Five Steps to Deal With Magic Exposure

Worried about the exposure of magic secrets to a curious public? In our high-tech world, it often seems as if our art of magic is being bombarded from all sides. Exposure will be around, always has, always will. But here are five steps that we can all take as a community to minimize its impact.

1. Never Refer to an Effect by It's Marketed or Known Name
By presenting or referring to a trick by its marketed or known name, we make it easy for spectators to conduct web searches and discover a site or video that reveals its secret.

As an example, see how easy it is to search online for the secret to the "coin slide" versus typing in various search terms such as "coin vanishes box comes back." If we don't tell spectators the name of an effect, they'll have a harder time finding it online. And if a spectator can’t find it, it can’t be exposed. (For demonstration purposes, I intentionally used a trick that is commonly given to kids, however, I think you can see the damage when one uses, for example, Houdini’s name for one of his signature escapes or illusions.)

2. Take Down or Edit Those Online Magic Videos
I can't believe the sheer quantity of online videos where magicians, many of them accomplished, want to seemingly show off a magic trick for the camera. These videos of magic tricks and moves aren't actually giving away or explaining secrets, but their presence encourages others to dissect and discover methods. Also, these videos allow the public to see a trick and then when they see it live, it loses its impact.

When a magic producer uploads an online video that demonstrates a trick to promote its sale, it’s safe to say that one can't easily recreate the effect by watching the video. In the same vein, if you feel that you must have videos of your tricks online for all to see, please edit the video so the secret of the trick can’t be easily determined.

I don't understand why so many magicians want to show tricks online. If your friends watch your online video, what will you show them when they ask to see a trick? I understand that some magicians have been told that agents want to see an entire act in a video. In this case, don't post these videos online, burn a DVD and send it to the agent. The less magic video that's online, the fewer opportunities there will be for laymen to see magic and dissect it.

Another aspect, don't allow your shows to be taped. After you're gone, the party may watch your show and try and figure out your secrets. There's also a chance that your routine will be uploaded online without your knowledge.

As part of my contract with clients, I ask that my show not be videotaped. I explain that magic is how I make my living and I don't want my routines recorded. Also, I tell them that by not recording my show, it gives me the freedom to present the best show that I can.

When I work for a client through a booker and see a video camera, I politely ask that my show not be recorded. This has been successful in most circumstances. In the case of a persistent camcorder operator who I took a dislike to (he yelled out, "the magician is worried about his secrets - ha ha"), I altered my routines so I was performing in the crowd, which gave the camcorder a view of my back. A bit extreme, perhaps, but I’m serious about this issue.

3. Don't React Strongly to Exposure When Asked
The general public, particularly the cynical types, like nothing more than to see angry magicians upset about magic exposure. But by expressing negative and emotional responses to exposure, we inadvertently fan the flames. Remember that fictional magic organization in the television show "Arrested Development" that demanded to "be taken seriously" with the goofy clown suits and cheesy wizard costumes? This is how a large portion of the public perceives magicians.

The best thing to do when confronted with questions about exposure is to play it cool. I don't deny that it's happening when spectators, usually those in my restaurants, ask me about some exposure that they've seen. I just do my best to laugh it off, as if it didn't matter in the least and then entertain them with another trick. Behind the scenes away from the press and public, however, fight exposure with everything you've got.

4. Present Your Magic in an Entertaining Way
If you're showing a trick and intentionally or unintentionally telling spectators that they are stupid, you're inviting them to look as hard as they can for the secret. You’ve insulted them with your arrogant attitude and they are going to do everything they can to figure out the trick.

Magic should be a pleasant experience and the trick should be a part of the entertainment that a good routine provides. Make your audiences enjoy the experience. No one likes to be fooled, but everyone likes to be entertained. Sure, they'll still want to know how you did it, but you've provided them with a fun time. Always be a positive ambassador for our art of magic.

5. Perform Your Magic at the Highest Level Possible
All magicians have had bad moments and made mistakes. But if you're not yet comfortable performing a trick - if the technical aspects are not second nature and the presentation not polished - don't perform it for lay audiences. Instead, gain experience by showing the effect to your magic friends and those you trust.

Another aspect, if you see a hack performing a trick badly, offer your advice to improve the trick. The person may not have the aptitude to even realize he or she is mangling a trick. I know, they are not one of us in the magic community. But if it's for the good for the art of magic, it's worth it.

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