May 28, 2008
Here's what's in this edition of
Jheff's Marketplace of the Mind Newsletter
*** INVISIBLE STRANGER - Docc Hilford
*** PSYCHE - Andrew Gerard
*** BRANDED - Tim Trono
*** THE RED CARPET - Jason Palter
*** BOB FARMER
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*********
As I'm putting together this issue, the news broke that Big
Brown, the horse who won the Kentucky Derby and the
Preakness by a wide margin, cracked its left front hoof.
And why am I not surprised? Oh, maybe it's because no horse
in 30 years has won all three races to claim the coveted
Triple Crown. Ten horses have come close during that
period, but lost that third race, the Belmont Stakes (or
declined to run in it). I'd love to bet that this year's
Belmont Stakes (June 7) will be different and we'll get that
Triple Crown winner, but being a betting man - and I do love
betting the horses, I'll bet against Big Brown.
I can't help but thinking that this three race letdown is a
lesson to mentalists in structuring one's act. A typical
year for horse racing in the last few decades goes like
this: One horse wins the Kentucky Derby and it's usually
unexpected. Only a few times has the favorite won. And
that's a great start to a mentalism act - to be unexpected
and exciting. In performance, you want to start right out
of the gate with something that will grab and excite the
audience.
Then, the excitement builds to see if the promise of the
first race holds true for the second. The audience is
actually expecting that promise to be followed through in
the main part of the act. In the Triple Crown races, that
means that sometimes a different horse wins. And, though it
may be exciting, it leads to somewhat of a letdown to the
third leg of the Triple Crown or the finale. At this point,
horse racing fans know there won't be a triple crown winner
and, when this happens, there's not as much interest in the
final race. If, as a performer, you start switching themes
and abilities, the audience can't tell where you're going.
You may certainly surprise them with what happens next, but
there won't be any expectations. This is the difference
between surprise and suspense. And, as any fan of
Hitchock's films knows, suspense is far more effective and
memorable than surprise.
On the other hand, if a horse has won the first two legs in
the Triple Crown, there is massive interest in the third
leg, the Belmont Stakes. That's assuming, of course, that
the horse who won the first two legs is eligible or entered
for the final leg. (Yep, a few times the Kentucky Derby
winner passed on the second leg.) Obviously, as a
performer, you certainly don't want to let your audience
down by not following through on the promise of the first
two acts. But often I've seen performers choose the wrong
finale. Strong Q&A acts or blindfold routines are always
good closers, but only if properly structured.
What happens when the horse has won the first two legs of
the Triple Crown and misses the final leg? It's certainly
exciting and it's certainly memorable, but most won't
remember the Belmont winner, they remember the horse that
should have won. And the next year, it's all been forgotten
as a new Triple Crown potential will emerge. If a performer
lets down their audience in the third act, the audience may
have been entertained but ultimately they'll look forward to
a different performer. They'll remember the finish, not the
buildup. The audience should want to see you again and the
person who hired you should be pleased enough to hire you
back. Again and again.
So, am I pushing the analogy here? Not really. Will there
be a Triple Crown winner this year? Big Brown seems likely
to win it, though if he does win, the payoff for bettors
will be mighty slim as he'll be heavily bet. There may be
that nasty statistic that no one has won the triple crown in
thirty years, but if that drought should be broken, the
excitement will reverberate even past the boundaries of the
states. It's a feeling that we performers want our audience
members to leave with. Fortunately, as experienced
performers, we can control that suspense and strive to
deliver that unexpected excitement our audiences want.
**** PRODUCT UPDATES
Other new items that will be discussed in upcoming
newsletters and/or added soon to my catalog are Sean Field's
EXPLICIT FOOTAGE: TOME and EXPLICIT FOOTAGE: BENZ, Boris
Wild's MIND SPINNER, John Sheets' NAILED IT, Haim
Goldenberg's INSIDE THOUGHTS and MY PRECIOUS, Dr. Charles
Scott's THE CICARDI PROJECT DVD, Alvo Stockman's
POSTMENTALISM, Rachel Colombini's WORDS OF WISDOM, and a
bunch of cool stuff from Craig Browning. Some of this stuff
is already on the website with comments. Some of this stuff
I will not catalog.
**** WONDER READINGS
Unfortunately, for now, I will not be carrying the Wonder
Readings DVD set. There are some serious business-related
issues that need to be resolved among the creators.
Hopefully, they'll be resolved soon and I'll be able to add
it to the catalog.
**** BOB FARMER
"Aren't you selling Bob Farmer's Bammo Dekronomicon?," a
customer wrote me recently. The answer is no. Yep, I used
to. But then Bob Farmer complained. Somehow he thought
that I was making and selling his Bammo Dekronomicon decks,
instead of just selling the instructions. I'm not sure
where he got that erroneous info from, but he apparently
felt certain that I was in violation of his copyright.
I tried to assure Mr. Farmer that I was merely selling the
six one-way decks necessary to make his effect and not
making his decks for resale. I know that's unethical if I
do so without the creator's permission and I don't have the
time to make the decks anyway. They're easy enough to put
together oneself.
At that point I should have received a thank you for the
clarification and for supporting and promoting his effect.
After all, I did favorably review it, though it wasn't quite
a solution to the Any Card at Any Number plot that I
personally cared for.
But it didn't stop there. He was also upset that I made
comparisons with points that he never made in his original
blurb. I agreed that I did that. I explained that I was
comparing elements of his Any Card at Any Number solution to
others, which he didn't do and which I knew my readers would
want.
He was upset that I used a blurb that he didn't authorize.
I used a blurb that I got from my distributor. I generously
offered to change the blurb to the one he said should have
been the official blurb, but I really doubted that would
change my opinion.
Finally, he was upset that I didn't let him know that I was
selling one-way decks for customers to make their own Farmer
decks.
Yeah. Read that again. Can you believe it? He really
insisted that I should have notified him that I planned on
selling a standard magic item. Does every dealer who sells
his Bammo Dekronomicon need his permission to sell one-way
decks? When I sell Vernet TTs, do I have to clear it with
Vernet that I'm selling silks to go with it?
And Mr. Farmer will probably be pissed that I'm writing this
without letting him know that I did so. Sheesh! Here I
was, adding his product to my hand-selected list of quality
items for mentalists and he wants to unreasonably complain.
(His original concern was valid, but only until he learned
my answer, which I don't think he truly trusted.)
In any case, I really don't need the headache of selling
anyone's products who's unhappy with my support of them. So
I won't. Unless Mr. Farmer changes his attitude, I will opt
to ignore selling or commenting on any product in his
catalog.
**** PAST NEWSLETTERS NOW ON-LINE
Finally, I broke down and just decided to be plain lazy.
Instead of taking the time to re-format the newsletters and
make them all pretty looking for the blog, I decided I'd
rather spend the time on other more important things like,
oh, keeping the website up to date with the current
mentalism products and my comments.
So, there's a whole new section where you can see all the
past newsletters. If you subscribed and aren't receiving
them, either check to make sure that the newsletters aren't
being considered spam by your Internet provider, or
re-subscribe (which is the easiest).
***** MARKETPLACE MEMBERSHIP CLUB FOR 2008 AVAILABLE NOW!
The new issue of Jheff's Journal of the Mind spotlights Paul
Brook, who just recently published an incredible new book
which is featured in the issue, The Alchemical Tools. To
get this issue, you need to buy a membership in the
Marketplace of the Mind.
For the $37 cost you get a subscription to the 2008 issues
of Jheff's Journal of the Mind, an all-new e-zine for
mentalists, an additional 5% discount off merchandise from
the Marketplace of the Mind, and many other very cool
features. If you want a taste of what you get, check out the
preview edition of the Bonus #0 issue featuring Jack Kent
Tillar. Go to the website and click on the banner at the
top. Or use the link below.
Check it out here: www.marketplaceofthemind.com/jmmc.html
***** THE FRIENDS OF THE MARKETPLACE
Don't forget to check out the new Friends of the Marketplace
section. This is for those creators who are producing
wonderful products that I don't carry. This is because, to
save overhead, I order as needed from my distributor, and
these creators aren't mass distributing it. If you'd like
me to review your product and help you sell it, then you'll
find details about the Friends of the Marketplace program on
the website. There's a button on the left hand side for you
to click on.
I've just added ILLUSIONS OF INFLUENCE by Samuel Catoe, a
wonderful exploration of the art of equivoque. Two other
recent additions are THE SAFWAN PAPERS by Bryn Reynolds and
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS by Jerome Finley, both solid
collections of memorable, mentalism material. Also, new to
the section are BILL MASON'S SENSATIONAL by E. Raymond
Carlyle, which is a wonderful Q&A act, and Dr. Bill's
MIRABILL, an elegant update on a Stewart James classic.
Outlaw-Effects have a beautiful new aged book called THE
WITCHES' ALMANAC and it is their best aged book yet. Enrique
Enriquez has a wonderful new e-book on the Tarot, LOOKING AT
THE MARSEILLES TAROT, which is suitable for both beginners
and experienced readers. Also new to the section are Ron
Martin's THE TAROT READER'S NOTEBOOK, a must-have for Tarot
readers; Joshua Quinn's DUPLICITY, which takes your favorite
drawing dupe routine to the next level; Loren Tindall's
beautiful new THE DELPHI PORTAL, which is a must-have prop
for anyone who is a reader; and Gene Nielsen's THE MAGICK
YEARS, a jam-packed e-book filled with over 70 professional
and varied routines.
Remember, I don't make a dime on this stuff. I do this
because I think the stuff is very good and worth it.
http://www.jheff.com/friendsofthemarketplace.html
Until next time. -- Jheff
*********
DOCC HILFORD
INVISIBLE STRANGER
JMOM Price: $41
Suggested Retail Price: $45
THE BLURB:
It hides in Shows and Impersonates the Innocent
Frustrated with complicated billet peeks that are cleverer
on the page than in the field? Tired of having to shove
unfolded business cards in your wallet just to read them?
Hate switching slips because it's so unnatural and you're
sure to be caught with the hidden note? Then take a modern
look at an ancient page from the descent of medium's
notebook and use the cunning brilliance of...
The Invisible Stranger
This 44 page book is jammed with detailed information,
illustrations, and photographs. it's really THREE
MANUSCRIPTS IN ONE BOOK! It contains...
An invaluable method of billet reading that allows you to
openly read a billet in front of the audience more easily
than with a peek or a wallet.
A full routined, scripted and audience tested. ACT that's
truly Real Time Mentalism and completely impromptu. 20 YEARS
in actual Performance.
A detailed, step-by-step self working method of selling the
act to a PROVEN market that's been searching for someone
like you for years.
The Invisible Stranger is a combination of contemporary
techniques blended with a closely guarded secret of spirit
mediums. Its bold and direct methodology can be applied to
hundreds of mental effects.
The new and improved Strangers in the Night is one of
Docc's signature pieces. It showcases the mind reader's
ability to look at women and tell if they're thinking of a
friend, lover or someone else, whether the friend is male or
female, disclose their name and accurately describe the
friend who isn't even present! And apparently BEFORE
touching a billet!
And as a BONUS, a quarter of the book is devoted to how,
where and to whom you can sell this act for a solid, steady
income. You'll learn everything about booking enough gigs to
show off your new talent, perform part time or be one of a
few select mentalist will exploit this market for all it's
worth. Mentalists have paid Docc a high fee to teach them
how to successfully work the Ladies Club Market. Only about
half a dozen mentalists now work this lucrative and hidden
gold mine.
Pages 44 - Saddle Stitched
MY COMMENTS:
I've pretty much established that I think Docc is one of
mentalism's best thinkers. However, his ads, which are
often over-the-top, can be a bit misleading. So, let's just
get straight to the point and then we'll discuss the ad
details that count and the ones that may be a bit off.
This is a well-designed billet revelation routine, similar
to classics such as Psi-Graphico, Fourth Dimensional
Telepathy, and many others. I'm tempted to say it's an
instant classic, but, as of this writing, I haven't
performed it, so I'll stop short of claiming that. In time,
perhaps this will be. One thing is for sure: there are so
many really clever components that you can take and use them
in your other Q&A type routines, such as the ones I just
mentioned.
The cover proclaims that's it a "A Fully Scripted Act in
Your Pocket." This is not quite 100% correct as you require
a small clear bowl to put the billets in. This statement
assumes you can borrow one at the venue that will suit the
routine. If not, you can keep one with you, such as in the
car. Still, the point is that it is quite portable. The
only other requirement is that you need at least four
participants to perform this for.
The claim that this is three booklets in one is true. The
basic part of this is the effect and method of the routine.
Then there's a section on billet handling and reading that
comprises another section. Finally, there is the marketing
section on how to sell this act. Docc's even included a
page at the end that outlines the act for easy reference.
About the only real criticism I have (and it's a minor one)
is that the book references Docc's One Handed Medium Switch
which can be found in Return of the Invisible Stranger and
is not explained. At the time of this writing, this book,
apparently the second in a series which begins with this
one, is not available, which may be frustrating to those
interested in learning it immediately. However, Docc
informed me that the book should be released this summer
2008, so one won't have to wait too long.
On the back of the book, it states that there is a free 500
word e-report. In the last pages, Docc explains that this
is a report on marketing philosophy. It's not included in
the booklet. You must send him an e-mail for it. And, as
you might expect from Docc, it's got some great information
on marketing and being free, it's certainly worth it. But
it is a teaser to buy his book, Secrets to Perfect Paid
Performances, which I will also recommend.
For those who are reading this and are not fans of Docc
Hilford's previous, extraordinary releases such as E'Voque,
Cellular Mitosis, Nostrum Necromancy, Number 6, The Book of
Numbers, or System 88, you definitely want to pass on this.
Move along. There's no need to frustrate yourselves. Don't
waste your money. Jump to the next item in my catalog. I
won't mind a bit.
But for those who do Q&A and are looking for intriguing new
ideas or are looking for a solid and tested routine that
meets the criteria of what's described above, this is a text
that you'll definitely enjoy. I certainly feel that this is
among Docc's best releases and he should have charged more.
Perform this once for a ladies group and you'll earn back
much more than the purchase price of this.
*********
ANDREW GERARD
PSYCHE
JMOM Price: $41.00
Suggested Retail Price: $44.95
THE BLURB:
It starts with a coin from their pocket; it bends in their
hand and in front of their eyes...at the end they are left
with a bent coin they signed.
Andrew Gerard's dirty little secret is OUT!
No bending devices are used during the performance of this
effect...The only thing that gets bent is your audience's
mind.
Running Time Approximately 26min
MY COMMENTS:
Some may have guessed that if this doesn't require any
special coins or bending devices that this isn't
self-working and it requires some technique that must be
practiced. If so, you'd be right. The basics of the
routine are not new, but Andrew presents a polished,
professional, and practical routine that he's used for years
and is extremely powerful. As I said, the basics aren't
new, but there are unique subtleties, both in sleights and
psychological patter, that elevate this into a very strong
routine. And though the moves and verbal subtleties must be
practiced so that they're smooth, they're not that difficult
to do. You also have to do some preparation, but that also
is not difficult, and you must carry these prepared items
with you in order to do the routine. These items can easily
be carried within the change in your pocket and weigh no
more than them. The 26 minute DVD goes into generous detail
about the workings and it is professionally produced. If
you're looking for a good coin bending routine, this one is
certainly recommended.
*********
TIM TRONO
BRANDED
JMOM Price: $45
Suggested Retail Price: $49.95
THE BLURB:
The Painless Card Blister
IMAGINE: You show a painful looking blister on your thumb
from your last attempt at this hazardous stunt. Someone
selects a card and concentrates on it while gazing into the
flame of your lighter. You pinch the flame and the bubbling
blister magically morphs into the configuration of their
card. In other words, the image of their thought appears
fried into the flesh of your fingertips--seared into your
sizzling skin - Branded!
This gimmick takes over where the other gimmicks left off.
It's now a very practical, easy, no-nonsense method that
happens in the open, with nothing to hide! No more pocket
management. No more public displays of affection. No more
unwanted glances.
With Branded, you'll leave the room in a blaze of glory!
INCLUDES:
* Instructional DVD.
* Precision-made Gimmick.
* Downloadable Instructions in Japanese, French, and
Spanish.
ADVANTAGES:
* No pocket work.
* New design of realistic numbers and pips.
* Includes gimmicks for BOTH regular and mini Bic
Lighters (Bic Lighter NOT included)
JACK TILLAR APPROVED
"I love this! It's Amazing!"
- David Blaine
"Branded is fantastic. What a great idea! I highly recommend
this."
- Keith Barry
"Branded really raises the bar! This is a drop-dead easy,
incredibly convenient handling of the card blister effect.
It's a sturdy, simple, real world worker that a pro will
really use."
- Paul Harris
"Wow, what a GREAT idea. I wish I would have thought of it!
Now that the perfect method has been created for this
excellent effect, I look forward to adding it to my
repertoire."
- Daryl
"This is a really hot idea. I'll take two."
- Kevin James
"Brilliant idea! Finally, a natural and sensible way to
create a blister effect without palming or fumbling in your
pocket. No more hassles. No more misses. Clean and direct.
I'll take twelve for my personal use. It doesn't get much
better than this."
- Kenton Knepper
"The Blister Trick I dropped into the ocean has become a
full blown tsunami."
- Jack Tillar
MY COMMENTS:
I'll admit that having a blister mysteriously form the shape
of a chosen playing card does not fit my personal conception
of what mentalism is. However, this is quite strong and
it's fun to do. With my high school students, it's exactly
the type of stuff that gets them excited.
As you might've guessed from the phrase in the blurb that
says "gimmicks for BOTH regular and mini Bic Lighters," the
gimmick works with Big Lighters, which is natural because a
lighter makes sense to have when doing this routine. No
lighters are included in this package, so you'll need to
obtain them.
Gregory Wilson performs and explains the effect on the disk.
If you're already familiar with Gregory's energetic
performances and wonderful teaching ability, then you know
you're in for an enjoyable DVD lesson. As I implied above,
this effect may not be for everyone, but if it piques your
interest, then this probably the best marketed version of
Jack Kent Tillar's effect available. Also, the gimmick
allows you to do the classic blister effect as well as the
card variations, as implied in the above blurb. So you can
certainly get this just for the cool blister gimmick.
*********
DEVIN KNIGHT
THE BLINDFOLDED CAR
JMOM Price: $27
Suggested Retail Price: $30
JASON PALTER
RED CARPET
JMOM Price: n/a
Suggested Retail Price: $195
THE BLURB:
The Red Carpet is entertaining mentalism with an ending that
is so startling and funny, it is sure to bring the house
down!
Originally presented in its debut performance in 1985, the
routine caused such magic notables as Sid Lorraine, Howard
Lyons, Norm Houghton and Bruce Posgate to give a standing
ovation! This closely guarded routine is now being released
to the public for the first time.
Effect
We are a society that is obsessed with celebrities and
famous people. Their sometimes fairy-tale stories are
published all over, and many of us seem drawn to these
reports. Everywhere we turn there is some story about
someone famous doing something! You display a large sketch
book of celebrity and character illustrations drawn by your
friend. No, your friend is not a stalker—just an admirer of
the rich and famous! The book contains 40 different images
of famous people and personalities.
An audience member is brought on stage and allowed to
randomly select one of the images from the book. The
spectator mentally focuses on their chosen icon. Then, while
you are blindfolded by the "Red Carpet" (actually a red
fabric bag that covers your head to prohibit any peeking!),
you actually fail to find the name. After what appears to be
a botched attempt at entertaining and mystifying the crowd
with an experiment in telepathy, you whip off the hood to
reveal you have now transformed into the exact likeness of
the chosen celebrity. A hilarious smash climax that will
bring the audience to their feet!
Please Note: The 39 royalty-free images in the book were
chosen so that they would be recognized by almost anyone
from around the world. Here is just a sampling of SOME of
the celebrities that you will find in the book: Albert
Einstein, Queen Elizabeth, Elton John, Mick Jagger, Arnold
Schwarchenegger, Superman, Mickey Mouse, Darth Vader, Bruce
Lee, John Lennon, Nelson Mandela, Madonna, Princess Diana,
Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Tom Cruise and Gandhi. In
addition, you can be rest assured that an audience of any
age will have no doubt in their mind not only who the
revealed icon is, but also that you look exactly like them
when the red fabric bag is removed.
The Red Carpet is simple to learn, and is easy to perform.
It is a hysterical and astounding commercial mentalism
effect that is perfect for all professionals and hobbyists
and the routine has been honed through countless live
performances. This is a fresh and brand new approach to
mentalism, and the eye-popping routine will play to
audiences of all sizes.
The Red Carpet comes complete with everything you need to
perform the full routine, including all props (This includes
a sketchbook with custom, hand-drawn, ROYALTY-FREE celebrity
and character images.), gimmicks, the detailed 8 minute
audience-tested comedy script, a performance DVD, and live
and broadcast performance rights.
Each trick is hand signed, numbered and comes in an
authentic metal film-reel canister from the movies!
"I love this! I've never thought of performing mentalism
until I saw The Red Carpet...Genius!"
-Jeff Hobson
MY COMMENTS:
This is the very definition of mental magic. Someone picks
a drawing of a celebrity and when the performer removes a
hood from his/her head that has shielded the performer from
seeing the free selection, there is a surprise underneath
that wasn't there before and that proves the performer's
ability of thought reading or thought control or . . .
whatever. Of course, that surprise, as given away from the
blurb above, is that the performer is now wearing a mask of
the celebrity. When you fuse magic (having the mask appear)
with mentalism (the thought-of picture of a celebrity), you
get mental magic. I suppose this would be very appealing to
magicians, but I think most mentalists wouldn't touch an
effect like this. I certainly wouldn't.
But let's suppose this plot does intrigue you and it can fit
it into your act. Does it deliver what it promises in the
blurb? Sure. However, consider this: To the experienced
mentalist, the method should be very apparent. The book is
not gimmicked at all. Due to the methodology, you can use
virtually any book that has pictures of celebrities. I know
that Mr. Palter has stated the he carefully selected
recognizable celebrities and that's admirable. But because
there is a very specific selection process, it's really
unnecessary.
For the selection of the celebrity, the participant picks a
page number from a plastic bag (this is clearly seen in the
demo video which can be viewed at www.MurphysMagic.com or
many other dealers' sites). I'm sure that experienced
mentalists have correctly deduced that the method lies in
the plastic bag, which is an excellent prop that Jason sells
separately for $30 MSRP (it's called UFB). Some may
question the use of page numbers in a plastic bag, but that
works well for Richard Osterlind and his Seafire Sequence,
so if it's suit your style, then it shouldn't be a major
problem. You're also buying a hood and a mask. None of
these items are gimmicked. The hood may be tricky to get,
but you can certainly use Richard Osterlind's Dark Vision or
a similar hood.
What I'm getting at is that this is a routine that is quite
overpriced for a routine that is supposed to be mentalism.
It's magic. Mental magic. And comedy mental magic at that.
It's NOT mentalism. And, even if you perform mental magic,
you're paying for the props and, most importantly, for the
idea of a routine which is quite apparent in its method to
most mentalists. There's nothing wrong with that last
point, but when it's coupled with the type of routine you're
getting here, professional mentalists may realize that they
may be buying something that they can't use and that uses
techniques you already know.
Now, if you're a magician who dabbles in mentalism, then
this may work well for you. If so, contact me and I'll
special order one for you. But I just can't bring myself to
generally recommend this to my professional mentalism
colleagues.
*********
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