SleightfulChristopher Taylor's Desert Island Tricks
Christopher Taylor shares his inspiring journey from prison guard to pioneering creator in electronic mentalism, driven by synchronicities like a prisoner's question and a call from David Copperfield. He discusses his philosophy that magic is a real art form, akin to comedy or tragedy, and emphasizes the power of storytelling to make tricks meaningful. Taylor highlights his innovative products, such as Equinox and Real Ghost, which aim to create effects that appear authentic, and reveals his desert island picks, including Equinox and The Prisoner, along with his choice to banish the notion that magic doesn't exist. This episode offers deep insights into narrative techniques and the psychology of astonishment for magicians and creators.
Tricks mentioned
Key points
Christopher Taylor transitioned from being a prison guard and teacher to a full-time magic creator after key life events.
He is a pioneer in electronic mentalism, known for products like Equinox, Real Ghost, and Death Toll that make effects look realistic.
Taylor emphasizes storytelling as crucial for magic, stating that a compelling story must stand alone before introducing magic to engage the audience.
He challenges the idea that magic isn't real, arguing it is a valid artistic genre similar to comedy or tragedy.
His desert island tricks include Equinox, PK Touch/Real Ghost, and The Prisoner, reflecting his innovative and narrative-driven style.
Taylor would banish the concept that there's no such thing as magic and recommends the book 'Storytelling: Process and Practice'.