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Zero Gravity

Jay Sankey

(Based on 1 review)
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ZERO GRAVITY really is the ideal opening effect- you walk up to a group and suspend a deck of cards, borrowed wallet, borrowed cell phone, pretty much ANY SMALL OBJECT on the very end of a folded dollar bill (the visual is insane) and then you immediately hand everything out -and your hands are EMPTY.

You can even BORROW the bill! The same effect can also be done with a folded paper napkin, a take-out menu, whatever.

Running Time Approximately 44min

Reviews

Christopher Carey

Official Reviewer

Oct 29, 2008

Jay Sankey's ZERO GRAVITY is a suspension effect using a folded dollar bill or napkin to support a much heavier object, such as a wallet or deck of cards.

Sankey thoroughly goes over every move, every angle, and every presentational strategy in a very short time. The effect is solid and you end clean. However, no matter what kind of presentation I thought of, it still came down to a puzzle. Sankey argues that one could do this essentially as a silent opener in a restaurant setting. I can definitely see that and I think this effect will appeal to young restaurant performers who are looking for a quick, visual opener.

But I've never believed this is the best way to introduce yourself in that environment. I really think performing walk-around or restaurant magic is best accomplished by letting people get to know you. Others like Eric Mead and Derren Brown feel the same. Approach a group and talk to them like real human beings before launching into finger-flinging.

Sankey does go over methods for doing this in the middle of your set, but they seem awkward. It really works best as an opener because you have to start dirty. But even that seems a bit awkward as you would be approaching a table with a dollar bill or napkin folded in half lengthwise in your hand and then placing the heavy object on top. Sankey also suggests that you could have the spectator place the object on the bill or remove it, but this would be very dangerous as the gimmick could be felt and if they don't balance the object just right, it will surely fall.

As you can see, I have reservations about ZERO GRAVITY, but for $25.00 Sankey does a good job at making his case. I think, in the right hands, some of the problems I mentioned could be improved or eliminated.
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