How To Win At FISM

TDog

This isn't an instructional download on how to do Soma's FISM act. It is an in-depth look at some of the smartest minds and their thoughts on how to craft an award-winning stage act, right down to the most minute details. I still come back and refer to this download when I am crafting a new performance piece for my stage show. I really like the thinking in this and hearing their thoughts.

Amanda

This video looks into the minds of successful magicians from around the world, featuring known names like Yo Kato, Wayne Houchin, Shawn Farquhar, Boris Wild, David Stone, and more. One key focus is on how first impressions matter—whether you're competing or performing. Something as simple as wearing anti-wrinkle clothes can ensure you look your best from the start.

The magicians talk about practice not just in terms of skill, but also mindset. Soma shares his strategies for shutting off his brain to function with both his head and heart. Positive self-talk, imagining success, or even visualizing yourself as the world champion, is emphasized as a way to prepare mentally for performances. It’s inspiring to hear these coping techniques from someone so accomplished. It's nice to see/hear how practicing mindfulness can impact your art.

The video also goes into great detail about all aspects of a performance, right down to finding the proper music to complement your act. Shawn Farquhar highlights the importance of mentorship and learning from someone more experienced than yourself. He also mentions how modern technology has made practice easier, thanks to the ability to record and critique your own performances—a luxury that wasn’t as accessible in the past.

I bought this video during Vanishing Inc.'s warehouse fire sale, and though I don’t plan to compete, hearing tips from Shawn Farquhar and the other experts is invaluable. It’s all about applying their wisdom to improve my own shows, and this video offers plenty of useful advice for performers at any level.

Zong-Syun

Charlie

I had this when it was on DVD and every show and act I do I watch it. I can't believe it's being re-sold as a download! Buy it, watch it, learn from it!

Marc

The video shows you how much effort you have to put into your magic act. But it doesn't really help you to put together your own act. I expected more. The title of the video could easily be "how to master a magic act" or "how to be successful at magic" or "how to win a magic competition".

Peter

Interesting. The interviews are enjoyable and has some good points. This download is emphasizing the many different areas that you are required to focus on in order to create a good stage show. We learn the amount of work and commitment necessary, not only when it comes to developing an act over years of performing and refining, but also things like costume, music, lighting etc. So as a serious performer you’ll need to take of of these things into account.

All of the above is true. Unfortunately, this download doesn’t really teach you how to achieve that.

So this is an interesting but not very useful product.