Here's my routining of a Shawn Farquhar effect called Photo Finish. I would love to hear your thoughts on it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC4Ls_OPM3k&feature=feedu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC4Ls_OPM3k&feature=feedu
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Photo Finish
- Thread starter Michael Kras
- Start date
The effect is awesome, although the first sequence where you get rid of the poker chip was a little bold, and dare I say, obvious? Maybe I'm just flawed with unability to think like a complete layman, though. I also liked the patter, funny how I never saw this effect before, I love Shawn Farquahar.
I agree with formula above. You sound like a used car salesmen, man. The patter, and the tone in which you deliver it, comes across artificial and patronising. I'd feel uncomfortable and embarrassed if someone was performing like that at my table. You're clearly in "generic entertainer mode" with the sing-songy patter and delivery. Just imagine how you'd want someone to perform for you if you weren't into magic, and work in that direction. All that said, that last phase with the coin popping out of the photograph looked amazing, man. Really took me by surprise. Not sure I'm a fan of the actual routine--or at least its premise--but that last phase is killer. Very clever application of that principle.
Formula, what you said is ironically idiotic, as I did not use any sleight of hand. I used a gimmick created by Shawn Farquhar and Jon Allen that in fact eliminates the need for sleight of hand. So, in reality, I'm not being patronizing, I'm being honest. You call me patronizing all the time but you cannot honestly speak on behalf of a spectator, particularly since you do not know how I perform. I'm more "Paul Vigil" than "Gregory Wilson" if that makes any sense, meaning I perform in a manner that discourages the thought of sleight of hand rather than encourages it. You speak subjectively and unfairly. Those who "know" I really use sleight of hand accept my routine as tongue-in-cheek.
Matt, I know you find me vocally artificial, but I can in all honesty state that I'm using my natural voice. If you ask anybody who knows me in person and has spoken to me in casual conversation, my voice is not very different than when I'm performing. When I perform, I simply heighten my musicality as I've been trained to do as an actor and speaker. My approach to performance is more "performance" than you may be accustomed to but it's how I work when I perform in parlour, cabaret, and stage. Doing intimate close-up in a walkaround or table-hopping format, my approach is much less refined and far more informal. Performing for YouTube is a whole different dynamic... in terms of it's format, it mimics a formal performance setting as there is no room for interaction.
I'm not a strolling performer first and foremost. I'm an actor who does magic.
Matt, I know you find me vocally artificial, but I can in all honesty state that I'm using my natural voice. If you ask anybody who knows me in person and has spoken to me in casual conversation, my voice is not very different than when I'm performing. When I perform, I simply heighten my musicality as I've been trained to do as an actor and speaker. My approach to performance is more "performance" than you may be accustomed to but it's how I work when I perform in parlour, cabaret, and stage. Doing intimate close-up in a walkaround or table-hopping format, my approach is much less refined and far more informal. Performing for YouTube is a whole different dynamic... in terms of it's format, it mimics a formal performance setting as there is no room for interaction.
I'm not a strolling performer first and foremost. I'm an actor who does magic.
Regardless of the patter and method, I think it's a great effect, and watching it, I thought I had figured out how it was done-- but my idea didn't involve gimmicks, just sleight-of-hand. The reason I'm posting is: I am asking, may I use your take of it, as I have interpreted the trick to be done, or should I contact Shawn Farquhar?
Thanks very much,
Crede
Thanks very much,
Crede
Hi Crede!
The gimmick is actually a marketed item by Mr. Farquhar, so your best bet is to check on his website. It's called MatriXpress.
Hope this helps!
The gimmick is actually a marketed item by Mr. Farquhar, so your best bet is to check on his website. It's called MatriXpress.
Hope this helps!
Alright, will do, but maybe I didn't convey myself quite correctly-- while watching, I saw a method that could be accomplished purely with sleight of hand. Reading your post, I realize that the method is wrong, since it doesn't involve a gimmick, but it may still work. If it does, may I perform the effect? Or again, should I contact him?
I think if you have a way of doing it with sleights, you don't need to contact him! Shawn only owns the gimmicked method.
Sounds good to me! I don't really know if the idea will work not or yet, but in my (very very limited) free time I'll try to put it together and film something. Course, it'll take a bit to develop the photos and so on and so forth.
Thanks for your help!
Thanks for your help!
I called 1 of your previous performances patronising and I also complimented you on your last video, which was a nice coin routine. So no, I do not call you patronising all the time but yes, that is how you come across to me in general. I'm not trying to speak on behalf of a spectator, you posted the video asking for feedback and I'm giving you feedback. I've been in magic for a little while, I spent time with Dan & Dave before they became what they are, I saw Dynamo rise from a nobody, I spent time with Derren Brown before he became popular...point is I'm not some kid that started doing cardistry 6 months ago so you'd do well to listen to my criticisms rather than getting defensive.
The patter was well rehearsed, you have a nice confident air. I didn't have any problem with the scripting or your character. When you clean up the cards at the end your hands were a bit rushed. I would slow down there. I love Shawn's thinking, it's a really nice effect.
Michael, I actually enjoyed the routine but found the moves at 34 sec. 45 sec. and 1.03 to be a bit bold an obvious as well. I would love to see you film this live for an audience because I don't believe it would work. That is just my honest opinion. It is great in front of the camera and all the black that you are wearing with the black table / pad does indeed help mask somewhat.
As far as the chip falling out of the picture that is a great idea that has been used many years ago but still plays very strong. I also liked the hands on the cards.
Thanks for sharing.
As far as the chip falling out of the picture that is a great idea that has been used many years ago but still plays very strong. I also liked the hands on the cards.
Thanks for sharing.
Formula, I perform successfully with this style and personality on a regular basis... most people find it warm and charming, not patronizing and insulting. Perhaps you're different, and I don't know why. That's exactly why I chose to get on the defensive. I'm not going to accept an insulting criticism unless you have a good rationale to back it up. Just like someone commenting to say "Your double lift makes me cringe", it doesn't help me in any way whatsoever. If you're actually attempting to help me rather than shoot me down, give me a reason to accept and consider your criticisms. You consider me patronizing, and it's not as though I don't believe you, but without offering your word on how you think I could fix this in your eyes, the criticism is meaningless and offensive to me.
Rick, thanks so much for the thoughtful comment. I agree that the method is bold, and I cannot honestly say anything that would argue that because I haven't worked this for an audience yet. I have, however, seen Shawn perform it live and it looks totally fine to me. There may be a bit of a 'tell' but this seems to be one of those effects where the 'tell' is subjective.... a person may see something clearly, and another person won't see a thing. If I actually decide to work this effect at a gig, I will inform you of the results. And to be clear, there was no move at the 45 second mark... I just positioned my hands that way to condition you for the fact that I'd have to do it a few seconds later to REALLY do a move. I guess it was sort of counter-productive! I appreciate you pointing it out.
Rick, thanks so much for the thoughtful comment. I agree that the method is bold, and I cannot honestly say anything that would argue that because I haven't worked this for an audience yet. I have, however, seen Shawn perform it live and it looks totally fine to me. There may be a bit of a 'tell' but this seems to be one of those effects where the 'tell' is subjective.... a person may see something clearly, and another person won't see a thing. If I actually decide to work this effect at a gig, I will inform you of the results. And to be clear, there was no move at the 45 second mark... I just positioned my hands that way to condition you for the fact that I'd have to do it a few seconds later to REALLY do a move. I guess it was sort of counter-productive! I appreciate you pointing it out.
It was a nice effect though Webcam performances tend to be rather lack luster and boring, next time record a video of you actually performing for a group of people.
Both of you need to stop acting like Divas and grow a pair.
Both of you need to stop acting like Divas and grow a pair.
Fair enough, I can see how you come across as charming. We obviously disagree and clearly your results show my opinion is most likely the minority. My comments are never meant to "shoot people down". You asked for my opinion and I gave it with the intention of giving you feedback from one more person. I don't always have time to explain myself but if you was to ask why I would happily explain why I feel that way, "fixing" it on the other hand isn't my job, it's yours.
Formula, that's very fair. Thank you for providing your feedback, and I appreciate knowing that you don't intend to put anything down.