begun the show with a reference to Harry learning magic. I then ask the children whether they would like to learn magic. I then launch into my show which is about 'learning' magic. I will allow the kid's to bring any Harry Potter ideas to show.
I am not saying that why show is the most original one in the world but I do believe magicians and ANY performer should trying and bring their own dramatic themes and concepts to their act.
I should also note that
a)I don't really have anything against performer's who use commerical themes in their acts. It is their act and if it gets them work and the kid's (or adults have fun) then power to them.
b) I really hate the over commericialisation of children's entertainment. Everything children see these days seems to be a sales pitch for the next toy, card or book. I don't want to be part of that world. Whilst I don't think Harry Potter is the worst offender, I think this is where my apprehension begins.
I have a history of p***ing people off in forums so please do not take my views as anything more then just personal opinion and not an attack on any's style.
:(
P.S. Did you know that coke is used to clean the blood off the road at some accidents!
By themed act I was trying to refer to magicians who take an existing commerical story or idea and base a magic show around it. I apologise for being unclear.
I based my conclusion around the themed acts I have seen. All of them, bar none, have simply used buzzwords and concepts from the Harry Potter books (or whatever) . They all seemed a little desperate, as if they didn't have enough personality of their own and so they had to pretend to be linked to Harry (or whoever) in some way.
In the past when I have attended a Harry Potter party I have begun the show with a reference to Harry learning magic. I then ask the children whether they would like to learn magic. I then launch into my show which is about 'learning' magic. I will allow the kid's to bring any Harry Potter ideas to show.
I am not saying that why show is the most original one in the world but I do believe magicians and ANY performer should trying and bring their own dramatic themes and concepts to their act.
I should also note that
a)I don't really have anything against performer's who use commerical themes in their acts. It is their act and if it gets them work and the kid's (or adults have fun) then power to them.
b) I really hate the over commericialisation of children's entertainment. Everything children see these days seems to be a sales pitch for the next toy, card or book. I don't want to be part of that world. Whilst I don't think Harry Potter is the worst offender, I think this is where my apprehension begins.
I have a history of p***ing people off in forums so please do not take my views as anything more then just personal opinion and not an attack on any's style.
:(
P.S. Did you know that coke is used to clean the blood off the road at some accidents!