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Rory is a magic writer and producer who has consulted for performers like Dynamo, Justin Willman, Neil Patrick Harris & more.

I rarely suggest electronic methods when I’m TV consulting.

Unless when electronics are the very best method for the trick—like a magic watch or every Marc Kerstein trick. Often electronics open up a whole new range of possibilities for the solo performer. Technology may be integral to the trick, like searching for a random word on Wikipedia.

When you shoot telly, the cost of any trick must factor in the location fee, shooting crew, editorial crew, transport, camera hire, contributors (if they’re getting paid), and more. So even an Ambitious Card routine could cost you $10k on a good day. The stakes are high, the entire shoot could be entirely based around one trick and when the "magic isn't ready," it can be a tad stressful.

I learned from the best, to always prepare extra gimmicks and back-up methods: