If the base looks big to the builder, cause we know whats going on, will it look big to the audince

It's all in the presentation and the quality of your apparatus.

Look at some professionally made bases. You still know whats going on, do they look big? The good ones don't.

I just posted a post on this illusion a few weeks back... Does it look like there could be 2 girls ANYWHERE there? Combination of presentation and a quality prop.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku_VnLIjsfE (man, I really love that illusion!)


Give your audience some credit, even though they don't know what a "base" is by name, they understand the concept.

Poof, the girl is gone! Where could she go? If your "box" is sitting atop a table that remotely looks like a girl could be inside, regardless of if she is there or not, that's where they will think she is. Sure, they will still applaud politely. But they should not "suspect, let alone detect" the method. (quote from Vernon)

Study good props, and learn why they are good. Or pay someone to build it - who already has studied why they are good.


Scott

Jeremy,

I think the biggest point people make when building bases is that you have to break up the load area. It can't just be in the base. Read Rand Woodbury's books about this idea. If you can add a few inches below and above (part of the prop that sits on the base) you can definitely make the base look much smaller.

The Chalet & Rich Hill crystal casket props are a great example of this.

Also, the Wakeling concept is great, too. Check out the Magic of Alan Wakeling book for more info.

Sincerely,
David

Great illusion.... but I bet most of you missed thr cleverest bit.... how did he pull the tablecloth out!!!!???

Simple. Without getting into exposure, watch closely when it is pulled out.

As the builder, you also must realize that these things look huge if you have them sitting in your garage or workshop. Follow the design advice given and have faith that the design will enhance the illusion.

Not only does he pull the cloth out...

the box starts out on the floor before the trick and is put onto the table by stage hands in view of the audience.....

I really like when an illusion uses a combination of things to accomplish the impossible.

scott

Does anybody know the name of the illusion in that Copperfield clip?

That base is incredible!

Rich

Has anyone ever used the infinity mirror principle in a base design?