Inventing tricks

Davetolomy

When you go about creating new effects how do you usually go through it?

Is there a special procedure or do they just come to you?

Thanks.

Jay Scott Berry

For my own part, I have found that there is never a single path to creation. Some ideas are carefully nurtured and others appear like bolts out of the blue.
As a rule, however, I use an idea that I call "reverse illusioneering".
This is simply imagining the ultimate effect first, and then working backwards to the method. I try to find the path of least resistance, so to speak, avoiding any obvious sleights or moves. Ultimately, I strive to create effects that look like "Real Magic".

Davetolomy

Hey this is what I've been doing!

Thanks a lot.

New Goodies

LeeAlex

Hi Jay,

Are there any plans for any new goodies to be released soon?

I have been more than pleased with my purchases of your material and have more on the list (just waiting for my PayPal account to fill up!)

By the way after the initial contact glad you could make it to the boards - thanks for taking the time out.

Jay Scott Berry

Hi Lee,
Yes, I guess there's always something up the "proverbial" sleeve. I'll be premiering a new lecture in the UK this spring and with it some new effects, gimmicks, DVD's etc. So far, over 30 dates have been set.
Thanks for the invitation to join in the discussion.
I've just managed to get online now. It's 4 in the morning, California time.
Just finished up a 4 week Asian tour with a 3-day TV shoot in Indonesia this past Monday - Wednesday. I arrived back in the US Thursday night and am now on my way down to Vegas...whew!
Between one computer crashing along the way and trying to get another up to speed, it's a wonder I'm "here" at all.

Gold_Fish

Hi Jay,

With regard to your recent Asian tour did you find that you received differing responses within a different culture? Were certain effects received better or worse? If I ever get the chance I would be fascinated to look into different cultures perception of performance magic, particularly regard to well performed magic.

Shanester

A UK tour in spring, excellent.
I certainly will be proposing that the Newcastle Magic Circle (the oldest in the UK) opens its doors to you. I think you will find a warm reception up here.

Jay Scott Berry

Hi Will,
I find that there is always greater or lesser degree of reactions in different countries. It partly depends on religious beliefs and misconceptions about "magic".
Also, some societies simply aren't conditioned to clap at the end of each effect. As for Asia, there was a varying response in each country.
I was surprised about Indonesia, where there was actually visible fear and anxiety in the eyes of some of the spectators. It took some work to help get them over that, so they could simply enjoy the Illusions.
They seemed to enjoy the numerous visual effects, especially the Finger Fazer routine.

Gold_Fish

Thanks for that Jay, that really is fascinating.

Various degrees in culture

Michael Jay

Jay, I read with interest your answer on another post, about how the different cultures react differently. Considering the fact that you travel as much as you do and perform for these culturally diverse audiences, do you do any research on these cultures prior to performing? Or, do you simply go in and "play it by ear?"

Jay Scott Berry

Michael.
In a perfect world, I would do all my homework about the culture and even perfect the language before performing in another country. However, the reality is that I try my best to do basic research, depending on time and circumstances. I do ask the organizers and other local magicians for suggestions or tips. It is always good to learn at least a few basic phrases. This goes a long way toward warming up an audience.

LeeAlex

Not doing my homework and learning a few phrases got me in trouble in Azerbaijan with the press.

In the press conference before the shows I only spoke through my manager. On the first evening of the show I got a great response by introducing myself and the show in Azeri Turkish, and got throttled a couple of days later by the press saying that I was not English at all - obviously I learnt too well!

Another thing about cultures - the press did not see anything magical in the "Head Removal" - "We see this every day!" they said - apparently it is a form of legal punishment for some crimes!

Beware! Ouch!