PROXIMITY from Craig Fillicetti

What The Audience Sees:

”Okay, so Jamie has, like, Superman Sight or something. Get this- the guy can see through your skin, dude! For shizzy! I was holding a coin in one hand and a thing of chap stick in the other. I put them both behind my back and then brought out only one hand. And he could tell me what was in it! Every time! I think I made him do it seventy times and he was never wrong! Never! He can probably see the inside of my lungs and read my fortune for &^$%’s sake! He’s outta control! ”

How It Went:

As long as you haven’t moved into a cave recently, you already know who Craig Fillicetti is and have probably heard about his amazing products. I reviewed his incredible Multi Dimensional a while back and am pleased to say that his Proximity is just as good. The thing I love about Craig’s work is the effect is so clear and the method is so undetectable.

Proximity is a “which hand” effect and it is a real fooler. So much so, in fact, that the method never even enters the equation. I never gave it a moment’s thought and the specs were utterly baffled the entire day. Not once did anyone come within a light year of knowing how I knew what they were holding. What I did have to focus on, however, was presentation. And this is one of those rare cases where it changed with every group I did it for. How can I explain this- well, with The Cups and Balls, for example, everyone watches and is surprised when I finally reveal the live untamed raccoon at the end.

With Proximity, however, I found that interest levels, duration, focus, etc. were different with everyone every time. Some people would be shocked with me doing it once, some people wanted it done ten times, some people would try and mess with me, some people would be rapt, etc. So it ended up being a great way to gauge people. So much so, that I think I may start doing this as my opener for my Walk Around Sets, “Hi, I’m Jamie, Can you hold onto these for a quick second while I introduce myself?…”
It’s just a fantastic effect to discover a bit about your audience. That, combined with the fact that it’s foolproof (a must, in my case) makes it an absolute winner.

Best Lines:

"Which one am I holding now, magic man? Hunh? Tell me!!!!!!"

~Lol, it was quite obvious that he wasn’t holding the coin or the chap stick but instead of saying “Nothing”, I said, “Neither.” BOOM! He was fried as he revealed a paperclip.


”But…I don’t understand…my hand is closed…"

~Bsshhshwooohohhh. The sound of a brain melting.


Angry Bob Rating:

For those of you reading this article for the first time, Angry Bob is a co-worker who has an understanding of some magic because his uncle was a magician. Angry Bob knows that TT’s exist, for example, but he has no desire to become a magician himself. He also has an anger management problem that can be experienced first hand if he can’t figure out how a trick is done. A high rating means he has no idea.

I can’t tell you. He was particularly Angry on Friday and refused to take part, lol.

”Go stick that %$^^$%# up in your %%^#^&.”


My Rating:

Magic Friday Approved!

Proximity has made it into the “I take it with me when I leave the house” file so that says a lot. I also love that I can perform this sitting- i.e. when I go out to dinner, without having to get up or anything. It’s effects like these that seem so innocent but help build your reputation forever. It might not be crazy visual or anything but it really affects people. It’s what I’ll call a “Connecter”. And I love having the ability to create those types of moments. Great work, Craig!

The JDG Tip:

Really pay attention to your audience! Make sure everyone’s focused and really try and gauge how many times you’re going to do it before you begin. I found that five times was the max and three was the minimum. And really sell the last time.

The iTricks Idea:

Read it here!

Closing Thoughts:

Sorry for the delays in reviews, folks. I’ve been trying to give effects a try that might not normally get good reviews and well, lol, there’s a reason for that. I’ve got a great line up for the next couple months, though, so look back here next week! And…

Have a Great Week Everyone!

Jamie D. Grant
www.whatizit.net
______________________________________________________________