Ah, but is pie in the face magic... if it does not vanish?

Walt

Maybe not for everyone, but it is amazing drama!

Ok, you bring up a good point, so let me shoot a reply from the hip...

Stand alone, the effect may not be the strongest. So, let's suppose I decided to address that in my own mind, for my own show, and decided that it may serve a higher purpose, if used in conjunction with a stronger magic effect.

My example would be not the head vanish, but a hand chopper that I do use, but only as a peripheral effect in the course of a more interesting plot. The chopper is normally a crappy trick, with a predictable putzy, cliche finish. Ahh... but, it can become a funny interlude in a more well-rounded plot. It all depends on how you use it and the level and type of importance that you place upon it!

In such a case, lesser effects serve to augment the better routine! Consider it to be one of the more elaborate "bits of business". Understanding the individual thoughts of the kids is good, but overlooking mob mentality is a missed opportunity.

Not a complete thought above, but in my mind better than closing my eyes to the possibilities!

I continue to be enlightened on here by so many great thoughts. Michael, this is such a great point. With my specific magic thinking... I have always thought this particular effect was a waste as you had a track with the body going into the box so you KNEW the head was in there, you just couldn't "see" it, as opposed to the stronger magic potential of an effect where the entire body vanished and there was nothing pointing to where the body MUST be.

As you've astutely pointed out... with kids and this particular effect, the magic isn't the point! It's all about messing with the "adult".

Thanks for keeping my eyes open about what counts... and that is taking that specific audience on the ride they will enjoy the most.

Andrew Mayne has plans for a really cool version that uses umbrellas. He makes it out of a cardboard box, but you could certainly modify the materials to make it more sturdy.

The effect is called "Extreme Brain Damage", and can be found at http://www.shockmagic.com

I've got his Shock FX DVD with one version of that on it. Gonna hafta look at that again.

Ed