Famous magicians draw large crowds but the art of illusion is withering at a grass-roots level. Here’s why.
(editor’s note.. we can’t post the positive without respecting the negative )
In the last 15 years or so, magic has nearly pulled off the one trick it would rather avoid: vanishing from public view.
At the turn of the 19th century, magicians were among the world’s most popular performers, drawing thousands as they traveled across country.
Despite the efforts of David Blaine, Penn & Teller, Criss Angel and other famous magicians that few people can name off hand, the art has suffered greatly, according Emory Williams Jr., a member of the Society of American Magicians and the International Magicians Society. Read more….
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ – Whether it’s called clairvoyance, extra-sensory perception or mentalism, is it a real power or just a trick?
In “State Of Mind: The Man Who Knows Reveals The Secrets Of Mind Over Matter” (CFBP Bestsellers, Oct. 30, 2015), Washington DC-based author, lecturer and television mentalist Alain Nu says that our minds possess amazing powers that can actually project and predict the future and truly read other people’s minds.
He backs up his claims not only with his own real-life experiences as an international man of mystery, but also with the latest compelling research on mind over matter.
Wrapping mentalism into history, science and skepticism, Nu offers readers a substantial menu of ways to engage the mind’s potential to make the impossible possible.
“While magic focuses on impossibilities, mentalism demonstrates the mind’s amazing potential to achieve the impossible,” says Nu.
Nu also opens the door to ancient mystical knowledge to introduce readers to another form of understanding human potential. Plus, the author offers readers an opportunity to explore mysterious powers and prove to themselves the possibilities of an invisible cosmic connection.
“Exploring this connection with an open state of mind will bring more energy, balance and even surprising fortune into your life,” says Nu.
From the paranormal world to the scientific community, “State Of Mind” has attracted favorable reviews:
Internationally renowned psychic entertainer Uri Geller said, “Alain Nu’s State Of Mind is a fascinating book that will open the secret caves of your mind to reveal how one can actually use mental powers to astonish and entertain anyone. I highly recommend this book.”
Col. John B. Alexander, U. S. Army (Ret.), the paranormalist featured in “The Men Who Stare At Goats,” said, “What if it’s real? State of Mind is a must-read for any inquisitive soul who has ever experienced a psychic event or questioned the limits of reality. Oh yes, sometimes it is real!”
John L. Peterson, founder & president of The Arlington Institute, a global futurist think tank, said, “State Of Mind is a real tour de force that convinces one that there are powers within us that would allow anyone to do miracles.”
Dr. Richard Restak, author, neurologist, neuroscientist, and professor at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, said, “This book provides a rare insight into a truly innovative and creative thinker and performer.”
Alain Nu is known for his uncanny paranormal demonstrations on the TLC television specials “The Mysterious World Of Alain Nu” and in his live performances from the DC social circuit to the Las Vegas Strip. A lecturer on “The ESP in Espionage” at the International Spy Museum, Nu is also the author of “Picture Your ESP: Reveal Your Hidden Powers With The Nu ESP Test” (ISBN: 978-0984208524).
“State Of Mind” by Alain Nu (ISBN 978-0984208562) is available in bookstores nationwide and on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.
Media Contact:
Clinton Billups
702-837-1170
SOURCE CFBP Bestsellers
Vaudeville Productions and Crook Productions team up to find the next great magician for ITV
Derren Brown’s Vaudeville Productions and Crook Productions have been commissioned by ITV to co-produce a brand new magic competition show, The Next Great Magician (6 x 60’). Crook Productions is part of Andrew O’Connor and ITV Studios’ Cat’s On The Roof Media, and The Next Great Magician is Crook Productions’ first big entertainment commission since the group’s inception earlier this year.
The series will feature the world’s best magicians performing their greatest tricks, many of them for the first time ever on television, as they compete to be crowned The Next Great Magician. It will air on ITV next summer. Each episode will see five magicians perform their most sensational tricks, from close-up and comedy magic through to amazing illusions and incredible escapes, both in front of a studio audience and on location in front of astounded members of the public and celebrities. The magicians will judge each other’s performances, with each week’s highest-voted contestant going through to the final. In the grand live final, the five top magicians will perform even more astonishing new tricks in a battle to win a truly money-can’t-buy prize: their own television special on ITV.
Andrew O’Connor said: “Some of the world’s best magicians are hero-worshipped by their peers but are unknown to wider audiences, having never trusted a TV company to film them before. The Next Great Magician will see them perform their most remarkable tricks on TV and judge each other’s performances in what promises to be a mind-blowing and unmissable magical spectacular!” Elaine Bedell added: “We’re delighted to bringing The Next Great Magician to our entertainment slate, and to be working with Andrew and Derren who are the best in the business when it comes to magic and illusion production.”
The Next Great Magician is executive produced by Andrew O’Connor, Derren Brown and Matt Crook. It was commissioned by Elaine Bedell, Director of Entertainment & Comedy and Peter Davey, Commissioning Editor, Entertainment for ITV.
About Vaudeville Productions – Vaudeville Productions are currently producing Derren Brown: Miracle at The Palace Theatre in the West End and Derren Brown: The Push for Channel 4. About Crook Productions Run by Matt Crook, Crook Productions is the co-producer of the forthcoming series Thief Trackers and Honey I Bought The House. It is part of Cat’s On The Roof Media, the group founded by Peep Show co-creator Andrew O’Connor and ITV Studios. As well as Crook Productions, Cat’s On The Roof Media is the parent company for new production businesses Gameface Productions and Second Act Productions. Gameface Productions is a game show specialist run by The Cube creator Adam Adler, while Second Act Productions is a scripted comedy specialist that recently signed a first look agreement with comedy writer and producer Lee Hupfield.
