Star Gazing:
Welcome back to the last installment of the ‘Hit the Road’ conversations. Do you remember that the answer to the unasked trivia question was 7? The answer is seven. Which is the correct question?
- The amount of takes necessary for Paul to film ‘The Back Four’?
- The amount of times Nathan called Dan Buck… ‘Dave?' (Which twin is which?)
- The amount of tips Aaron Fisher gave us about the lost art of cinematographic filming in magic videos?
- The amount of tasty Krispy Kremes I ate while shooting the explanation of Paul’s effect?
- All of the Above
- None of the Above
And the correct answer is...
All of the Above
Well, not really.
Fisher had many more than 7 tips for us. But, we still managed to let him appear on our ‘cinematographic exploitation’. Yes, I really did down seven deadly deep-fried delights. But, that was awhile ago, and I don’t eat like that for film anymore.
It’s been fun talking trivia; now it’s time to talk tips.
In our first letter, we brainstormed traveling tips. In our second, we discussed late-night eating on the road. In this one, we will tackle the issue of performing for stars.
Why do I talk about this? When would you ever get the opportunity to perform for a star?
Remember, you are going out and performing magic. You are, in essence, a star in your own right. With this concept in mind, think of all the people you encounter during the day. You might bump into the most powerful attorney in the area. He or she is a star. Yes, maybe a star with everyone in county lockup, but a star nonetheless.
Here are some valuable tips for making your performance memorable for any notable.
Tip one
Always have an introduction. Be ready to explain who you are, and what you do. In the world of business, there is something called an ‘elevator speech’. This is a thirty second ad for what you do, who you are, and why they should be interested in you. They call it an elevator speech because when you are on an elevator with a notable, you have 7 floors to sell yourself before they exit.
Try not to make your introduction corny and cheesy. This is your first introduction. Have class. Brevity works.
Tip two
This one is worth the price of admission to Asher’s Announcement Family. Perform NEAR the notable. Wouldn’t it be best to let them recognize you first?
Think about it.
It’s the ultimate introduction when the notable wants to meet YOU.
Pick a small group of people near the person you want to meet, and start charming them. Once you get the notable’s interest, leave them wanting more! It would be great for the star to beg you for more of your performance art, don’t you think?
Tip Three
Never forget. I repeat. Never forget ...your double lift is better than theirs.
What does that mean? It means you are the star of your own show. You know the script; you know the ending. They don’t. Remain calm and keep this thought in your mind, and you will have a very successful time performing for the stars.
Tip Four
Know when the star doesn’t want to be bothered. This is an important tip that needs careful consideration. Respect their space. Don’t forget yourself in the moment.
Didn’t reading these few emails about ‘Hit the Road’ make you want to go back and watch it again? I assume most of you already have ‘Hit the Road’.
If you don’t own ‘Hit the Road’, click here
Did you find these tips useful? Or at the very least--entertaining?
While it’s true this letter brings our ‘Hit the Road’ sequence to an end, DON’T WORRY.
I will be back with more insights, tips, and random offerings soon.
Until then, go out and perform for the nearest notable.
Reach for 'the stars.'
Lee Asher
Ps. Did you notice any stars in ‘Hit the Road’?
Thank you. Yes, yes…all the magicians, myself, and even R. Paul Wilson are stars in our own genre.
I am talking about an actor of true Hollywood stature.
During the David Regal explanation, Jim Belushi walks right past the camera. Grab your remote and cue it to the scene. Mr. Belushi is wearing a flannel shirt and a pair of jeans. He briskly walks behind David, if you blink, you will miss it.
I know what you are thinking. Did any of us go and perform magic for him?
I refer you to Tip #4.
