Price$55.00
Media TypeDVD
CategoryStage
Date AddedJun 07, 2011
Behind the Illusions
Sum, JC
(Based on 1 review)
If you ever wanted to learn how to approach illusion performing, designing and producing, this DVD is a must-have.
J C Sum & 'Magic Babe' Ning, "Asia's Most Famous Illusionists" (The Straits Times), take you behind their illusions and share their experience & expertise by analyzing 10 cutting edge illusions in live performance.
This is not an illusion method explanation video but J C & Ning offer a comprehensive overview to stage illusions that will be invaluable to stage magicians & illusionists of ALL levels.
The duo covers illusions of different sizes and scale to illustrate various learning points, highlight design elements and shed insight on illusion techniques, motivation and philosophy of performing illusions for today's audience.
As a bonus, for the first time ever, J C & Ning will share behind the scenes information on one of their live mega illusions, "The Aerial Exit".
Information shared in Behind the Illusions include:
Crystal Metamorphosis
An original design for a see-through "Substitution Trunk" built for speed
Teachings: Illusion Design, Illusion Choreography & Movement, Lighting Design
Crystal Appearance
An original design & approach to performing the "Crystal Casket" illusion
Teachings: Deceptive Base Design, Illusion Construction, Illusion Cloth Handling
Smoke Chamber
A magical appearance from an empty glass cabinet that fills with smoke
Teachings: Deceptive Base Design, Illusion Construction
Human Light Tunnel* / Shadow Vision*
A reinvention of the Jim Sommer's "Lights Fantastic" mini-illusion
Teachings: Illusion Design, Ethics & Rights, Designing a Presentation to Enhance Stage Character, Onstage Cueing between Performers
Impassable*
A reinvention of Jim Steinmeyer's "Through a One-Inch Hole" illusion
Teachings: Illusion Design, Illusion Presentation, Practicality in Illusions
Light & Space
A high-tech "Spiker" style illusion using LED Light Staffs
Teachings: Illusion Design, Illusion Recycling, Examining Illusion Appearance Reveals
Theatre of Shadows*
The classic Shadow Box illusion presented in a modern illusion show
Teachings: Classics in a Modern Illusion Show, Choosing a First Illusion, Redressing an Illusion
Modern Art*
A different presentation for Jim Steinmeyer's neo-classic dividing girl illusion
Teachings: Illusion Design, Illusion Presentation, Differentiating your Illusion Performance
Revollusion
An original presentation for an illusion with a giant industrial fan
Teachings: Illusion Design, Character Development through Presentation, Creative Illusion Thinking, Show Production
360 Sawing*
J C's complete redesign and rebuild of Gerry & Leonora Frenette's "Woman's Revolution"
Teachings: Illusion Design, Illusion Choreography & Movement, Working with Stage Crew
* While approaches to illusion design are discussed, the exact methods of proprietory illusions are not revealed. The viewer will need to have a working knowledge of basic methods and principles used. Full credits and references of all illusions are included in the DVD.
Who are J C Sum & 'Magic Babe' Ning?
Based in Singapore, J C Sum & 'Magic Babe' Ning are Asia's Most Lethal Combination in Magic!
The Straits Times acknowledges them as "Asia's most famous illusionists". Channel News Asia calls them "Singapore's celebrity magic duo" and "the new faces of an old-age art form".
J C & Ning's illusions have been seen by millions on network and cable television across Asia. They are well known for their innovative illusions such as teleporting and vanishing people & cars over great distances as well as setting a world magic record and successfully predicting the national 4D lottery.
Their distinct contemporary East meets West "Urban Illusions" style makes them one of the definitive international acts in today's modern world.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
This is a very interesting DVD. It’s not really a breakdown of how the illusions are fully built (For that, you need JC Sum’s Urban Illusions book) and they aren’t flat out exposures like the masked magician. It really is a behind the scenes look of what it takes to perform and pull off these illusions.
JC Sum goes into the lighting, illusion design, motivation, and his own personal philosophy on each illusion. Not all the methodology is fully explained, but where to purchase the plans to build them are provided.
The DVD includes a performance of each illusion, JC breaking down his thoughts about that particular piece, and then a repeat of the performance, this time with audio commentary.
If you are an illusionist, or want to be an illusionist, this companion DVD is a nice behind the scenes look with a real pro showing all the ins and outs, and will give you a great insight into whether or not you want this to be the next step of your magical journey!
JC Sum goes into the lighting, illusion design, motivation, and his own personal philosophy on each illusion. Not all the methodology is fully explained, but where to purchase the plans to build them are provided.
The DVD includes a performance of each illusion, JC breaking down his thoughts about that particular piece, and then a repeat of the performance, this time with audio commentary.
If you are an illusionist, or want to be an illusionist, this companion DVD is a nice behind the scenes look with a real pro showing all the ins and outs, and will give you a great insight into whether or not you want this to be the next step of your magical journey!