A New Film Project About Playing Cards and A Murder Mystery!

 

Lost In The Shuffle

A cinematic exploration of the long history between magicians and playing cards and the murder mystery hidden in their art.

Producer, Director, Jon Ornoy of Animal Mother Films is working on a feature Documentary along with magician Shawn Farquhar, about the what is often called the Mystery of the Suicide King. There are some major magic stars connected to this beyond just Shawn, and it looks to be a very exciting documentary. 

This is magic history, world history, and a murder mystery all wrapped up in one program. They have created a Kickstarter page to raise money for the production. So far they have raised quite a bit but they need more. With your help they can reach their ultimate goal and produce a stellar program.

I'm sure you want to know more. Simply click this link to go over to the Kickstarter Page to learn all you'll need to know. It's also where you can donate should you choose to do so! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/litsmovie/lost-in-the-shuffle-a-feature-documentary

How Magicians Think Book & Podcast

 

Joshua Jay has a new book out called How Magicians Think. According to Joshua, "it's his love letter to magic." I will say it has the most unique layout of any magic book I've ever seen. It's nice to have a magic book in color, which is a welcome change. The book has a whopping 52 chapters. Hmmm, 52. hmmm?

Some of the chapters are strikingly short, a single page. Some are rather well fleshed out. Some chapter headings are provocative, some are quite curious. There are countless quotes by the famous and not so famous. And throughout Joshua Jay gives his opinion on every subject. You'd be wise to listen to his opinions because they are backed up by years as a professional performer and as a man obsessed with magic.

As another man obsessed with magic, I can tell you I totally enjoyed Joshua's book. I don't agree with everything in the book, but that is MY opinion, and me being nit-picky, lol. You may think otherwise. BTW, it's ok to not agree on every point. That is what makes each of us unique. 

I enjoyed his book but I was even more surprised to discover he has taken the concept of his book and turned it into a podcast called, How Magicians Think. Hmmm, how did he come up with that? lol.  It's a refreshing look at magic, again, like his book. He shares stories from his life and experiences that help to reveal the true secrets of magic, not the methods, but all the other things that go into creating great magic. 

Joshua's book is written for the public, but clearly the bigger audience will be magicians. I wonder just how many laypeople will sit through the entire book? I will tell you, they should, and you should. As Seth Godin says on the back cover, "This generous book is about becoming really, really good at something, and doing it for the right reasons. It's a message we all need to hear."

I also noticed that the cover of the book contains this statement, "and why magic matters"  Is this something going around? It's how David Copperfield opened his new book on the History of Magic with those exact words. As I said in David's review, those are IMPORTANT WORDS. David explains them from a historical context, Joshua explains them from a modern and even psychological context. 

I enthusiastically encourage everyone, whether you are a lay person, magician, magic fan, or beginner in magic to get Joshua Jay's book. Especially, if you are beginning in magic because it will help you to understand our world better. There are clearly a lot of misconceptions that people have about magic and beginners come in carrying a lot of those misconceptions. Mr. Jay will help dispel them and put you on the faster track to become a good magician, or just finding a new found appreciation for magic that you might not have had before. 

To purchase the book: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-books/how-magicians-think/

NOW, I would be remiss if I didn't also tell you to check out his podcast. He is only a few episodes in, but each one is informative and unique. I'm a bit reluctant to listen to the latest one with The Masked Magician. I have a unique dislike of that man. But I'll bet it's a brilliant interview and eye opening one at that because if there is anyone who knows how to ask the right questions it's Joshua Jay. I have enjoyed every episode to date.....(with the exception of the Masked Magician one because I haven't listened to it.....yet)

To hear the podcast: https://www.audioup.com/shows/howmagiciansthink

How Houdini Became Famous- Marketing Podcast Interview

 

Once Upon A Time, I wrote a book about the methods Houdini used to become famous. Actually, I wrote it, but didn't finish the last chapter. Then I was about to finish it a few years ago, when my Dad died, followed soon after by my Mom. In other words, LIFE got in the way, and those things are more important.

But now it appears I'm back on track with the book. Not only is the last chapter finished, but the entire book is getting a re-write, or perhaps update is a better word.  

The book deals with the Marketing Methods used by Houdini to become famous, AND how you can use those same techniques to find fame in your own career, life, etc.. No, you're not likely to become AS famous as Houdini. But if you apply some of these concepts you may find it helps you to get that promotion you were looking for, or become more famous in your own little part of the world.

My friend and marketing genius, Billy Diamond, recently interviewed me about the book and about HOUDINI. It's a great interview and I know you'll find something interesting here. It's part history, part marketing and all Houdini. 

For the Houdini buffs, I believe I borrowed a story from either Blackstone Jr or Pat Culliton about Houdini and the Milk Can. At the time I meant to credit the story, and the way the interview ran, I didn't get it done. There is also reference to an odd escape from a horse, which comes from the book, Metamorphosis by Bruce MacNAB. 

Here is a link to the podcast. Enjoy.  https://brandingentertainers.com/bfe-ep21-channeling-publicity-like-houdini-with-carnegie-the-magic-detective/

To get a free Chapter Excerpt From my Book:  http://houdinimarketingbook.com