Magic Pros and Serious Amateurs
Here is information for the professional magician and serious amateur: resources for effects, the business, rates, and reviews of instructional media and tricks. Once you've got a great act, this section is all about the business of making money (and it doesn't just appear out of thin air).
Pinnacle Studio 12
If you're working on your promotional video, Pinnacle Studio is the best entry level video editing software out there that effectively balances ease of use with features and comes at a reasonable price. The most recent Version 12 is truly the latest and greatest.
If you're working on your promotional video, Pinnacle Studio is the best entry level video editing software out there that effectively balances ease of use with features and comes at a reasonable price. The most recent Version 12 is truly the latest and greatest.
Resources for Card Through Window
Ever since David Blaine caused a spectator's selected card to seemingly pass through a window and adhere to the other side, there have been several versions of the effect that have come to market. Here are versions that we have reviewed.
Ever since David Blaine caused a spectator's selected card to seemingly pass through a window and adhere to the other side, there have been several versions of the effect that have come to market. Here are versions that we have reviewed.
Magic for Kid Shows
If want to perform magic for kids, here's a collection of DVDs that we've reviewed that teach you how.
If want to perform magic for kids, here's a collection of DVDs that we've reviewed that teach you how.
World's Greatest Magic DVDs
L&L's "World's Greatest Magic" DVDs compile routines from famous magicians and each DVD has a theme. By combining routines, you can watch a DVD with routines related to the same subject to help you build your own routines.
L&L's "World's Greatest Magic" DVDs compile routines from famous magicians and each DVD has a theme. By combining routines, you can watch a DVD with routines related to the same subject to help you build your own routines.
Review: Kings Fool by Kipp Sherry
To promote your magic business, Kipp Sherry's "Kings Fool" provides you with artwork and everything you need to make and distribute a simple trick that is essentially a business card.
To promote your magic business, Kipp Sherry's "Kings Fool" provides you with artwork and everything you need to make and distribute a simple trick that is essentially a business card.
Five Steps to Perfect Your Sleight of Hand Moves
One of the joys and challenges of being a magician is working up new effects and sleight-of-hand moves that you present to your audiences. If you're developing a new move, whether it's a color change, side steal, pass or other, here are five steps that will help ensure success.
One of the joys and challenges of being a magician is working up new effects and sleight-of-hand moves that you present to your audiences. If you're developing a new move, whether it's a color change, side steal, pass or other, here are five steps that will help ensure success.
iTricks.com
This site does a fantastic job of staying on top of and presenting the latest news and even rumors in the magic world. You may also enjoy their weekly audio podcast that features various magic celebrities and experts who comment on the magic news of the week.
This site does a fantastic job of staying on top of and presenting the latest news and even rumors in the magic world. You may also enjoy their weekly audio podcast that features various magic celebrities and experts who comment on the magic news of the week.
The Australian Institute of Magic (AIM)
The Australian Institute of Magic is an organization that’s dedicated to furthering the standard and reputation of Australian magicians both nationally and internationally. It is the only organization that represents FISM in the Oceania region. The AIM website is an online magic resource for agents, historians, magicians, businesses, media researchers and the general public.
The Australian Institute of Magic is an organization that’s dedicated to furthering the standard and reputation of Australian magicians both nationally and internationally. It is the only organization that represents FISM in the Oceania region. The AIM website is an online magic resource for agents, historians, magicians, businesses, media researchers and the general public.
DVD Review: 23rd FISM World Championships of Magic 2006 - Stockholm
Every three years, the magic community comes together to compete in its version of the Olympics. This excellent DVD presents an entertaining look back at the 23rd FISM World Championships of Magic 2006 that was held in Stockholm.
Every three years, the magic community comes together to compete in its version of the Olympics. This excellent DVD presents an entertaining look back at the 23rd FISM World Championships of Magic 2006 that was held in Stockholm.
Book Review: Scripting Magic by Pete McCabe
Scripting works well in theater, television and movie production, so why not magic? Pete McCabe drives this home in his excellent "Scripting Magic," a thorough 450-page book that offers scripts for well known effects by skilled magicians and insightful interviews and essays. With "Scripting Magic," McCabe has created a must-read book that will inspire you and help script and burnish your magic routines.
Scripting works well in theater, television and movie production, so why not magic? Pete McCabe drives this home in his excellent "Scripting Magic," a thorough 450-page book that offers scripts for well known effects by skilled magicians and insightful interviews and essays. With "Scripting Magic," McCabe has created a must-read book that will inspire you and help script and burnish your magic routines.
Review: Funny Business - Niagara Comedy Magic Seminar 2007
If you're an aspiring comedy magician or want to learn how the pros perform comedy magic, this DVD offers helpful interviews, informative panel discussions and hilarious performances from the Niagara Comedy Magic Seminar in January 2007.
If you're an aspiring comedy magician or want to learn how the pros perform comedy magic, this DVD offers helpful interviews, informative panel discussions and hilarious performances from the Niagara Comedy Magic Seminar in January 2007.
Rope Magic
Here's a round-up of our reviews of rope tricks and routines. Whether you want to cut and restore a rope, perform classic Professor's Nightmare or do other outrageous feats with ropes, here's our resource.
Here's a round-up of our reviews of rope tricks and routines. Whether you want to cut and restore a rope, perform classic Professor's Nightmare or do other outrageous feats with ropes, here's our resource.
IT Resources
Bills float, cards hover and decks mysteriously cut by themselves to reveal a chosen card. If you've been wanting to work with IT, here are resources to learn how.
Bills float, cards hover and decks mysteriously cut by themselves to reveal a chosen card. If you've been wanting to work with IT, here are resources to learn how.
Tricks with a PK Ring
If you own a PK ring, here are reviews of products that teach you tricks with the popular gimmick.
If you own a PK ring, here are reviews of products that teach you tricks with the popular gimmick.
Resources for Cups & Balls
If you want to perform tricks with cups and balls, here are resources at Magic.About.com.
If you want to perform tricks with cups and balls, here are resources at Magic.About.com.
Guide to Packet Card Tricks
Here's a guide to some of the many packet card tricks on the market. Are they worth the money? Read our reviews and find out.
Here's a guide to some of the many packet card tricks on the market. Are they worth the money? Read our reviews and find out.
Book Test Resources
In a classic book test routine, a spectator turns to any page in a book and selects a word or sentence, and the magician can name the word or offer an impression of what's in the sentence. It's a traditional and powerful mentalism effect. If you're interested in performing a book test, here are some resources.
In a classic book test routine, a spectator turns to any page in a book and selects a word or sentence, and the magician can name the word or offer an impression of what's in the sentence. It's a traditional and powerful mentalism effect. If you're interested in performing a book test, here are some resources.
Coin Magic Resources
If you want to improve your coin magic, here are resources that you can tap.
If you want to improve your coin magic, here are resources that you can tap.
Poker Themed Tricks
Here are magic tricks and products that are related to the game of Poker.
Here are magic tricks and products that are related to the game of Poker.
The Razor Blade Trick
If you've always wanted to swallow razor blades and thread and bring it all back up, strung together, here are resources to get you started.
If you've always wanted to swallow razor blades and thread and bring it all back up, strung together, here are resources to get you started.
Coins and Other Objects in Bottle
If you want to put anything into a bottle: a coin, label or other object, here are DVDs that will teach you how.
If you want to put anything into a bottle: a coin, label or other object, here are DVDs that will teach you how.
My Favorite DVDs and Tricks
Here's a list of the tricks and DVDs that I have reviewed and use in my strolling and stand-up sets. There's a definite tendency towards close-up and card routines that don't require a table for my restaurant work, which I do a lot of, and less for stand-up because my act is fairly mature. But here are my favorites that I currently use.
Here's a list of the tricks and DVDs that I have reviewed and use in my strolling and stand-up sets. There's a definite tendency towards close-up and card routines that don't require a table for my restaurant work, which I do a lot of, and less for stand-up because my act is fairly mature. But here are my favorites that I currently use.
Book Review: Highway to Success
So you’ve got a decent magic act and are ready to make money at it. As any entertainment pro can tell you, it’s quite a leap to turn a magic obsession into a profitable business. Fortunately, magicians Elliott Smith and Ian Quick have written “Highway to Success,” a road guide, so to speak, that offers a solid foundation in business basics with an emphasis on entertainment. The book is a useful and easy read that dispenses excellent advice that can help you make the move into show “business.”
So you’ve got a decent magic act and are ready to make money at it. As any entertainment pro can tell you, it’s quite a leap to turn a magic obsession into a profitable business. Fortunately, magicians Elliott Smith and Ian Quick have written “Highway to Success,” a road guide, so to speak, that offers a solid foundation in business basics with an emphasis on entertainment. The book is a useful and easy read that dispenses excellent advice that can help you make the move into show “business.”
Scam Targets Magicians & Entertainers
An internet scam that targets magicians is trying to separate you from your money. A con man recently tried to pull the scam on Lyndel, who graciously provided Magic & Illusion with a detailed time line of events so magicians can better understand the scam and recognize it.
An internet scam that targets magicians is trying to separate you from your money. A con man recently tried to pull the scam on Lyndel, who graciously provided Magic & Illusion with a detailed time line of events so magicians can better understand the scam and recognize it.
Do You Need an Accounting Program to Manage Your Magic Business?
Are you adequately managing your magic business on paper? Or is it time to consider some computing horsepower? This article discusses the basics.
Are you adequately managing your magic business on paper? Or is it time to consider some computing horsepower? This article discusses the basics.
Review: Giving Clients What They REALLY Want!
Julian Franklin’s excellent audio CD helps you understand what clients are looking for when they hire magicians.
Julian Franklin’s excellent audio CD helps you understand what clients are looking for when they hire magicians.
CD Review: Julian Franklin’s The Business of Magic, Year 1
If you enjoy reading Julian Franklin’s “The Business of Magic “ column in the IBM’s Linking Ring, you’ll enjoy listening to them on CD while you walk or drive. Franklin has lots to say and says it well. And his advice can boost your business.
If you enjoy reading Julian Franklin’s “The Business of Magic “ column in the IBM’s Linking Ring, you’ll enjoy listening to them on CD while you walk or drive. Franklin has lots to say and says it well. And his advice can boost your business.
Heckling: The Michael Richards Incident
Aside from the despicable language and behavior, the recent incident with comedian Michael Richards brings to light the problem of heckling. I’m not here to condemn or judge Richards, the public and media are doing enough of this and Richards is paying his price, but I wanted to offer some thoughts about heckling that the incident brings to mind.
Aside from the despicable language and behavior, the recent incident with comedian Michael Richards brings to light the problem of heckling. I’m not here to condemn or judge Richards, the public and media are doing enough of this and Richards is paying his price, but I wanted to offer some thoughts about heckling that the incident brings to mind.
Buying Magic on the Internet
A young magician recently asked me after a show for some advice on purchasing a particular magic prop. His question prompted some thought and the following article that discusses purchasing magic via the internet. I hope that you find this helpful.
A young magician recently asked me after a show for some advice on purchasing a particular magic prop. His question prompted some thought and the following article that discusses purchasing magic via the internet. I hope that you find this helpful.
Book Review: Ken Weber’s Maximum Entertainment
Far more important than the slickest new card move or latest stage effect is our ability as magicians to entertain. For this, Ken Weber’s Maximum Entertainment offers solid advice for improving one’s show and is must reading for anyone who performs magic.
Far more important than the slickest new card move or latest stage effect is our ability as magicians to entertain. For this, Ken Weber’s Maximum Entertainment offers solid advice for improving one’s show and is must reading for anyone who performs magic.
The Magic of MP3 Players
If you play music in your shows, you may want to consider an MP3 player. I have long relied on a wireless system, Sony MiniDisc and CDs, but felt it was time to purchase and try out an MP3 player. Here’s the first in a multi-phase story that discusses my MP3 odyssey.
If you play music in your shows, you may want to consider an MP3 player. I have long relied on a wireless system, Sony MiniDisc and CDs, but felt it was time to purchase and try out an MP3 player. Here’s the first in a multi-phase story that discusses my MP3 odyssey.
Magic of MP3 Players: Part 2
Last week, I purchased an MP3 player for my shows and wrote about why in an earlier article, Magic of MP3 Players: Part 1. After performing several shows and using my MP3 player to provide my music, I now have some real world experience to talk about. The player delivered in the ways that I had anticipated, but I did run into some problems. I hope that based on my experience, you can avoid them.
Last week, I purchased an MP3 player for my shows and wrote about why in an earlier article, Magic of MP3 Players: Part 1. After performing several shows and using my MP3 player to provide my music, I now have some real world experience to talk about. The player delivered in the ways that I had anticipated, but I did run into some problems. I hope that based on my experience, you can avoid them.
Magic of MP3 Players: Part 3
After writing a couple stories about the advantages of using an MP3 player in my shows, I’ve somewhat come around full circle. Like Dorothy in Oz, who always had the power to return home, with my Palm PDA, I already had the best MP3 player that I could use to provide music in my shows.
After writing a couple stories about the advantages of using an MP3 player in my shows, I’ve somewhat come around full circle. Like Dorothy in Oz, who always had the power to return home, with my Palm PDA, I already had the best MP3 player that I could use to provide music in my shows.
Pro Tip: Managing Shows on a PDA
Instead of managing your busy show schedule on paper calendars and your computer, you may consider a personal digital assistant (PDA). These electronic devices, which include those from PalmOne and Hewlett-Packard, are portable, easy to use and can adequately manage busy show schedules. In this first of two articles, I write about my experience with a PalmOne device.
Instead of managing your busy show schedule on paper calendars and your computer, you may consider a personal digital assistant (PDA). These electronic devices, which include those from PalmOne and Hewlett-Packard, are portable, easy to use and can adequately manage busy show schedules. In this first of two articles, I write about my experience with a PalmOne device.
Video Review: DVD Xpress
If you've been wanting to edit your magic performance videos into a promo video, you may consider the DVD Xpress.
If you've been wanting to edit your magic performance videos into a promo video, you may consider the DVD Xpress.
Review: Pinnacle Studio 9-Edit Your Magic Video
If you want to edit your magic video, Pinnacle’s Studio 9 software offers the easiest, and lowest cost way to do so.
If you want to edit your magic video, Pinnacle’s Studio 9 software offers the easiest, and lowest cost way to do so.
MiniDV Camcorders for Magic Videos
The easiest way to shoot video of your magic and create a video is to use a MiniDV camcorder. Here’s what you need to know.
The easiest way to shoot video of your magic and create a video is to use a MiniDV camcorder. Here’s what you need to know.
Julian Franklin Magic/Marketing Products
A web page that promotes magician Julian Franklin's marketing guides.
A web page that promotes magician Julian Franklin's marketing guides.
McBride's Magic and Mystery School
Jeff McBride's "Magic and Mystery School" offers high-level seminars and classes for the magical performer.
Jeff McBride's "Magic and Mystery School" offers high-level seminars and classes for the magical performer.
Genii Magazine
Genii Magazine is the oldest and most respected magic magazine in the United States. Each month, the publication is filled with magic advice, techniques and reviews. Also, the Genii forum is among the most active in the field of magic.
Genii Magazine is the oldest and most respected magic magazine in the United States. Each month, the publication is filled with magic advice, techniques and reviews. Also, the Genii forum is among the most active in the field of magic.
How To Win a Magic Contest
If you want to win a magic contest, take advice from someone who knows. Noted magician and FISM winner Tim Ellis offers a useful four part article on his site that is full of solid suggestions.
If you want to win a magic contest, take advice from someone who knows. Noted magician and FISM winner Tim Ellis offers a useful four part article on his site that is full of solid suggestions.
Magic Fakers
Magician Tim Ellis tracks magic rip-offs on his Magic Fakers site. Here you’ll find information on rip-off products and the originals that they were based on, as well as info on the real inventors.
Magician Tim Ellis tracks magic rip-offs on his Magic Fakers site. Here you’ll find information on rip-off products and the originals that they were based on, as well as info on the real inventors.
How to Hire a Great Magician
Do you know of potential clients who can use some guidelines to help them find and hire a good magician? This primer explains everything that they need to know to hire a magic professional. When potential clients have questions, send them to here.
Do you know of potential clients who can use some guidelines to help them find and hire a good magician? This primer explains everything that they need to know to hire a magic professional. When potential clients have questions, send them to here.
The Magic Resolutions
This New Year’s eve, as you vow to spend more time with family and friends, lose weight, exercise, make serious financial decisions or take on new ventures, don’t forget to include your art of magic. For 2006, here are some magic resolutions for consideration.
This New Year’s eve, as you vow to spend more time with family and friends, lose weight, exercise, make serious financial decisions or take on new ventures, don’t forget to include your art of magic. For 2006, here are some magic resolutions for consideration.