* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment
* www.magicnewzealand.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1038
Date: Sunday 21st July 2013
Editor: Alan Watson
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1.
Editors Message
2. Wayne Houchin Appears On The Australian TV
3. Findacadabra - World Map Of Magic Places
4. Davenport's Magic Kingdom Opening Day
5. The Biggest Danger To Showbiz In Las Vegas?
6. Covered So Far This Week On Vanishlive.Com:
7. Remarkable Magic #310 - Nick Lewin
8. John Riggs Added To MINDvention Line-Up
9. Something Wonderful Is About To Happen
10. Bev Bergeron's Farewell Appearance As "Rebo"
11. August Issue Of Genii Magazine
12. Magic Mensch
13. Karl Hein Go With The Flow! Lecture
14. Adam Steinfeld's, YO HOUDINI!, New Horror Web Series
15. Magic New Zealand App
16. e-zine Archives
17. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editors Message
--------------------------------------------
The highlight for Michele and I was Wayne Houchin's well
attended lecture in Auckland - his lecture is highly recommended!
We are delighted to learn Wayne has signed up for a second
TV series of Science and Magic. Both Wayne and his wife
Frania are both delightful and talented people and have
a great future in our art.
----------------------
For those who would like to read Magic New Zealand in a
HTML format go to:
http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2013-Jan-to-Dec-2013/1038-Jul21-2013.html
Remember
if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com
--------------------------------------------
2. Wayne Houchin Appears On The Australian TV
--------------------------------------------
Link forward by Peter Wong (Australia)
Wayne
Houchin appears on the Australian TV show The Project. The
story also features a revealing interview with Wayne's wife,
Frania Houchin and a look at their dual straightjacket escape.
http://vimeo.com/69818324#
--------------------------------------------
3. Findacadabra - World Map Of Magic Places
--------------------------------------------
Message by Riccardo Rampini (Italy)
Findacadabra
is a sort of "Google Maps" entirely dedicated
to magic.
I
launched it about two years ago, and it now features more
than 750 points of interest (POIs) including magic clubs,
shops, museums, theatres, libraries, graves and other places
related to magic, with visitors from about 100 Countries
all over the world.
Moreover, Findacadabra is a "collaborative website",
where every magician can login (the registration is free)
and add new places to the map.
I think that Findacadabra can represent a useful tool for
magicians and for everybody who loves the art of magic and
may contribute to the wide-spreading of magic history and
culture in the world.
If you consider it worthwhile, it would be great if this
information could be included in your newsletter.
I hope you like it!
Best regards,
Riccardo Rampini
M.
L. King, 829016 Cortemaggiore (Piacenza) - Italycell: +39
339-5788405skype: riccardo.rampinimail: rampini.riccardo@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------
4. Davenport's Magic Kingdom Opening Day
--------------------------------------------
Message by Paul Daniels (UK)
Movie
clip of the opening event
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvpxWYXmRVI&feature=share&list=UUy8Y2Qm1rDb7wJ7XppFy7iw
--------------------------------------------
5. The Biggest Danger To Showbiz In Las Vegas?
---------------------------------------------
Message by Jeff McBride (US)
Our
friend (and magic fan) Robin Leach recently wrote a story
on the new trends in Las Vegas entertainment. "The
hotels looked at mega-clubs as a golden egg, but those crowds
shelling out steep admission prices and highly expensive
bottle service, sometimes running upwards of $5,000, don't
have any money left over for shows or gaming."
"It
used to be tourists would book two or three shows on a visit
here. Now we're lucky if they see one." The concern
that Las Vegas shows might disappear and harm the image
of this city being The Entertainment Capital of the World,
and change it into The Nightclub Capital of the World has
prompted action.
"We've
got to get back to the intimacy of original, classic Las
Vegas entertainment. The close-up factor. The superstar
names. Where are today's Rat Pack performers instead of
unknown DJs playing other people's music," said one
of the entertainment council advocates. "If we don't
change it soon, Las Vegas may never be the same again.
"Our
town was filled with almost 200,000 electronic dance music
fans last weekend, and only a handful of them went to see
a Las Vegas show. There were too many empty seats in our
theaters."
Read
full story: http://tinyurl.com/lfyuntp
--------------------------------------------
6. Covered So Far This Week On Vanishlive.Com:
--------------------------------------------
Message by Mick Peck (NZ)
Seven
questions with Penn Jillette, Building Magic: Mario the
Magician, Las Vegas' crown prince of magic, the new generation
of Jewish Magicians, Steve Spill on Bill and the Cubs, the
new exhibit combining magic with psychology and art at Dublin
Science Gallery and more!
Plus
a new video clip from Paul Daniels - take a backstage view
of his pre-show preparation.
VanishLive
features DAILY updates of magic news from around the globe
as it happens. Plus regular contributions from Jeff McBride,
Eugene Burger, Steve Spill, Nick Lewin, Keith Fields, Bizarro,
Paul Romhany, Richard Webster and others.
Visit
us today at:
http://www.VanishLive.com
-------------------------------------------
7. Remarkable Magic #310 - Nick Lewin
--------------------------------------------
Message by Nick Lewin (US)
Some
thoughts on TV.
I
have been lucky enough to perform quite a bit on various
TV shows during my career and I thought would write a few
scattered thoughts on this aspect of performing. It is the
goal of most magicians to take their magic on to the small
screen, however not much is written on the topic.
Over
the years I have appeared on a bunch of variety/comedy/talk
shows and also appeared in dramatic acting roles, I have
even done the odd sit-com or two as well. The very best
work is the episodic and sitcom roles-why? A one word answer
residuals. There is nothing better than finding a show you
filmed ten years ago is still bringing in a little cash.
The
thing about residuals is that the checks keep getting smaller
and smaller as the years go by, but they keep coming in.
Eventually the check you receive in the mail is worth less
than the stamp that was used to get it to you. There used
to be a bar in LA called 'Residuals' where you could pay
for a round of drinks by trading in your check. The walls
of the entire bar were 'wallpapered' with those checks.
The
other kind of TV work that is always open to magicians is
the role of technical advisor. Every TV series eventually
has a 'magic episode' and these are great gigs-- if you
can get them. The very best piece of advice I can give you
is to try and talk your way into a small acting role in
the show you are advising on. To twist a Robert Houdin phrase,
remember that sometimes an actor is just a magician playing
the part of an actor.
Why
is this a desirable event? Because your acting role can
allow you to receive your fee for the advisory role on a
union contract and you get residuals on it. One of the most
lucrative gigs I ever had was working on Steven Spielberg's
TV series 'Amazing Stories.' My three-week salary as technical
advisor was added to my 30 second acting salary and I received
checks for well over a decade. Nice ones!
You
may wonder about the entire union situation, well generally
speaking you can get a union waver for your first gig or
two before stepping up to the plate and joining a union.
In the USA the two key unions are SAG, the Screen Actors
Guild, and AFTRA, the American Federation of Television
and Recording Artists.
If
you get the opportunity it is certainly worth joining a
union-sometimes just for the potential medical insurance
plans. One word of warning though, if you switch to a SAG
insurance plan you need to remember that if you don't get
enough union work you can loose your coverage. I know several
people who have been stranded in this manner.
Filming
a variety show is an easier bet for most performers, you
will only get one check and it is usually (unless you are
a big star) at a union minimum fee. However, you can sometimes
parlay these types of shows into major career 'stepping
stones' over time. Very seldom does a single show make much
of a difference to your status quo though.
When
you perform your act on this kind of show you should be
prepared to receive quite a lot of input into the material
you perform. It is someone's (usually the talent coordinator)
job to know exactly what you are going to do and say. When
it has been decided upon do not decide to improvise, it
will not be appreciated.
The
second Golden Rule of variety TV is to know exactly how
long your act is supposed to run and do exactly that long.
In spite of how crappy most television is, it is very exact
crap. If you want a second booking then follow these two
rules, of course it kinda' helps if the set is good too…….
I
was very impressed by a piece of advice that Jason Andrews
gave in a recent interview with me about his 'America's
Got Talent' experience. Jason recommended being very careful
when filming a show because you never quite know whom anyone
is. He had a brief conversation with somebody and had no
idea that it was his director!
Make
sure you get a professional service to make a really professional
copy of your show when it airs. It can be a long wait, and
sometimes a fruitless one, if you are expecting the production
company to supply you with a copy of your segment. Once
your set is taped and ready to air the company will likely
loose interest in your existence till the next time they
need you!
So
much more I could say, but so little space to say it. I
will have to re-visit this topic at a future date….
Check
out my blog at www.remarkablemagic.com for my latest releases
and writings. My web site is the home of my online magic
store at www.nicklewin.com
--------------------------------------------
8. John Riggs Added To MINDvention Line-Up
--------------------------------------------
Message by Danny Archer (US)
The
MINDvention mentalism convention taking place on Nov. 10th
- 12th in Las Vegas, NV is thrilled to add John Riggs to
their line-up of mentalism stars.
At age six, John decided he wanted to be a Wizard when he
grew up. He's been studying magic since -- 50 years later!
Today he is a professional entertainer, author and strange
person. During the 1982 Knoxville World's Fair, he successfully
solved the Rubik's Cube while blindfolded. Professor Erno
Rubik thought this was the most amazing thing he had ever
witnessed. The most common remark made during this time
was "Heck, I can't solve it with my eyes OPEN!"
John
was one of the featured entertainers at the 2008 Inaugural
Ball, and he is a popular guest on television and radio
programs. He has even read palms over the radio! He also
enjoys speaking for Civic clubs on a variety of topics including
Intuition, Memory, and Weight Reduction. His books, written
under the name Jon Saint Germain -- Runic Palmistry, Karmic
Palmistry, and A Lover's Guide to Palmistry-- are available
in bookstores and from his website. Because of his eclectic
knowledge of all things magical and psychic, he has been
retained as a consultant for a series of programs for the
Learning Channel.
John
practices what he preaches. Struggling with a lifelong eating
disorder, he applied his techniques to solving the riddle
of why a person would consume food when he isn't really
hungry. He found answers, and his weight dropped from almost
300 pounds to 200 pounds in a year and a half. He's currently
working on a book describing this process entitled Intuitive
Weight Reduction.
Jon
is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he majored
in Studio Art, Pellissippi State Technical Community College,
where he majored in Mechanical Engineering, and Indiana
University, where he earned a degree in Literary Illustration.
Now he reads minds for a living. Funny how things turn out.
This
will be the 10th MINDvention and the special guest of honor
(and subject of a roast) will be the one and only Bob Cassidy!
For more details please visit our website MINDvention www.mindvention.net
--------------------------------------------
9. Something Wonderful Is About To Happen
--------------------------------------------
Message by Jay Scott Berry
Imagine
a Dream Team of Multi-Award Winning Master Magicians. Imagine
a Festival of Magic that would showcase them like never
before. Imagine that this amazing event would take place
in a truly unique resort town, steeped in American history.
Now imagine over a dozen venues and more than 100 shows,
showcasing a full spectrum of the Art, from Close-up to
Parlour and Stage, Street, Strolling and Bar Magic, including
One-Man shows, All-Star Galas, exclusive Lectures and Workshops.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, you can stop imagining…this
Dream Team is already assembled, the dates are set and the
town is waiting…for you!
Announcing
the first annual Weekend of Wonder, starring Jeff McBride,
Michael Ammar, Jay Scott Berry, Dirk Losander and Maxwell
Blade. This Celebration of The Art of Magic will take place
on September 20, 21 & 22, 2013, in the historic resort
town of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Produced by Jay Scott Berry
and Maxwell Blade, the Weekend of Wonder has all the best
elements of a great convention….and much more!
Open
to both laypeople and magicians alike, the Weekend of Wonder
is based upon Berry's successful Palace of Magic Festivals
that drew audiences of over 10,000 to Castles in Scotland.
"Transplanting this to the US was no easy feat",
Jay says. "I discovered Hot Springs in 2003 and met
Maxwell Blade, who has one of the longest running magic
shows in the world there. Nestled in the Quachita Mountains,
just west of Little Rock, Hot Springs is a hidden gem, the
perfect place for a Festival of Magic!"
Maxwell
agrees wholeheartedly, "For 20 years, I've dreamed
of producing this type of event here. In fact, Jay and I
discussed it when we first met. This town is magical, unique
in all the world. Within a few blocks of my theatre here
are dozens of restaurants, hotels, boutiques, antique shops
and, of course, the natural spring water and therapeutic
baths that Hot Springs is famous for."
World-class
feature Artists for the weekend include: The Serpentine
Sorcery of Daryl Sprout, The Balloon Artistry of Tommy Whoo,
Little Rock's own Derrick Rose and one of Magic's rising
young stars, John Venus.
Make
plans now to be a part of this historic event. Weekend passes
start at just $99, show tickets are as low as $10 each and
day passes start at $49. The Springs Hotel, at the heart
of the action, is offering special rates for Festival goers.
Tickets are limited and will go on sale this week. Reservations
are a must for all the main events. Details are on the Official
WOW FB page
www.Facebook.com/WeekendofWonder
and the Festival website: www.WeekendofWonder.com
-------------------------------------------
10. Bev Bergeron's Farewell Appearance As "Rebo"
--------------------------------------------
Message forwarded on by Mark Wroblewski
Bev
Bergeron, famous for playing his character "Rebo"
the Clown on television's Magic Land of Alakazam (Starring
Mark Wilson) will present his rare and final performance
as Rebo.
This
will be the finale of a tribute we will be having for Bev
during the 50th anniversary Florida State Magic convention.
You will see rare film footage of Bev on the Red Skelton
show, Pillsbury's Magic Circus and Alakazam. Bev will conclude
the tribute when he don's his costume and applies his makeup
one last time. It's been a long time since Bev has become
Rebo so you won't want to miss this opportunity in being
part of this historical moment. "Rebo" will then
have photos taken with his fans, so bring your camera.
Time
is running out (we have about 20 slots left) to be part
of the conventions "1st 100 Club" where the first
100 registrants get preferred seating for the shows AND
some very cool "extras" (free convention poster,
deluxe program, ballroom seating "fast-pass",
etc.).
See
www.fma50th.com for more.
------------------------------------------
11. August Issue Of Genii Magazine
--------------------------------------------
Message by Richard Kaufman - Editor Genii Magazine
Genii's
August issue is now live in its digital incarnation for
computer users. Tablet and Smartphone users should be able
to access it tomorrow.
Our
cover story on British magician and film actor Ali Cook
is by famed writer Brian Sibley. The digital issue contains
over 8 video clips from his various magic TV series. Dustin
Stinett braved rebirth and a whack on the behind from Amazing
Johnathan to bring you his epic coverage of "Beyond
Brookledge" event organized by Bob Self and Erika Larsen.
Dale Salwak has been traveling to North Korea on his own
magical exchange program.
Columns
by Robertio Giobbi, David Britland, David Kaye, Sara Crasson,
and Jim Steinmeyer (a great new dodge for equivoque) and
our reviews round out the issue along with color video of
Blackstone, Sr. performing in the 1950s, audio columns from
Max Maven and Jon Racherbaumer, and Matthew Field's video
interview with Roberto Giobbi. Another great issue from
the largest and oldest independent magazine in magic. If
for some odd reason you don't subscribe to Genii, please
consider doing so at www.geniimagazine.com
Every
month Genii gives you more pages than any other independent
magazine: a 104 to 112 page paper magazine mailed directly
to you.
*
Every month Genii gives you a FREE digital issue with supplementary
video and audio columns that can be viewed on ANY computer,
desktop or laptop, as well as on any tablet or smartphone,
and we have special apps for both the iPad and iPhone, as
well as for Android tablets and the Kindle Fire. We do NOT
limit you to the iPad or iPhone.
We
do NOT charge you a penny extra for your digital copy of
Genii, and unlike other magazines we give you the entire
magazine in digital form for free.
*
Every month Genii gives you, absolutely FREE, online access
to all 75 years of our back issues via a searchable database.
That's tens of thousands of pages of tricks, reviews, and
news going all the way back to 1936 at no charge. No other
independent magazine gives you what Genii does! Visit www.geniimagazine.com
and subscribe today! Subscriptions start at only $58 for
both US and foreign customers. Digital-only subscriptions
are available for $58 to residents outside the United States:
http://geniistore.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=35&product_id=57
If
you are a subscriber and haven't sent us your e-mail address
yet, please do so to: genii@geniimagazine.com). If you want
to access to all of this astounding material and you are
not a subscriber, please join us as we make available to
you untold magical riches at www.geniimagazine.com.
All
digital content is free when you subscribe to Genii and
we've got a great offer for anyone who wants to subscribe
or renew: the three-DVD set "Houdini The Movie Star"
from Kino is now available from us for a limited time for
50% off the retail price of $40. YOU pay only $20, postpaid
anywhere in the US. (Add $11 postage anywhere else in the
world.) This 3 DVD set includes most of the surviving films
and footage of Houdini. We don't sell it separately: subscribe
today or renew your existing subscription for one year and
you can receive this extraordinary value.
If
you subscribe to Genii for 3 years, or renew your existing
subscription and bring it up to a total of 3 years, you
can purchase our brand new book, Talisman, for only $15
(or you can select The Lost Notebooks of John Northern Hilliard).
Details here:
http://geniistore.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=35
Remember that the price of Genii drops from the $6 cover
price to only $4.50 per issue when you subscribe for one
year. Please visit the Genii website and subscribe today
at www.geniimagazine.com
Visit
The Genii Forum, the "smart" online discussion
group: www.forums.geniimagazine.com
Visit
MagicPedia, the most complete online encyclopedia of magical
information with almost 5,000 entries. It's a living encyclopedia
to which you are welcome to contribute! www.magicpedia.net
-------------------------------------------
12. Magic Mensch
--------------------------------------------
Message by Peter Samelson (US)
I
thought you might like this video (Shot Monday) that accompanies
an article in The Forward (http://forward.com)
I
did not know it was posted until I received emails and calls.
Watch
"Magic Mensch" Video at http://video.forward.com/video/MAGIC-MENSCH
Article:
http://forward.com/articles/179810/meet-the-new-generation-of-jewish-magicians/Peter
--------------------------------------------
13. Karl Hein Go With The Flow! Lecture
--------------------------------------------
Message by Barry Khoo
Karl
Hein is know all over the world for his amazing card handling
abilities and his naturally disarming performance style.
He has performed over 100 lectures in more than 15 countries
and has authored many instructional DVDs including "The
Heinstein Shuffle", "Heiny 500", "Heinstein's
Dream", "Hein's Catch Up" and "The Heinous
Collection". If you are looking for original and entertaining
routines developed by experienced professional magician
than this lecture is for you. Karl will use these routines
to teach sleights, flourishes and principles of magic and
misdirection that both beginners and seasoned professionals
can appreciate. More importantly, you learn how to "
Go with the Flow" as Karl explains how change routine
depending on your skill level, audience and performance
conditions.
If
Card Tricks aren't all you're interested in you'll be glad
to know that Karl specializes in performing for a family
audience. Don't miss out learning commercial routines that
bring coins, ropes, bills, and creams filled goodies to
life. Even more valuable are Karl's thoughts on performing
and his tips on how to make a great living performing shows
for all ages.
"Of
all the new faces I've met in the past 10 years, Karl stands
out as being one of the few magicians that I just know will
be a huge success. It's rare for a magician to not only
understand technique, but also entertainment and business.
I feel comfortable booking Karl anytime and anywhere. I
highly recommend his lecture" … Bill Malone
"Karl
is an entertaining, accomplished and experienced worker.
Just one of his rountines has more magic than some acts.
If I could make it, I will be there!" … Bob Sheets
"The
natural appearance of your shuffle is breathtaking"
… Richard Kauffman
"In
Karl's hands, this is the most deceptive in-hands false
riffle I have witnessed in 30 years I've been involved in
card magic" … Paul Cummins
Dealer
Room
After the lecture, the lecture hall will turn into an International
Dealer's Room showcasing selected magic products for sale!
Date:
3rd August, 2013, Saturday
Time: 2pm to 6pm
Ticket: RM100/=
RM80/= Early Birds before 20th July, 2013
RM120/- at the door
Venue: Berjaya Georgetown City Hotel
1-Stop Midlands Park, Burma Road
10350 Penang, MALAYSIA
For
more details and tickets, kindly contact:
Barry Khoo
Barrini Magical Productions
Penang, Malaysia
Handphone: 012-4833-420
Email: barrini.magic@gmail.com
__________________________________________
Karl
Hein will also be in Singapore, details as follows:
Hosted by Bernard Sim & IBM Singapore Ring # 115
Date: July 30, 2013, Tuesday @ 7.30pm
Venue: Bay View Hotel, 30 Bencoolen Street, SINGAPORE
Ticket: S$35 (IBM members), S$45 (non-members), at the door
S$40 (IBM members) S$50 (non-members)
Payment: Internet Banking Transfer to POSB savings account
No. 137-37886-8.
Email to satishm2k1@hotmail.com stating your name, transfer
ref. no. and your email address to confirm your place in
the lecture.
--------------------------------------------
14. Adam Steinfeld's, YO HOUDINI! New Horror Web Series
--------------------------------------------
Message by Adam Steinfeld
Magician Adam Steinfeld of, Adam Steinfeld, Magic Live!®,
has posted the first installment of his new Houdini-horror
web series, YO HOUDINI! Says Adam:
"...It's a different approach, not exactly your fathers
version of Houdini...more for today's hip/urban young internet
generation, told thru a first person account, each episode
will be under 2 minutes....I first plotted out, a 12 episode
story arch, each ending in disastrous results.
I'm a big fan of twisted-tales, which is sort of like a
magic illusion, you don't see it coming until it's too late."
Check out the under 2min short at www.YoHoudini.com
####
10 additional photos:
LINK
http://magiclive.smugmug.com/Other/Yo-Houdini-still-photos/30613502_ZMWwPq#!i=2642973792&k=rkXxmhB
--------------------------------------------
15. Magic New Zealand App
--------------------------------------------
Magic New Zealand now has its very own app that can be launched
on any tablet.
Go
to: www.app.cat/magicnewzealand on your tablet to download
the FREE Magic New Zealand app.
--------------------------------------------
16. e-zine Archives
--------------------------------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to:
www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button center right
"Archives"
When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order
in folders for each year and are Coded, e.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt
first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the
date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)
---------------------------------------------
17. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies
or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your
privacy.
You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand®
E-zine at: www.magicnewzealand.com
Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday.
The opinions and statements expressed therein are those
of the individual contributors and not necessarily those
of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand®
nor Alan Watson vouch for the accuracy or reliability of
any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported
via Magic New Zealand® E-zine.
Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute
to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand®
or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible
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Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct
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Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news
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All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected
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authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely
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in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and
the above disclaimer.
