Ask Angelo Carbone

[Nass]

Of all the magicians on TV- which is your favourite?

Also are there any magicians in the UK who you can see as people who will be highly influential in magic.

Following on from that trend- are there any magicians abroad, but in Europe that you have met, and think that they will be highly influential (as in: great) in the future.

Thanks for doing this!

[erlandish]

Angelo,

Thanks very much for the response. As time goes on I'm beginning to see things the way you do.

Which gimmick / gaffe / utility device do you feel is the most useful? Or do you prefer gimmicks (etc.) that are specifically tailored towards a single effect?

[Angelo Carbone]

Thanks a lot Angelo, I now have another question. Will a handshake really go a long way when entertaining a random person?

I really do believe so. It shows a number of things - politeness and courtesy, shows you are interested in the person you are performing to and it shows you are a gentleman.

If you were to do the opposite and just say thanks verbally or hello verbally without any physical contact, then I do not think it shows sincerity from a professional performing sense. Causally amongst friends in a different enviroment, hand shaking does not matter. I rarely handshake with good friends and handshake only with strangers or colleagues.

Best wishes,

Angelo

[Angelo Carbone]

Of course I do not know your style or type of magic but all I can say is to be a better magician is not only work on the tricks (which is important - don't get me wrong) but more importantly - work on you and how people perceive you.

Angelo, you made and interesting point here. What should we shoot for
here? Or can you elaborate a bit?

I really believe there are far too many rude people and arrogant people in society. Sometimes we encounter these type of people only briefly and then never have to see them again. There have been some magicians I have seen that step very close to this line in performing and it really is a turn off.

You really have to wear someone eles's shoes and and see it from your audience point of view. Analyse your performances - probably best with a video camera or ask a very close friend for their opinion. Are you likeable and charming? Do you come across with a touch of arrogance and cockiness? Can every word you say be understood or are you talking too fast? How is your appearance and personal hygiene? How do people perceive you and do you think they like what they see?

For some people you will perfrom to, this would be the first time they ever lay eyes on you and first impressions DO count especially if you want to get repeat bookings. Be smart, clean, polite and entertaining.

Of course, these thoughts of mine do not lend themselves to every performer out there with there own unique styles (eg street performing) but whatever style of clothes you wear or to whatever type of crowd you perform to - step out of the box and look at yourself and ask do you like what you see?

Best wishes,

Angelo

[Angelo Carbone]

Of course I do not know your style or type of magic but all I can say is to be a better magician is not only work on the tricks (which is important - don't get me wrong) but more importantly - work on you and how people perceive you.

Angelo, you made and interesting point here. What should we shoot for
here? Or can you elaborate a bit?

I really believe there are far too many rude people and arrogant people in society. Sometimes we encounter these type of people only briefly and then never have to see them again. There have been some magicians I have seen that step very close to this line in performing and it really is a turn off.

You really have to wear someone eles's shoes and and see it from your audience point of view. Analyse your performances - probably best with a video camera or ask a very close friend for their opinion. Are you likeable and charming? Do you come across with a touch of arrogance and cockiness? Can every word you say be understood or are you talking too fast? How is your appearance and personal hygiene? How do people perceive you and do you think they like what they see?

For some people you will perfrom to, this would be the first time they ever lay eyes on you and first impressions DO count especially if you want to get repeat bookings. Be smart, clean, polite and entertaining.

Of course, these thoughts of mine do not lend themselves to every performer out there with there own unique styles (eg street performing) but whatever style of clothes you wear or to whatever type of crowd you perform to - step out of the box and look at yourself and ask do you like what you see?

Best wishes,

Angelo

[Angelo Carbone]

Of all the magicians on TV- which is your favourite?

Also are there any magicians in the UK who you can see as people who will be highly influential in magic.

Following on from that trend- are there any magicians abroad, but in Europe that you have met, and think that they will be highly influential (as in: great) in the future.

Thanks for doing this!

Hmm! A number of TV magicians stand out in terms of performing style and origianlity of magic - Derren Brown, Cyril Takyama (although not on UK TV), Barry and Stuart anf finally Max Somerset. Barry and Stuart btw are highly original in terms of performing style and choice of magic. I urge many people to watch them. Their taste may not be to everyone's liking but you can learn a lot from them. Max Somerset is so unique in performing he is a joy to watch over and over again.

As for influential UK magicians, again... let me add a hmmm! here....
In terms of creativity these names come to mind: Jon Allen, Marc Oberon, and Will Houstoun.

I have met the odd European magician through conventions and sadly I am terrible with names and could not name any right now. Sorry for a disapointing end to your questions. If you had asked me about US magicians, then that would be easy

Best wishes,

Angelo

[Angelo Carbone]

Angelo,

Thanks very much for the response. As time goes on I'm beginning to see things the way you do.

Which gimmick / gaffe / utility device do you feel is the most useful? Or do you prefer gimmicks (etc.) that are specifically tailored towards a single effect?

There are many gimmicks and gaffes which are valuable useful tools. These are my favourites: thumb tip, topit, Raven and invisible thread. Pretty generic really and nothing revolutionary but you did ask for the most useful ones

Angelo

[Angelo Carbone]

Ok will now post a competition for everyone. Will explain why I made this particular important post at end of competition.

See next post.

Angelo

[Angelo Carbone]

COMPETITION


Thought it was time to give away some prizes. Here is what you could win:



3rd Prize: Squeeze Through - Pull a borrowed ring through a small hole. A new invention by me.
Details and Video: http://tinyurl.com/3yxtk7

"Angelo's mind must be totally "Out of Order" to come up with something as cunning as Squeeze Through!"
Simon Lovell, USA.


2nd Prize: Shake, Rattle & Hole - A hole visiblly appears and vanishes inside a deck.
Details: http://tinyurl.com/2sct8d

"Angelo Carbone's Hole Deck warps reality so severely that a tear in the fabric of space and time becomes as plausible an explantaion as any. Absolutely fantastic!"
Steve Fearson, USA.

"Angelo Carbone continues to astonish me with his creativity. His latest, 'Shake, Rattle and Hole' is a jaw dropping illusion."
Richard Kaufman, Genii Magazine.

"When Angelo showed me 'Shake, Rattle and Hole' at FISM, I was rendered speechless. And for those that know me, that is one heck of a feat."
Greg Wilson, Two-Time FISM Award Winner.

"Another one of Angelo's visually stunning magical creations... Holey Moley indeed!"
Simon Lovell, USA.

"Once again Angelo brings out a trick that will fool the heck out of you. Shake, Rattle & Hole is a diabolically clever effect well within the ability of all magicians. Thank goodness he uses his powers for good and not evil!"
Jon Allen, Award Winning Close Up Magician.

"This is one of the most visually impossible effects Angelo has ever created, and given his output, that's saying a lot. The combination of so many devious secrets in one trick is absolutely mind-boggling."
Matt Field, Magic Circular Editor.

"The coolest thing I have seen for a long time!"
Matthew Johnson, USA.


1st Prize: Notion of Motion - Acclaimed any card called for card rise. Worth £240.
Details and Video: http://www.risingcard.com

"This is the best rising card trick I have ever seen. I have no idea how you did it."
Paul Harris, USA.

"Brilliantly inexplicable until you learn the method. Inexplicably brilliant when you do."
Guy Hollingworth, UK.

"It's perfect and impossible in effect and hugely impressive in method. Angelo is a quiet genius, and anything from him is going to be astonishing and direct."
Derren Brown, UK.

"This is not a self-working trick but it's a bloody miracle. Angelo sat on the floor of a hotel room in bright sunlight two feet from my face and - several times in a row - made any card called for rise. I didn't have a clue."
Teller, USA.

"I am thrilled! Your card rise is most magical."
Jeff McBride, USA.

"That's terriffic! I have no concept of how it works. Fooled the hell out of me."
Harry Lorayne, USA.

"It looks like you are doing the Hooker Card Rise described, but never disclosed, on page 424 in Greater Magic. You have created and combined some very diabolical secrets. I could not imagine the real methods. You fooled me at every moment with this astounding miracle. Congratulations"
Tim Conover, USA.



Competition open to members fo TMW from around the world. One prize per person so three chances at winning a prize.

Closing date is May 26th 2007. Correct answers pulled from a hat at the Magic Circle HQ by fellow members on May 28th 2007. All answers and title suggestions revealed on May 29th 2007.

Please submit your answers to the four questions via PM to me on this site. DO NOT post your answers in the thread herewith.

So here are the questions. I like to be different in what I say and do so read carefully every word in this post and play detective where necessary



1: How many letter 'E's (lower or upper case) appear on my site http://www.risingcard.com ? Please go over the entire site.

2: I want to release a book for magicians. What should I call it? I already have a title in mind (Simply Carbonated... Collected Works of Angelo Carbone) but am open to suggestions. Please play on words to do with my name and creativity and inventing. If I use your title you will get credit and copy of the book once published.

3: What is the name of my card trick involving four riveted cards?

4: Which year was my Tenyo trick Prison Box released?


Good luck everyone!

Best wishes,


Angelo Carbone.

[Nass]

...Wow! I might actually do this...I would love to have the Notion of Motion.

Thanks for doing this (and setting such gruelling tasks )

[KeenanG]

Good stuff Angelo

What are your thoughts on restuarant work over walk around?

Which do you prefer and why?

What are your inspirations for creating?

Thanks for being here!

Keenan

[Peter Harrison]

I have a question about the competition... What is the fourth question? I only see three listed...

Take it easy,

P.H.

[Angelo Carbone]

Good stuff Angelo

What are your thoughts on restuarant work over walk around?

Which do you prefer and why?

What are your inspirations for creating?

Thanks for being here!

Keenan

Hi Keenan!

I don't feel qualified enough to answer your question about restuarant and walk around magic as those are areas I do not specialise in. Creativity, designing and inventing magic is my field.

As for inspirations, it can vary vastly. I can be in a shop and see a new toy or gadget which would inspire me or I could see a good magic act. However generally, I really just try to come up with things from scratch and try not to let too many outside sources influence me. This really forces me to think hard on a new trick.

Best wishes,

Angelo

[Angelo Carbone]

Hi Peter,

Please read my competition post carefully. Its all there what to do.

Best wishes,

Angelo

[MitchellStafiej]

Hey, what's your mindset when creating magic? Is there any type of setting you like to be in when creating?

When creating props, how do you come up with an idea for a prop such as Prison Box and others?

Who as a magician do you look up to?

Thanks a lot!

Mitchell