Important Question (Videos In Media Section)

[Pete Pridanonda]

This post is a question regarding the two videos that I submitted to the media forums; one was two weeks ago and the other was 11 months ago. Those two videos that I submitted did not get accepted into the media section and I really wanted to know why since I worked really hard on my patter and sleights and also it's a live performance.
I don't know what theory11 is looking for in the videos to be put into the media section but I'm getting tired of watching a performance of a wonderful effect in somebody's room without any patter. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to start an argument or say anything bad about the media section, all I wanted is to know why my videos didn't make it to the media section. My goal here is to hopefully improve my prformance in the future by learning what is wrong in my videos and how I can improve. Thank you everyone in advance for taking the time to help me, all constructive criticism will help me immensely.
Here are my two videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGa6HTUo1qY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_deGUf5Hh4

 

[alex2011]

I just watched those 2 videos. I find it boring.

 

[Pete Pridanonda]

I need constructive criticism, comments that would help me. Can you please tell me how it's boring to you and how I can improve my performance?

 

[alex2011]

That's just my opinion. But I liked your street magic with those kids. Other people could give you better constructive criticism. Good job!

 

[Aaron.Williams]

Well, the one you tried to submit 11 months ago probably would've been able to make the cut now. Back then, they were a lot more tough on what they wanted. I'm not saying their standards aren't high now, but the upload a new video every other day.

 

[alex2011]

Okay I'll try my best to give constructive criticism but I think I'm biased.


First of all, I like simple and direct effects. What I mean by simple and direct is I don't care how difficult or how easy that effect is, I want it to look simple to the eyes of the audience and straight to the point.


The Triumph begins with an ace cutting routine. I don't really like ace cutting because to me that's a demonstration of skill. I never demonstrate skills now while performing magic. Of course when I was starting out card magic, I used to, but now I don't think so. I don't even shuffle, cut, riffle, etc. while performing.


When you demonstrate skills, people will think of method and because of that the magic is over. You've conditioned their mind that your card magic is just skills.


The Dead Reckoning is confusing. I think you're giving your people a hard time. Even how clear you explain it, you're still giving them a hard time. Why not just have a card selected, place back and spell it without those shuffles and cuts? That simple! Or maybe just think of a card and spell. Even the spell part is confusing. Why not just name any number?


So again those are just my opinions. Again I think I'm biased but I tried my best. Hope I’ve helped you somehow. Good job again!

 

[Pete Pridanonda]

You make some really good points there Alex, I thought a lot about what you said and I agree with you completely on Dead Reckoning, and that's the reason why I don't perform the effect as much as I use to anymore. I still perform it but only in certain situations.
As for the triumph routine, my intention was to demonstrate to them different ways of finding the aces, both the skillful and the magical way, there's a few magical moments in my presentation which I like 1.)An ace magically materializes on top. 2.)All the cards magically turns the same way and 3.) The kicker ending. Thanks again for your input, I really appreciate it.

 

[alex2011]

Ah okay. Now I understand your intention for the triumph. No problem. Glad I was able to help. Again, I love your street magic video with those kids.

 

[Robert//Livingston]

Take the word 'Casino' out of your patter in the triumph

You will get called out fast if you ever perform this for someone who actually plays cards. Casino's never 'Cut to the aces', and have strict shuffling standards.

Also, don't say 'Right?' so much. You don't have to over-prove everything. The effect is a strong one, but I challenge you to come up with a WHOLE new presentation for it.

 

[Pete Pridanonda]

I'm glad you liked the street magic video Alex, performing on the spot when they asked me to show them magic is a lot of fun

@Robert//Livingston: Thank you very much for the advice, I have no idea about the casino thing, very intersting. I also agree with you on the presentation, I will try to come up with another presentation that doesn't have anything to do with gambling