05 Jul 2017

​ Is Tech Making Magic Better or Worse?

When the film Forrest Gump was released, a ripple of concern spread across the entertainment industry among actors. The film was the first to incorporate CGI in large crowd shots. This enabled the film’s producers to shoot large crowd scenes affordably, avoiding the cost of paying hundreds of extras.  The fear then, was that CGI would lose actors work.

Fast forward to today, and the human cost of technology is still felt as jobs are lost to machines who can perform the same work for less cost, more precision, and faster than their human counterparts.

In the magic world, technology has also had a ripple effect.  Special effects in movies have, in some ways, made it harder to mystify or astonish audiences.  Many people have a new found cynicism when watching magic that would not have existed 100 years before – as a result of not only the availability of magic information online, but also because of technology itself doing magical things – from smartphones like the iPhone (which really is a technological, innovative marvel) to cars that can magically drive themselves.

I believe that Magic can be made better if we learn to integrate tech within Magic, rather than resist it.  And, of course, I’ve always believed, that Magic is much more about the story, the artistry and difficulty of sleights of hand.  Magic will continue to be a part of the tapestry of human history, because we as human beings will always seek things that inspire us or elevates our belief in infinite questions as well as infinite possibilities.  Human beings, at their core, will always need Magic and Storytellers.  Technology can challenge magicians to provide new stories with timeless themes and new innovative Magic, or we can firmly resist change and be left behind.

On July 30th, the CW Network’s top rated “Masters of Illusion” television show kicked off SEASON 5 with two back to back episodes.  I don’t want to give anything away of my performance on part 2 of the premiere – but I encourage you to go take a look to see how I’ve incorporated technology into my magic with a brand new illusion that will hopefully boggle your mind.  Watch Me On The Season Premiere of “MASTERS OF ILLUSION” Season 5 Here!

Make sure to tune in every Friday at 8PM PST on the CW for another great lineup of the world’s best magicians, escape artists, mentalists and magic makers.  We need a break from all the news, social media, and life overload – and this show will definitely tickle your funny bone and awaken your imagination.

I want to hear from you in the COMMENTS below! Let me know what you thought of my new Magic.  And thanks, in advance, for sharing the link to the episode and the show with others.  It’s YOU that keeps the Magic alive and going strong, after all.

Be well on the journey,

About Jason Bird

Jason BIrd is a Magician, Illusionist, and TV Host. He is also a Magic Creator and Consultant for television and Film. His upcoming projects include a US LIVE Tour and hosting a travel docu-series.

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