Jeff McBride - The Mystery of Marketing Magic -

An historic episode of the Magician Business Podcast. After thousands of words spoken via Skype and thousands of air miles travelled, this is the first time that Julian and I (Ken) have come together in person to present an interview.

You are the winner with double the value. This week's episode is a great interview with Jeff McBride and a report on our first meeting. Plus a special bonus so be sure to stick around until the end. You'll also find a few pictures referenced in the podcast including one taken 30 seconds after Julian and I met for the very first time.

Today's main act is Jeff McBride.

Jeff McBride, a three time award winner at the International Grand Prix of Magic in Monte Carlo, is widely recognised as a foremost innovator and most exciting performer in contemporary magic. Naming him “Vegas’ Best” Magician several years ago, the Las Vegas Review Journal wrote: “Light years ahead of the pack.. McBride is easily the most exciting and mesmerising magician I’ve seen in years.”

In this episode we talk about

• What advice Lance Burton gave to a group of young magicians at the IBM SAM. This tip alone would save any magician a whole pile of money if implemented so well with a listen.
• About magic as a career and a life path and how the McBride Magic and Mystery School is a way of learning from those who have walked the road.
• His philosophy of what makes magic commercial and sellable.
• About the importance of balance and a rich interior life.

Ever laid back and daydreamed about having your own magic show? A theatre with your name in lights? Keith Fields did. More than that, he did something about it.

Keith Fields has appeared in New York’s Broadway, London’s West End and the Las Vegas Strip, but not in his own show, doing it his way.

Keith’s new show “A Brit Of Magic” is a multimedia extravaganza of comedy and magic that plays at the Iris Theater in the tourist town of Gaitlinburg, Tennessee. This show exists because Keith had the drive and persistence to make it happen.

In this episode:

• Find out what busking taught Keith about business?
• Why he is an alien with extraordinary ability (no joke)
• Do you devise a show and try to find a venue or do you find a venue that needs a show? Is one of these better?
• How do you pitch your show idea? Do YOU need to have the business plan worked out in advance for the theatre?
• Who decides of the length of the  ‘run’ of the show?
• Who decides on ticket cost?
• Who pays for advertising?
• Who is responsible for drawing up a contract?
• Are there any advantages to playing outside your native country?
• Can you do back of room sales?
• Is it financially viable?

This is everything you need to think about if you want to know how to pitch, promote, advertise and create a magic show.