Johnny Thompson dove production

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Carl Mercurio
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Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Carl Mercurio » May 24th, 2011, 9:17 am

Does anybody remember a video or DVD in which Johnny Thompson explained how to produce a dove from a body load, but instead of using silks for cover he used clear plastic wrap?

Thanks,
Carl

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erdnasephile
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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby erdnasephile » May 24th, 2011, 10:09 am

Carl:

If memory serves (and that's always a dicey proposition at my age!), I think it's on his self-titled L & L DVD's (Volume 3).

I don't have the DVD's with me right now, but I can look to verify tonight.

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Joe Pecore » May 24th, 2011, 10:15 am

This?

Volume 3 of "Johnny Thompson, Commercial Classics" has "No Body Load Livestock Production (Tony Marks) - The best non-body load production ever devised."
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Carl Mercurio
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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Carl Mercurio » May 24th, 2011, 1:14 pm

Thanks guys, but this was a body load.

I'm pretty sure the commercial classics tapes only had a non-body load approach with silks and a top hat.

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Terry » May 24th, 2011, 6:34 pm

Check the Steven's Magic Emporium DVD.

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Alpen » May 24th, 2011, 11:09 pm

No, that particular dove production of Johnny's has not been published nor has it been explained on video.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 25th, 2011, 12:41 am

You can find the essential mechanics in the issue of Genii in which Channing Pollock appeared on the cover after his death. Johnny does it slightly differently, but the essence is the same. He and Channing came up with the idea independently.
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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby David Oliver » May 25th, 2011, 1:18 am

As I recall, he and Channing actually worked on it together after a phone conversation with someone else who mentioned an idea to Johnny. The two were in the same room together, and one of them left the room, went to the kitchen, and came back with some "props" that began the genesis of this spectacular idea. And as my dear friend Alpen mentions above, this has not ever been officially in print or taught anywhere.

When I was still doing doves, I had the opportunity to discuss this with Johnny, along with other tips, original ideas, unique mechanics, etc. He graciously shared many of his dove techniques and thoughts with me, including the clear Saran Wrap production at length. We were backstage at an Abbott's Get -Together sharing ideas back and forth, and I was honored to have had him trust me with some of his pet techniques, and unique methods. (Imagine wearing Johnny's coat, and learning his steals from the master!) I was given his permission, and encouraged, to utilize any and all of the techniques he shared with me. Even after doing doves for more than 25 years, Johnny's tips certainly added to my skill set and improved my act. His only request - that I not do the Saran Wrap until he eventually puts it in print. I have honored that request.

Of course, now that I am no longer doing doves, I have no choice but to honor it. However, I still haven't done the Saran Wrap production, nor have I tipped any of the information he shared with me. That's one reason I am confident it hasn't been published. My friend Alpen happens to be very close with John and Pam, and he would know if they decided to release it.

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Carl Mercurio » May 25th, 2011, 1:04 pm

Thanks David. Good to know. Jamy Swiss confirms the same to me in an email -- that it was never officially published. I also met Johnny once while performing at Monday Night Magic. A sweetheart of a guy. He took 10 minutes just to show me how to fold my lapel hank. Funny, it's the little bits of kindness like that you remember.

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Carl Mercurio » May 26th, 2011, 8:34 am

Johnny also confirmed to me in an email that he never released this on a video.

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erdnasephile
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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby erdnasephile » May 26th, 2011, 10:31 am

Carl:

Did Mr. Thompson say if it was going to be in his upcoming book?

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Carl Mercurio » May 26th, 2011, 2:16 pm

He didn't, and I didn't ask.

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 27th, 2011, 12:20 am

Yes, it will be in his upcoming book.
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erdnasephile
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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby erdnasephile » April 22nd, 2018, 2:12 pm

Still enjoying this Johnny Thompson's remarkable books. However, when I remembered this thread, I quickly flipped back to the dove section. It doesn't appear (at least on a first cursory reading) that this particular production is the book. (Absolutely no criticism implied--I can totally understand wanting to keep this exclusive and that's cool.).

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Jason England » May 22nd, 2018, 3:01 am

I specifically asked Johnny about this during production. The Saran wrap production would have been in the book except that Johnny has given that particular piece to Penn and Teller exclusively. He felt that if he included it in the book, even with a disclaimer that it wasn't to be performed, that others would do it.

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Brad Henderson » May 22nd, 2018, 10:01 am

i’ve read the saran wrap production - i think it’s in a lecture notes or small booklet. Is there a different one to which this thread refers?

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 22nd, 2018, 11:20 am

Teller bought the Saran wrap production from John, and that's why it's not in the book.
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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Brad Henderson » May 22nd, 2018, 11:27 am

but i believe it’s already been in print. i think in a busby publication. Or maybe he taught it at a lecture at abbott’s. if we are discussing the same one.

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Richard Kaufman » May 22nd, 2018, 1:46 pm

He might have taught it as a one-off at a lecture, but I'd be surprised if it's in print.
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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Brad Henderson » May 22nd, 2018, 2:17 pm

i’m pretty sure it is. i can see the illustration in my mind and remember reading it and fantasizing about doing it. could this be in the polished polish routine book?

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Marco Pusterla » May 22nd, 2018, 2:27 pm

The Polished Polish Prestidigitation explains a dove production, the "Wings of Warsaw", but it's not the method with the transparent film. "Wings of Warsaw" is explained on page 230 of vol. 2 of the recent books. For reference: https://www.conjuringarchive.com/list/book/1512
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Brad Henderson
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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Brad Henderson » May 22nd, 2018, 2:34 pm

did he not use that method with the clear film? i think the booklet mentioned that. but again, i could be thinking of something different.

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Re: Johnny Thompson dove production

Postby Marco Pusterla » May 22nd, 2018, 4:30 pm

It took me a while to find the booklet, but now I've got it (it seems magic books tend to move between rooms on their own volition...). I think your memory may be playing tricks: in the booklet, Thompson says to use a "polyethylene bag" and indicates this was a bag for ladies' socks (found at K-Mart). He doesn't say the bag is transparent (which may be the case...). The same description has been used in the new book (although the photos show a black bag), although re-written (from the first to the third person) from the text in Busby's book.

Hope this helps.
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