Welcome to a behind-the-scenes peek at the world of stage illusions with this cracking DVD set! Dive into the design, performance, and approach of modern illusions, all with the guidance of one of the world’s most talented illusion teams.
If you’ve ever fancied yourself as an illusionist, this DVD is an absolute must-have (seriously, don’t miss out)!
Join J C Sum & 'Magic Babe' Ning, dubbed "Asia's Most Famous Illusionists" by The Straits Times, as they pull back the curtain on their craft, analysing 10 cutting-edge illusions in live performance.
This isn’t just another tedious method explanation video—oh no! J C & Ning provide a rich overview of stage illusions that will benefit magicians & illusionists at all stages of their careers.
They’ll tackle illusions of all shapes and sizes to illustrate various learning points, highlight design elements, and dish out insights on illusion techniques, motivation, and the philosophy of performing for today’s discerning audiences.
And as a cheeky bonus, they’ll share behind-the-scenes nuggets on one of their mega illusions, "The Aerial Exit".
Information shared in Behind the Illusions include:
- Illusion Performance Approaches & Tips
- Stage Movement & Blocking for Illusions
- Working with an Assistant/ Partner
- Making Illusions Unique through design and/or presentation
- Illusion Design Approach & Philosophy
- Illusion Building Tips
- Thoughts on Overly Performed Illusions
- Illusions - to buy or to build?
- Choosing the right illusions
- Illusions with Multiple Uses
- Recycling Illusions
- Lighting Enhancement for Illusions
- Illusion Cloth Handling
- Casing Illusions - Managing space, weight, time and efficiency through illusion breakdown design.
- Resources for Illusionists
- Illusion Reference/ Credits & History
Illusions used to illustrate teachings include:
Crystal MetamorphosisAn original design for a see-through "Substitution Trunk" built for speed
Teachings: Illusion Design, Illusion Choreography & Movement, Lighting Design
Crystal AppearanceAn original design & approach to performing the "Crystal Casket" illusion
Teachings: Deceptive Base Design, Illusion Construction, Illusion Cloth Handling
Smoke ChamberA 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 & SpaceA 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
RevollusionAn 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 proprietary 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’re well-known for their innovative illusions such as teleporting and vanishing people & cars over great distances, not to mention setting a world magic record and successfully predicting the national 4D lottery.
With their distinct contemporary East meets West "Urban Illusions" style, they’re one of the definitive international acts in today’s modern magic scene.
What others are saying about
Behind the Illusions:
"There is so much in this DVD... I'm giving it a 90% (rating)!"
- David Penn, Wizard Product Review "Anyone who performs illusions will get something out of this, it is the first time I have something like this for illusions. It is a great product, highly recommended"
- Paul Romhany, Romhany Report "I have always admired how JC creates his magic and especially the subtleties he employs during his performance. An example of his subtleties during his performance would be when he is "panting" for breath after a magical appearance. These little things will help create better magic. So, if you are into Illusions, you should check out this DVD, if you like it, you can even get the plans from his book. Rating 4.5/5"
- Bernard Sim, Sexy Magic Reviews
