How does David Blaine pick?

[Dayton76]

I am kind of hoping that this thread makes it to at least one of the artists here. I am curious if anyone knows and can tell anything about the process of how David Blaine and Chris Angel gets and picks the effects for their television specials? I ask because a lot of the close up effects on the specials are created by someone else. So for example, how does David Blaine know that Magician "X" in the UK, and Magicain "Y" in Florida, has a killer effect that has never been released on DVD or in print. Or does David contact all the top magicians, and ask for tricks? Or does David Blaine give an advance notice and magicians have a deadline to create some cool stuff for the show? Sorry I am just curious, because I know that there has to be thousands of talented and creative magicians all over the globe that has some cool new stuff, so how does he pick what he is going to use from that huge pool.

 

[Flyspazz]

He has advisors or "creative consultants" like Dan White and Doug Mckenzie that
assist in this field I'm sure. I think its alot about networking. They know of
others who have material and make some phone calls. Plus they probably have
everyone beating down their doors with their latest effects.

If a creator puts "As seen performed by David Blaine" on something thats
going to help them out alot on the marketing side.

Just what I think from what I've heard anyway. I'm sure theres a lot more to it.

 

[Dayton76]

Yea I think there is a lot more to it too. Thanks for your reply man.

 

[dejavu05]

Interesting question, not too sure about much more than flyspazz said.

 

[Willson]

Well, I think Criss' effect mostly come from his "consultant" team like digital camera..hahaha joking but seriously though, I think they (DB n CA) have his people to figure out the problem that's why is call their consultants. Is all about networking or people come beating down the door..like flyspazz had just said earlier...

but my question is, is it the media or is it really the audience decide to push DB or CA to be world recognize "magician/illusionist"??? yes people know David Copperfield, but beside that, if you're a lay person, first name come in mind for world recognize magician, is either DB or CA

I mean where the deuce did DB n CA come from to be this well known? I'm pretty sure they didn't all of a sudden go "OH, I think I should have a TV show call "blind kid"...oops..i mean "Mind Freak" let's go knock on A/E door and see if they buy my idea which mostly base on Hollywood TV magic?

thoughts?

 

[TeeDee]

I mean where the deuce did DB n CA come from to be this well known? I'm pretty sure they didn't all of a sudden go "OH, I think I should have a TV show call "blind kid"...oops..i mean "Mind Freak" let's go knock on A/E door and see if they buy my idea which mostly base on Hollywood TV magic?

thoughts?

As I understand it, both Blaine and Angel were professional magicians already before they appeared on TV. In order to get on TV you have to either find a producer who's already looking to make a magic show, or come up with a format yourself and pitch it to a production company. In general, its about networking, knowing the right people and getting lucky. For example, Derren Brown got on TV because he was friends with Jerry Sadowitz mentioned his name to Andrew O'Conner, who runs Objective Productions, and was already looking to make a mind-reading show.

If you've come up with a trick that you want one of these magicians to use, then the easiest way would be to submit a demo to them via one of their consultants or managers and see if they want to buy it.

 

[Dayton76]

Welll I have read a little about DB's story. And I dont think anyone can deny that he pioneered or at least made the whole street magic thing a lot more mainstream. So, he just amazed the right people during a time that magic was, I feel, more underground or just not as popular. And I am not 100% about this but CA put in a lot of work overseas and in Vegas, before his break. My point is both of the artists, not matter how you feel about them, definatley paid their dues performing before they got their big break.

Thanks for the reply, and you thoughts but I am more curious right now on how many tricks and magicians these guys have to go through before coming to a decision on what effects they are going to use for the shows.

 

[ThrallMind]

And I am not 100% about this but CA put in a lot of work overseas and in Vegas, before his break.

He had a very good stage show for a while before he jumped on the Street Magic bandwagon.

-ThrallMind

 

[jonraiker]

Both David Blaine and Criss Angel have magic consultants that aid in the creative process. Copperfield has artists like Chris Kenner and Homer Liwag, Blaine has Dan White, Danny Garcia, and Doug McKenzie (among others), and so forth.

But - as mentioned - don't think for a minute DB isn't already a phenomenal magician. Have you seen his Simple Switch?