There have been a number of ideas and resources out there in cyber space and I pulled together a resource article which should be helpful to anyone deciding to buy or build a backdrop:

http://magicgizmo.com/home/articles-misc......eas.html

That is a great article, m.ruetz. Thanks for doing it and posting the link--very helpful and informative.

Geoffrey

Hi Matt -

Great article.

Here are some more possibilites for additions to your article...

For the category of "Backdrop Fabric", you can also order fire-retardant backdrop fabric panels from: http://www.onlineeei.com/drapecomponents.cfm (I just got some from there within the past couple of weeks). You had a link to the Online Eeei site (but to a different page) earlier on your backdrops page, when referring to their backdrops (or backdrop kits) themselves. But you didn't have a link, to show that people can buy the fabric panels from them, too.

Also, another inclusion for "Assemble Or Build Your Own". On Page 167 of Barry Mitchell's Book, "The Magic of Thinking Creatively", Barry outlined an idea for making a backdrop (Spider-type), very inexpensively out of a folding mattress framework from stores like WalMart. I can't remember if it's also on the DVD set. Read this post and this post, by Dennis Michael.

Also, if you're providing links, don't forget the Brick Wall in a Bag (also available from Hocus Pocus, and don't forget Dan Wolfe's Banner Boxes, and don't forget Abbotts Magic's Jet Sets (Abbott's 8' Jet Set, Abbott's 6' Jet Set).

Also, I think that this page at the "Backdrop Source" website has better info about backdrop support systems. As opposed to the link you provided. Some backdrop support system brands that seem popular include amvona and adorama, which you can order from online at their respective websites, or at their eBay stores.

- Donald

P.S. Whew!

Hey, Donald, thanks for the extra links...there are some great ideas at those last couple of sites.

Geoffrey

Hi Donald- I'll update the article when I get a free minute to keep it current, since the idea was to have all the resources in one place, thanks!

Hi Donald- I have updated the article to include your suggestions, some great new resources added, thanks!

Happy to be of help.

- Donald

P.S. Do I get a mention on your page, as a contributor?

Donald- Yes you do and thanks again!

Thanks, Matt.

BTW, Dan Wolfe's last name has an "e" on the end of "Wolfe". For the link to Banner Boxes.

- Donald

I know this is an older post. I use 4 backdrops in my show...The outter two have video projection screen made in the graphics.I use http://www.aaadisplaygroup.com. They seem to really good on prices that I have not found any less.
They have amazing customer service too.

Great . Thanks for all links .

This URL has changed, sorry for the changes:

http://magicgizmo.com/home/Magic-Worksho......eas.html

This might make a handy pinned thread.

I have never posted here before, but I would like to add my 2 cents, as I had been using a heavy duty foam board backdrop for the past few years.
It was a pro model built for trade shows that was given to me. It was bulky & big,but Free. On a windy day it fell over during the show...a Big distraction, So I looked for an alternative and found something for around $100 or less.
Here's what I use now:

a) A photographer's back drop set up with 2 tripod stands & an expandable curtain rod between. It offers light weight, expandable: both side to side & height, quick set-up/take down, plus on windy days the breeze thus far has blown thru the curtain material.[FYI-you can easily anchor the tripods down outdoors and the fabric if desired] And I can change my backdrop colors or patterns. eBay has em all day for around $50-$70.


b) I bought a used 10'x 20' Chroma Key blue back drop fabric with a curtain pocket all ready sewn in via e-Bay for around $22.(I cut it in half & now have a back-up plus the Chroma key color makes GREAT photo's)

c) I attach my cut out foam letters with magnets & velcro bought at Wal Mart or a local craft store for $12.

Hello,
Please add "Infinity Nu-Lash" to the list. This is woven exclusively by Brownbeauty Magic. Magic Auction is the sole distributor at the moment and we have just been awarded the entire theater backdrop for the Kirby Van Burch Theater in Branson Mo. Here is a link to see the product.... Just scroll down 2 or 3 items and you will see it. This is woven 54" wide, this can be fire retarded to pass NFPA 701 (necessary for commercial applications). Nobody in the industry weaves this product 54" all competitors weave it approx 42-45" wide. I will also weave custom colors but royal blue and silver seem to be the most popular colors. Perfect for magicians that use thread work in their routines.

"Infinity Nu-Lash" has also been endorsed by Sean Bogunia!
http://www.magicauction.com/Mag_auc/Illu......ries.htm

Here's a very simple backdrop, yet looks very effective. It takes less than four mins to erect and cost only a few Dollars. Note the use of the side cheek banners to carry off the effect.

I have included constructional details in my new book:-

book_review01
book_review02

PeepInside01!
PeepInside02!
PeepInside03!
PeepInside04A!
PeepInside04B!
PeepInside05!
PeepInside06!

John

I made my backdrops from a mixture of Stan Kramiens recommendations (from his book "The Illusion Show Business", http://www.lybrary.com/illusion-show-business-p-610.html) and these instructions

http://www.instructables.com/id/PVC-stag......divider/

Hi Matt -

Here are a couple more links you might wish to add to your site:

Instant-Up Portable Backdrop Frame that Klamm Magic sells.

I don't think we mentioned it earlier, but it should be included if we want the list to be exhaustive.

www.AhBanner.com falls under the category of "Trade Show Banners and Backdrops."

I know that you already have a list of some websites in that category, but I think several magicians have purchased from Ah Banner after Ken Scott's recommendation (at lectures and on this Café thread). The price is fairly low.

- Donald

P.S. Also, Stan Kramien provided a bit of backdrop frame opinion / information on this webpage: Stan Kramien's column at Steven's Magic. I don't think you linked to it, either.

Thanks Again Donald. I have updated the article.