PK Silverware

aommaster

Hi Banachek!

Do you think that PK silverware has achieved its objectives in making people believe that fact that people can bend metal with their mind? If it were possible, what would you change about it to make it, in your opinion, better?

Banachek

My purpose in PK silverware was not to convince more people; maybe I misunderstood your question.

My purpose on the tape was as a teaching tool and to get credit for some of my ideas that others where incorporating in their tapes and DVD's

On the tape, the emphasis was more on the teaching and less on the being real. When I perform the effects myself, I have a lot more drama and emphasize on making it look real. Eliciting feelings from the person or persons on stage with me and creating a feeling or emotion if you will of it being real (all in context of the stage show or close up I am working of course).

As a result it sometimes amuses me when people state that on the DVD's I did not act like it was real. That was not the purpose of the DVD's, it was to impart information on how to get away with the bends and make the bends themselves look real, not how to make yourself look real, these are two distinct different aims.

Hope that makes sense. Maybe someday on a DVD I will show the difference and teach how to make you look genuine versus making it look like a trick. Such a section could be beneficial to anyone performing mentalism.

aommaster

Thanks a lot for that reply Banachek! You understood my question correctly!

PS Sorry I couldn't reply you earlier, I had a camp with my school!

Banachek

Thank you, I will be out most of today, in the U.S. today is thanksgiving and I have to go to my daughters.

But thanks so much for your insightful questions.

Shaun Robinson

As I have stated before, I really enjoyed this DVD and use some of the techniques. I found Gerry inherently annoying on this and it almost ruined the DVD for me. Was his part to play to "dumb" magician so all questions could be answered?

(Side note: I'm doing a ten-minute oral presentation on the Alpha Project at University on Monday.)

Banachek

This was his intent, I was not aware of this intent up front as he decided to do that as we started. As we continued through the project I was aware of it. Gerry has a great ability to improve. Sometimes it is brilliant other times annoying. My only problem on this was it sometimes through my timing off, however he did bring up some good points with being simple minded so to speak. Some people loved it, some hated it. I guess it was just one of those things.

aommaster

As Shaun stated, some people (on other forums) really hated the fact that he made comments so they reduced their overall rating down. They said, however, that it was a pity because the moves shown in the DVD were good.

Banachek

The thing I look about in DVD's or videos is if I learnt anything. I don't really care about the quality or the nuances they try on each DVD or even the layout. Although all those things can enhance the experience I realize I am not watching a movie or a TV show, it is a learning experience and do the learning contents leave me enhanced.

HD, layout, editing and such are all secondary benefits to me.

aommaster

That's a great way for what to look for when picking out magic DVDs! Great idea!

Initial Inspirations

Felix

Hello Banachek.

Thank you so much for taking the time to be here and answering the questions so thoroughly. I have been out of town for a bit and before leaving I stopped at my favourite magic shop to see what book I might pick up to take with me on the trip. When mentioning that I was leaning towards something in mentalism two others in the shop said something to the effect of...."Banachek......or Annemann? Both are great reading"

I suppose with your name coming up so much currently in my pursuit of knowledge of mental effects, I have to wonder how far back this interest went for you and when it began. In looking through your web site I noted your participation in the McDonnell lab experiments in 1979 and the reference to you as a "part time mentalist" at 18.

My question to you is can you describe your beginnings that ultimately led you to pursue mentalism, was there an event or a moment of realisation or that moment of "ah ha?” Who or what inspired you and when?

I hope this is not a redundant question, as I believe I have read all of the questions so far and did not see a biography on your web site. If so, please feel free to move on to others, as I know the time is running short.

One more question. Your site only lists the 2004 tour schedule. Will it be updated soon?

Thanks once more.

Banachek

My interest was started really back in 1976 when I read Randi's book "the truth about Uri Geller"

By 1979 I was pretty much a full time mentalist despite the fact I still had a couple of other jobs, by 1981 I had no side jobs and just started performing.

I was always interested in new ideas even when very young. I invented a move to fool people when I played football. I quickly learned that if I stepped to the right, people would spread their legs and I could pass the ball through their legs and run around them. (Same for stepping to the left), I once was fascinated by a magician I saw at a school function and do remember going home and constructing a way to make a silk disappear into an egg. I was always fascinated by ways to fool people with unique ideas for some reason but the real passion started late (compared to most) at the age of almost 16.

Master of Ceremonies

artemisdarcmagick

Hi Again,

I have just been asked to 'MC' at a charity Function (for disabled kids) and the host has asked that I perform some 'Psychological Entertainment' for the adults just before I introduce the next guest. Now I have a few ideas including the Chair selection from Pre Thoughts and a drawing dupe using the Symbology Pack(possibly), but is there any type effects that I should steer clear of and do you have any advice or experience doing this kind of thing.

By the way the Children will be entertained by a kids' entertainer.

Thanks in advance.

Also I found Gerry quite annoying on PK Silverware but looked beyond that and I still rate as the best Metal Bending stuff out there!

Banachek

When they state "psychological Entertainment" I suspect they are talking about Derren Brown like. In other words so long as you give a psychological feel to it you will be fine.

As an MC you can usually get away with short bits. For instance you could use Gauci's Eye to eye to good laughter. I would suggest two bits in the beginning one quick and to the point to let them know who you are, and one longer item. You could also close with a longer item as well at the end. Keep the other bits short in between the other items you are introducing. If you can somehow tie them in with what is coming up, the entire better. For instance, Bruce Bernstein has an effect using the Paul Curry switch that is called Eat At Joes. In other words the letters spell this out at the end. Look it up.

There is no reason not to use Pre-show in this environment. Like if you were going to do the Picture dupe you talked about. MC'ing leads itself nicely to this. Depending upon if you are introducing acts like bands or not, Q&A gives you nice fill time and flexibility if you need it. Let's say you a quick effect, and they need more time to set up, you can do another one of your Q&A bits.

MC'ing is very different than a regular show, as you do not have to have a build to your performance; each bit is singular since you have others coming up in between you. I would suggest keeping most of your bits short and to the point. Your job is to keep the show moving, not slow it down. A quick tossed out deck, a pic dupe, eye-to-eye three or four times for money. Basically lots of standard stuff but add plenty of humor. The main reason for this is if you are introducing boring speakers, you will be the breath of fresh air. Tell a joke or two instead of doing a trick a couple of times. MC'ing is fun, keep it so.

As for staying away from anything, yes, in this context stay away from long routines. You do not have the time for it. As said, your job is to keep things moving. Have a few lines ready for when things go wrong, like mic problems, a speaker dropping something. Make sure you ask each speaker in advance if there is anything you need to stay away from. Nothing could be worse than telling a joke and finding out later that the next guest was controversial in that area, like a joke about a mistress and the big scandal in the company was the fact the guy was and is seeing his secretary. As a result it is often good to ask your hostess as well if there are any areas you need to stay away from with the speakers that you will introduce. You don't want to be doing an effect with coke if the next speaker represents Pepsi so go over you list way in advance, get a copy of the list. Learn a few things about each person so you will feel very relaxed when it comes time to introduce them. Even if you use none of the information. Treat MC'ng like the folks are in your living room and you are the host of the party. Keep in mind people are sitting for hours (if this is the an all day event) do things where they can all stand up or all interact with each other.

As I said, your job is to keep the event light and moving along. You do this and you will be the star of the show. You slow it down and you will be the reason the event failed. MC'ing is a lot of responsibility, but a lot of fun.

Thanks again for the great questions. Not sure I answered exactly what you were asking but hope some of this helps.

Last Orders Please

Nigel Shelton

This is just to remind you that Banachek's time will be coming to an end very soon. If you have any burning questions, please get them posted by tonight so that he may have an opportunity to respond before the end of the weekend.

This has been a thoroughly amazing week and I have certainly enjoyed reading the questions and replies of all the posts in this forum - I hope that you have too.

A very warm thank you to Banachek for his input so far, to what has been a remarkable week of thoroughly enjoyable discussions.

Banachek

It has been fun, I appreciate everyone being so polite, especially when it comes to the controversial topics that sometimes lead to very heated discussions. You guys were very, very cordial and I will not forget that.

Huw Collingbourne

I'd like to add my sincere thanks. Banachek has been a wonderful and memorable guest. It has been fascinating to read his detailed and insightful answers to a huge variety of different questions.

It really has been a great pleasure and privilege to have you visit us, sir.

Gary Scott

This has been one of the best guest speaker spots in the history of Magic Bunny!

Thanks for being for being so open and forthright with your replies.

It has made for a very impressive read.

I'm sure that every single one of us learnt something from this.

Thank you for visiting Magic Bunny Banachek!

little1large1

All of the above.

Thank you very much Banachek.

Tubz

Perhaps you'd like to re-visit us in the future?

Thank you very much for taking time out for your busy schedule.

Happy Toad

Just a quick post to add to the thanks.

First time I've ever actually posted a question to one of our guests, inspired by the frank and open contribution by you.

Many thanks

mcdotty

From an Old'un in the pack may I say what a pleasure it was to have a gentleman on board to answer all our questions. From my point of view, It has certainly enhanced your already first class reputation. When you decide to do a UK Visit, please let us know.

Michael Jay

The last week has been a massive spot for our guest speaker, Banachek. The entire interview is HUGE! Thank you Banachek for taking your time with us and giving the frank and honest answers that you have...You are certainly an amazing man and deserving of all the accolades that you receive from our industry.

I am indebted.

M_B

This is possibly the Guest Speaker that his forum received some many topic/posts! Amazing.

Appreciated that you 're here, Banachek. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your replies.

Sleightly Magical Tom

Thanks for sharing your wisdom Banachek!

davidbod

I would just like to add my thanks - particularly for the depth of the replies and even replies-to-replies.

No doubt Mr Credit Card will be purchasing the PSI DVD's very soon.

SteveKn

I just wanted to add my thanks as well. There aren't many people that would take the time and consideration that you did to answer our questions. It's been a fascinating week.

Thank you Banachek

Nigel Shelton

I would like to offer a very warm vote of thanks to Banachek for being our “Special Guest” over the past few days.

This has been the most incredible week. I cannot recall any other of our previous quests creating such a stir and generating such a wide range of threads and discussions. We have been incredibly lucky throughout the past three years on Magic Bunny to scoop some most amazing guests and I am grateful for everything that they have all contributed but you have set a new benchmark for future guests – it really has been the most incredible appearance.

Thank you Banachek for spending the last week on our boards in the role of a Special Guest. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your input and I know that many of our members have learnt a great deal from your words. There has been an incredible buzz on these boards over the past five days and this forum has generated some of the most astounding discussions.

My postbag has swelled over the past week or so, initially with correspondence full of excitement about your pending visit and then with further correspondence praising the activity and standard of contributions in this forum. I am so very thankful for all that you have done for these boards in the past five days.

Thank you so very much.

Shaun Robinson

I would also like to thank Steve for his time here. I haven posted a lot because I thought that a lot of the things he dealt with wouldn't apply to me. After reading all of his posts and re-reading his website I have most definitely changed my mind. Thanks for your time Banachek; you're a true commodity.

Banachek

I just want to say that it has indeed been my pleasure to spend the week here, it went by quite fast. The questions were fascinating and as I said elsewhere, way above the usual quality of other boards I have appeared on.

Thanks once again for making if fun and thanks for making me think, it is always a good thing to do.

LeeAlex

Damn - Nigel beat me to it this time!

I have not been participating on the posting - but rest assured this has all made fantastic reading.

A great big thank you for all you time - and entertainment!

It has been out of this world!

Scott Drebus

I'm not famous yet, but I make it my point to meet as many successful people as possible to both increase my potential network, and to learn as much as I can from them in my constant pursuit for success myself. Someone once said, "Take a millionaire out to lunch." Well, we were fortunate enough to have you for an entire week. Of all the people I have ever met and out of all the people I have ever learned from, you are definitely up there at the top of my list. Thank you for taking some time off to share your wisdom with us. Anyone who didn't read any of your posts are fools; there is something there for everyone, even if their only goal in life is to sell rail passes at the station.

aommaster

On behalf of all the other members of Magic bunny, thanks a lot Banachek! It has really been great to have you here on these boards.

M_B

Many thanks from myself, also. You have truly been a great guest speaker and even, though, I did not take place in the discussions, I thoroughly enjoyed reading them.

That's all I can say, I don't have the talent Nigel has by writing so strongly.

Thanks for the help.

Tobias

I wasn't around over the weekend, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this last week and, though I've thanked him a few times already, thanks again to Banachek for taking the time to speak to us. It's been great hearing from such an innovative performer.

Michael Jay

I have also thanked you for being with us over the last week Banachek, but, again, thank you! It has been a great privilege to read your in depth and well thought answers, which are a mark of your professionalism. May life give you everything you could ever want!

Huw Collingbourne

Once again, many, many thanks. Please feel free to call by and see us in Bunny from time to time.