Renowned magic consultant Rory Adams joins us to share his incredible journey from a childhood fascination with magic, sparked by his grandfather’s box of tricks, to a decade-long career in magic TV show writing. Discover how his innovative approach of posting daily magic tricks on Instagram led to a consulting gig with Dynamo and paved the way for his remarkable career. Rory offers an insider’s look at the role of a magic consultant, emphasizing his unique focus on writing and the importance of hiring experts for magic-related projects.

In our chat, Rory reveals the creative processes behind some of your favorite TV segments, like James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke,” and discusses the critical metrics for a consultant’s success. We delve into the nuances of magic consulting, comparing hands-on approaches to more conceptual ones, and the importance of restrictions in fostering creativity—especially within talent shows like America’s Got Talent. Rory also shares valuable insights into the collaborative nature of idea generation in magic and how expectations for viral success shape the creative process.

We explore the impact of social media on the magic world, particularly during the pandemic, with Rory recounting his experiences scripting videos for TikTok influencers. Learn about the strategies magicians can employ to succeed on platforms like TikTok and the ethical considerations in magic, from camera tricks to balancing the art’s mystery with new platforms. Wrapping up, we reflect on the evolution of the One Ahead blog, its focus on delivering high-value content, and Rory’s advice for growing a magic business. Don’t miss this episode filled with practical tips and behind-the-scenes stories from the fascinating world of magic consulting.

We explore the journey of becoming a TV magic consultant through the lens of personal experience. I reflect on my early use of Instagram to showcase daily magic tricks and how this unique approach, coupled with the right timing, led to unexpected opportunities. We discuss the evolution of social media and its current landscape, noting that today’s aspiring magicians might need different strategies. Key advice includes the importance of hard work and building connections, illustrated by my experiences with networking and leveraging friendships. Notably, the strategic decision to stop posting videos at a critical moment played a pivotal role in securing a job with Dynamo, emphasizing the nuanced tactics that can lead to success in this competitive field.

We discuss the  importance of restrictions in fostering creativity, particularly within the context of magic performances on shows like America’s Got Talent. We discuss how having a clear direction or goal can be more beneficial than focusing solely on restrictions. The conversation also touches on the distinction between invention and creativity, emphasizing that most magical acts are adaptations rather than completely original inventions. The challenges faced by magicians on talent shows are highlighted, particularly the influence of producers’ demands. Additionally, we share insights from working in a writer’s room, the significance of themes, and the importance of understanding performers’ goals, such as whether they aim to fool judges or achieve other objectives. The chapter concludes with an example of how expectations for viral success can shape the creative process in subsequent projects.

What is the dichotomy between live and televised magic? We examine the frustrations magicians face when comparing the two mediums. We discuss the perception that big-budget TV tricks are less impressive than close-up magic performed live, emphasizing the value of personal interaction in magic. The conversation also touches on the contentious issue of camera tricks and other exclusive TV methods like staged mic checks, questioning whether such techniques should be deemed unfair. We acknowledge the unique constraints and benefits each medium offers, arguing that different settings allow for different methods, and ultimately, it’s about the overall experience and impact on the audience.

This chapter explores the journey and evolution of the One Ahead website over the past three years, culminating in the recent launch of its latest version. We discuss the focus on delivering high-value content through a streamlined newsletter format, emphasizing quality over quantity. I express my excitement about the website’s newfound identity and stability, while highlighting the increasing popularity of newsletters and podcasting. We touch on modern magic’s diverse landscape, the annoyance of magicians asking pointless questions, and the issue of exposure in the magic community. Finally, we cover ways to stay updated with One Ahead and mention an upcoming magic book available to subscribers.

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https://www.oneahead.com/

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