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John Lok's Scripting Magic by John Lok

Created by: John Lok

John Lok's Scripting Magic is a theoretical resource rather than a traditional magic trick. It focuses on the art of scripting and presenting magic, offering insights into how to craft compelling narratives around magical effects. This book is invaluable for magicians looking to deepen their understanding of performance theory and enhance their presentations. It's suitable for magicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals, who wish to refine their scripting skills for close-up, parlor, or stage magic.

Key features

  • Focuses on the art of scripting and presenting magic

  • Offers insights into crafting compelling narratives around magical effects

  • Suitable for magicians of all levels

  • Enhances presentations for close-up, parlor, or stage magic

Pros

  • Deepens understanding of performance theory

  • Valuable for refining scripting skills

  • Applicable to a wide range of magical effects

Cons

  • Not a traditional magic trick with physical props

  • May require time to apply concepts to existing routines

Effect

John Lok's Scripting Magic is a resource focused on presentation and storytelling in magic. It does not teach a specific trick but provides methods for enhancing existing effects with compelling narratives. The book helps magicians develop presentations that make tricks more engaging and memorable for audiences.

Full Details

John Lok's Scripting Magic is part of a broader discussion on how to structure magic performances. It includes ideas for presentations, such as adapting effects like Gypsy Thread with themes like time or memory. The book emphasizes the importance of scripting to create stronger emotional connections with spectators.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This book is ideal for magicians who want to improve their storytelling skills. It suits performers who already know tricks but want to refine their presentations. Those who enjoy Eugene Burger’s style of magic or want to add depth to their routines will find value in this material.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

Since Scripting Magic is not a trick but a theory book, there is no technical difficulty in performing sleights. The challenge lies in crafting and delivering engaging scripts. Magicians must practice storytelling and adapt presentations to fit their style.

What Magicians Say

Phil Tilston, a veteran magician with 30 years of experience, references Scripting Magic in his discussion of Gypsy Thread. He uses a presentation from the book based on the theme of time, adapting it to focus on memories. He highlights the book’s usefulness in developing varied presentations for the same effect.

Other magicians may find similar value in Scripting Magic if they want to enhance their performances with stronger narratives. The book is recommended for those looking to move beyond mechanics and focus on audience engagement.

What people are saying about John Lok's Scripting Magic

Phil Tilston says...

I use a presentation based around Time by John Lok in the book scripting Magic by Pete McCay that I have adopted adapted to focus on Memories. The presentation is a work in progress however the selection of this is not only due to the strength of the effect but also because so many completely different presentations can be created for it.

Review videos