Close-Up Magic is CLOSE! But It’s More Than Just the Distance!

 

Boston Magician Joe Ferranti

The title says it all—Close-Up Magic is obviously performed up close, but there's more to it than just proximity. The key element is personal connection.
"Personal" means creating a genuine connection between the magician and the audience. We connect through our eyes, our touch, and our words. These connections are as important as the magic itself.
I strive to forge the strongest connections to move my audience on an emotional level. But with this connection comes a responsibility—respect for our spectators. A touch should never leave room for misunderstanding. We, as performers, are responsible for ensuring the comfort of our spectators. Any misinterpreted word or touch is on us.

A glance into someone's eyes might cause a brief moment of discomfort, followed by a quick release of tension as we resolve the moment in the presentation. But any look or touch that could be misinterpreted is off-limits. Don’t be a creep!
I might ask a spectator to touch my finger—think "ET." I may ask one or more spectators to "hold my wrist" or "place your hand on top of mine." If there's any chance of misunderstanding, I always use the phrase, "May I…?" and I listen carefully to the response.
I once witnessed a famous magician ask for a kiss on the cheek after a volunteer assisted him. She declined for personal reasons. It should have ended there, but he, knowing his intentions were innocent, asked again. She declined again.
This magician wasn’t a creep, and no harm was intended, but if he had just listened...
I perform an effect where I stare into the eyes of a volunteer, and they stare back. The situational humor is over the top. I perform this with young and older women, as well as young and older men. The presentation includes the statement, "This might seem a little creepy. Are you on board?" So far, no one has objected. Everyone plays along, leading to laughter from the audience—laughter that never mocks my assistant.
We can sum up our close interactions with our guests by simply using common sense.
Many times, people have asked me, “Can I give you a hug?” My reply is, “Of course.”
As a “senior” male magician, father, and grandfather of two beautiful girls, I live by the rule of respect for all my guests.

The "Hug!"

Joe Ferranti

www.ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710

 

Close-Up-Magic...No boxes, Big Impact!

Close-Up-Magic...No Boxes, Big Impact!

Close-Up-Magic has always been part of the magic scene. Many of us started with a card trick or a magic kit as a gift. Where to go from there was problematic, at least for me. My audience was family and friends. I wasn't very good, and the familiarity of my audience didn't help. Constant interruptions, grabbing my cards...not really their fault. (I wasn't very good.)

Stage Magic-Boxes Illusions-Sleight-of-Hand

This was also a pleasant memory from childhood. Magicians cutting ladies in two and putting them back together. Others producing endless fans of cards and cigarettes...it was a different time. Linking Solid Metal Rings, Multiplying Billiard Balls, and Candles. It all intrigued me, but the secrets were not available. My only source of knowledge came from a public library, which was very limited.

Leaving Magic Behind

Life takes takes many twists and turns. Varied interests pull us back and forth and magic was left behind. I still liked magic but I didn't return until I was a young man. In the mid-seventies, Doug Henning took Brodawy and the Magic World by Storm. He had a new look which was appealing to my sensibilities. He performed Large Illusions as well as Close-Up-Sleight-of-Hand Magic. He was an inspiration, to say the least.

A Rekindled Interest in Close-Up-Magic

As a young adult, it was easy to find new resources. Magic Shops in Boston, stocked with professional material and the latest books. Magic Clubs hosting lecturers and more. I spent countless hours practicing, but still the mystery of making it entertaining eluded me. I had yet to learn the importance of personal interaction with my audience. In a word, it was the ability to "connect" with individuals and groups of people. Much like a dance, it was cooperative between the performer and the audience.

A Mentor at Last...?

Having a mentor can make all the difference between mediocrity and being a polished performer. I never met someone to fill this role. However, with the advent of magic videos and DVDs, I was able to watch and study how the best in the field entertained with Close-Up-Magic.

Being Your Best Self

The development of a "character" was an extremely important piece of the puzzle. Even in the earliest periods of development, I had read this. Understanding it was something entirely different. Not being trained in theatre it was important to play a character that is close to who you are in life, just a better version.

A Journey to becoming a Craftsman

Some call it "The Art of Magic." There are certainly artists in every field, and I know who the artists are in magic. My hope is to be considered a talented craftsman. A serious dabbler in magic. I get better by performing as often as possible and choosing the best material in line with my skills. I am well compensated for my performance time, but my biggest reward can be seen in the faces of the people I entertain. You can see them in my photos and videos.

Boston Massachusetts Magician Joe Ferranti

339-927-4710

Are These the Best Magicians? AGT Magic Line-Up 2023!

 

America's Got Talent Returns 2023 with Amazing Magic!

It's summer, and that means AGT is in high gear with impressive talents from every arena, of course, my favorites are the magicians.

Not so long ago, I never thought a magician would win America's Got Talent. They showcased some of the best in the field. Kevin James, an award-winning professional magician made it to the semi-finals on the second season. I thought that was as good as it would get for a magician. I am glad to be wrong because there has been a constant stream of magicians impressing the judges year after year. My feeling is the exposure of quality magic on TV in recent years has improved the public opinion of magic and magicians in general.

AGT Magician Wins Top Prize

Season nine produced the first magician winner, Matt Franco. Season 13 introduced Shin Lim to the world as he took the top prize. Not long after in season 16, Dustin Tavella was the third Magician to win it all.

There are more that made it to the finals, but I am looking at season 18 2023, and we have no winner at this time.

I am briefly making comments on the magicians I have seen. Also, my list is in no particular order. My intention is to be informative and observational. I have no intention of critiquing any of the contestants and wish them all success. I will write about the other magicians soon. 

AGT Season 18: Looking at the Magicians.

 Trigg Watson 

Appearing in episode one was Trigg Watson. Originally from Australia, he currently resides in Los Angeles, Ca. He is a busy magician, having appeared on Penn and Teller Fool Us and Masters of Illusions. He's consulted for NETFLIX on a series, "Magic For Humans". He's worked in Vegas as well as cruise ships, suffice it to say his resume is impressive as was his audition on AGT.

He presented a tech-based act with what appeared to be A "poster-size" iPhone. I'd advise you to watch it, rather than try to convey his act in words. I will say, the audience went wild, and the judges gave him a standing ovation.

Trigg would do fine without appearing on AGT, but why not? A million dollars wouldn't hurt, and he could settle down with a Vegas residency.

Young Magicians Becoming Common on AGT

Ryland Petty

Ryland appeared on episode 5, he's only ten years old and resides in the U.K. I've watched Ryland for a few years, he started at age two, which is true...these things are often hype. He genuinely loves magic, and unlike most kids, Ryland is willing to do the work. Magicians are aware of "mem deck magic", well, Ryland has already memorized a stack, which most magicians never attempt. In 2022 Ryland made it to the semi-finals of Brittain's Got Talent

Ryland didn't stumble upon magic from receiving a "Magic Kit" for Christmas, which is where most of us get our introduction. Ryan's dad is Craig Petty a successful Magician, and creator inventor, who runs entertainment businesses, performs all styles of magic as well as teaches magic on his YouTube business The Netrix. Craig would not paint his life as "peaches and cream." if you want to read more about him you can do so here.

Back to Ryan's performance, knowing his routine inside and out, he performed confidently beyond his years. As with most magicians, Ryan had the audience cheering with enthusiasm and he had a standing ovation with the judges, except Sofia. Perhaps her dress was too tight to stand. Ryland on YouTube.

Ryland will choose his future in magic; he is very good and will only get better. I say "choose" as he is only ten and may choose another occupation in the future.

Mysterious Magician From Japan

Enishi

I was unable to find much about Enishi, except that he is "A Japanese Video Gamer".

Enishi entered the stage dressed in a colorful cape a mysterious mask and struck an arms-open pose center stage, where he remained silent. After an uncomfortable moment of silence, Sofia asked "How are you, what is your name...where are you from?" (crickets) Seeing this was going nowhere Simon said, let's see how this goes." See Enishi's Audition here.

After his mysterious beginning, it didn't take long to see Enishi's performance was upbeat and entertaining. He had the audience's and the judge's full attention. He ended with a standing ovation and two judges standing. It seems I misjudged Simon's reaction, when it came to voting Simon said, "I don't think it had the Wow factor." Enishi moves on with three yes votes.

See you soon with more "Magic" from AGT Season 18

Joe Ferranti

Boston Massachusetts Close-Up Magician

 

Sensational Yet Haunting Revelation of a Family-Friendly Magician !

Family Friendly Magician Massachusetts 339-927-4710

www.ferrantimagic.com

I've spent at least ten years promoting myself as a "Magician for Adult Events." However, I discovered early on that I was not keen on performing for children. (Not that there's anything wrong with it!) I do not have an interest in "balloon twisting" or playing the "Look, Don't See" game. Yeah, that's a thing. (Beyond Look, Don't See: Furthering the Art of Children's Magic) In retrospect, it wasn't children's magic in general. Instead, it was a small span of age, from 4 years old to 8, approximately.

Exclusively for Children:

On the other hand, there are entertainers who focus only on children's magic. Some of them are very good to excellent. Nevertheless, it would take a lot of hard work to compete with the specialists. So, why compete in a field where I knew I would be on the lowest rung on the ladder?

 Events with Children in attendance:

I wasn't working very long when I understood that children would be in attendance at certain adult functions. Of course, I didn't ignore them. Imagine the reviews I would get if I spurned children, "I'm sorry, I only perform for adults! Move on, out of my way!"

 I enjoy performing for children:

It is inevitable that you will be required to perform for children at weddings, or an adult birthday show, where they may be in attendnance. Often, no adjustments are needed, as they are old enough to understand the concepts of the entertainment. Somewhere in the age range of 8, 9, or 10, children get it and are capable of understanding an adult show. (Additionally, my adult shows are "clean" in content.)

If I am performing "Walk Around Magic" a little more attention to detail may be necessary. See the photos below as a description. Sponge ball magic is suitable for children or adults.

 

    

 Most magicians perform the"Ambitious Card Routine." That's the one where a signed selection is continuously placed in the middle of the deck, only to return to the top, in increaingly impossible condititons. When children are involved I carry some blank face cards, and have the children sign them, draw a picture...whatever they choose. The concept is simplicty itself and the entertainment value is personal as the children appreciate the magic happening to a card they have made unique.

I am proud to say, I am a family friendly magician. I'll accept my award now.

Boston Magician

Joe Ferranti

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly of YouTube Education

 Yes, You Can Learn Magic on YouTube

             

     
                      
My last blog focused on what is essential reading for magicians, or if that is becoming increasingly moot.

There is no simple answer. I lean towards yes, but let's look at our "student" of magic in the 21st century, compared to my day in the latter part of the 20th century. 

Where do our next generation of magicians go to learn the secrets of magic...the library? I suppose this is a rhetorical question. YouTube is the obvious answer. (Don't get ahead of me, I will not bash the YouTube lovers, I am one as well.)

Videos on the internet began in 2005. The pioneers sharing magic secrets were often amateurs with little or no talent. (Amateur magicians have often contributed excellent material as well as invention of every style of magic.) Alex Elmsley was a computer programmer by day but was also major contributor to card magic. 

So, the first contributors to the field of magic on YouTube were hit or miss. I always advised the younger magicians to consider the classics books and video learning as well. The first videos were on VHS Tapes, and DVDs were not far behind. Today, downloadable videos are readily available from online magic dealers, the DVDs are fading in the sunset. 

Today, you can learn a lot on YouTube from extremely talented magicians, and much of it is free. What's not to like? Here's a few resources.

Alex Pandrea, Ekaterina, and Jay Sankey, * just to mention a few. All are knowledgeable and provide excellent insights and tutorials in magic. They also have products for sale as well. YouTube has come a long way since its inception. That is the upside.

Where I see a shortcoming is we lose the history of techniques and often proper credits to the original inventors. I know there are some who simply don't care, as they just want to learn a few tricks. 

David Blaine's "Street Magic" aired in April 1997. It was a new presentation style which captivated a new audience of young magicians. Soon after,they started "naming" the tricks he performed. One of the most popular became known as the Two Card Monte.

David certainly deserved credit for his personalization of the trick. In fact, his influence brought immediate copycats to his style. It surprised some magicians as they had the trick in their libraries and had passed it buy. It was hiding in an Eddie Fechter book from the 70s. You can see Pop Haydn performing it, not as the Two Card Monte but as 'Be Honest What is It?" 

David also performed a levitation effect. There was a little controversy amongst magicians, which is of no importance now. Suffice to say, the trick had been around for a long time, known as The Balducci Levitation. Kudos to David for recognizing the power of a simple parlor stunt/trick. 

There was no deceit from David. He just found a new audience who appreciated his style and stunned them with some of the old classics of magic. Here he performs "The Invisible Deck." 

The internet and TV have popularized Magic in a way I have never seen before. Watch Penn and Teller Fool Us. If you are a well-informed magician, their use of "code" will reveal most of the secrets to you. I hope that after this new generation learns their tricks, curiosity brings them an interest in Magic history, and they discover the "Shoulders of the Giants" we all stand on. It is always good to know how we got to where we are today. History is available to the curious, and you will be better magician for knowing it.

Boston Magician

Joe Ferranti

339-927-4710

* You can monetize your YouTube channel, and I imagine this is the case, but the cost is nothing to the searcher.

Also, there are now subscription channels where users need to pay a fee for access. For example, Netrix, there are many others, you can easily find them. 

Boston Corporate Magician Joe Ferranti

339-927-4710