The closed world of magic could be thrown open by a Dutch conjurer who is threatening to reveal the secrets behind one of the industry’s most iconic tricks.
A similar illusion to “Shadows”, one of magic duo Penn & Teller’s most notable acts, is being performed by Gerard Dogge on a YouTube video, entitled “Rose & Her Shadow”. Penn & Teller have accused the Dutch magician of stealing their act.
Dogge is not only performing an alleged copy of the trick, but has threatening to reveal how it is done to anyone meeting his near-£2,000 asking price.
WATCH: Scroll down to watch Teller perform "Shadows"
Raymond Teller, half of the world-famous double act, responded by asking Dogge, who also goes by the name Gerard Bakardy, to remove the video. He refused and Teller is now suing for damages in a Nevada court.
The illusion features a vase with a flower silhouetted onto a paper background. When the magician cuts a stem on the silhouette, a portion of the actual flower falls to the ground.
Teller has said that the "Shadows" trick, which he created as a teenager, is one of the centrepieces of their show.
Illusions are protected under US law, however previous attempts by magicians to claim damages for the breaking of the "Magician's code" have not always been successful.
WATCH Teller perform "Shadows" below:
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The closed world of magic could be thrown open by a Dutch conjurer who is threatening to reveal the secrets behind one of the industry’s most iconic tricks.
A similar illusion to “Shadows”, o...
The closed world of magic could be thrown open by a Dutch conjurer who is threatening to reveal the secrets behind one of the industry’s most iconic tricks.
A similar illusion to “Shadows”, o...
I figured out the "Shadows" trick the first time I watched it. The flower parts are stuck together with wax that melts in the heat of the light projected on it to cast the shadow. Teller watches for the parts to begin to sag, then pretends to cut them off on the projected shadow. It's pretty easy to duplicate.
onasphere: I figured out the "Shadows" trick the first time I
See Dougherty, "Now You Own It, Now You Don't: Copyright and Related Rights in Magic Productions and Performances", in "Law and Magic: A Collection of Essays" (Car. Acad. Press, 2010, C.Corcos, ed.) for a good overview of the law in this area.
Jaydoc: See Dougherty, "Now You Own It, Now You Don't: Copyright
"the secrets"
possibly not to allow the trimming points to be selected at random. Replication is certainly achievable. But whether the method employed is the same as that used here, or a variant thereof, is open to debate.
lastpost: "the secrets" possibly not to allow the trimming points to
I'm trying to find the Dutch video but can't. All I know is nobody 'not nobody not nohow' could ever perform this illusion as well as Teller. I know a few ways the trick could be done, but this isn't just a trick, it's a performance. Attempting to ruin someone's performance like this amounts to sabotage, so go Teller and sue sue sue!
Slicksps: I'm trying to find the Dutch video but can't. All
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The Huffington Post UK | By Paul Vale Posted: 17/04/2012 09:53 Updated: 17/04/2012 10:26