Michael Kras
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The ApproachReuben and I may want to film some magic in different locatiosn such as at the local mall and on the streets... our question is, how do we casually and entertainingly approach a group of spectators in a place such as the mall without sounding like freaks?
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BrianMillerMagic
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Firstly, if you're going to film in a mall, you need to have signed permission from the mall director or some such person. I'll tell you that they're not big on the idea, especially because they can't let any store sign/name appear in the video for one reason or the next.
Secondly, this is the same kind of conversation as we've had before about street magic. It doesn't actually exist, and it's nearly impossible to approach random strangers without looking like freaks, unless you have a professional film crew following you around. I literally don't have any suggestions for pulling it off gracefully.
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Ethan the Emazing
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lol, well... Just go up and ask if they want to see some magic. Most won't think your "freaks", maybe a little off the norm, but not freaks (unless you look like ones.) 
When I've tried this in the past, I just aproach them like I would a table. Get a connection with them, chat a bit, then ask if they'd like to see some magic. Its worked for me in the past. But now I'd much rather just set up a table on the street and do a busking type show.
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Ian McCarthy
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Approach them the same way I approach people on the street.
"Hi, want to see something?" Worst thing that happens is they say no.
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Ethan the Emazing
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| Ian McCarthy wrote: | Approach them the same way I approach people on the street.
"Hi, want to see something?" Worst thing that happens is they say no. |
From my experience in Canada, thats def. not something you say to strangers. If you get my drift.
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Craig Browning
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Re: The Approach | Michael Kras wrote: | | Reuben and I may want to film some magic in different locatiosn such as at the local mall and on the streets... our question is, how do we casually and entertainingly approach a group of spectators in a place such as the mall without sounding like freaks? |
Sadly Michael, I don't think you have a chance in hell... you are a freak!
Aside from that, some freaks are lovable... I happen to know this from experience.
The "trick" as it were, is to be a lovable freak... not a Tella-Tubby but kind of a Howie Mandel, late 80s kind of thing might work (Study Pete Firman, he does this well... or even some of the old Jerry Lewis slap-shtick material from the 50s & 60s).
What you are trying to do is called "Building the tip" and in that it's an old Boardwalk & Carnival sort of skill, it might be wise to study some of Todd Robbins footage or the old Harry Anderson... all of these guys lean on the sidewalk hustler style of image that people love... catch is you need to find the one that not only works best for each of you, but works best in contrast to one another... on being the "straight man" as the other takes on the brunt of the punch lines...
I can't give it all to you in a single post in that there is so much to study, weigh and consider... I've given you a few hints as to who to study and the types of characters to play with, the rest is really up to you from there.
I WILL WARN YOU... do not approach total strangers offering to show them the world's greatest card trick. It's the quickest way to get people to roll their eyes in disgust and run... I'm not kidding.
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Ian McCarthy
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In retrospect, taking your age into account, maybe my suggestion would not be the best way to manage it =)
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