Bob Kohler - The Final Cut

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Topic: The Final Cut - Scott Alexander & Bob Kohler

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Sep 20, 2013 01:11PM)

The Signed Bill To Lemon plot is a classic of magic for a reason. Audiences are amazedand remember the effect for a very long time. For many performers including me The BillTo Lemon has been a reputation maker.

I personally have been on a quest to create the perfect method and routine for 30 years.Scott Alexander and I shared ideas from both of our routines and in 2004 we released acutting edge version called "The Final Answer". It's hard to believe that was nine yearsago. The Final Answer was a sensational advancement in the method. As many of youknow it was an injection device that delivered the signed bill inside the lemon which wasinside of a sealed bag.

The gimmick was revolutionary in design and built by master craftsman Thomas Wayne.Sadly the gimmick is no longer in production and no longer available. Please do notpurchase The Final Answer on E-bay. It is a Chinese knock-off that simply does notwork. So save your hard earned cash.

Now for the good news. Scott and I have over the last year developed another solutionto the Bill In Lemon. As with all of my Pro LIne products this solution has been tested infront of over 100 live audiences. The results have been sensational. The method is newand fools both magicians and laymen.

In fact, for those of you who already have The Final Answer this new product is theperfect complement to the knowledge you already have.

I'm very proud to introduce you to what I believe will become the definitive version for theworking professional, The Final Cut.

I know what you're thinking. Just what the world needs is yet another version of theSigned Bill to Lemon. After finishing the development and testing of the routine I amconvinced that this routine is exactly what the professional magic world needs. The FinalCut has been designed to overcome the issues and snags that pros run into every daytrying to perform this classic of magic.

Fire…for many years most of the routines used fire to burn up envelopes. Fire is funny.But it's 2013 and most venues no longer allow fire without special permits. TheSolution…included are three routines that do not use fire yet are even funnier thanburning the spectators money.

Practicality…it doesn't get any better than this for working pros. The required items aresmall and travel well. Set up is 2 minutes max. The method works with both lemons andoranges.

The Gimmick…yes, there is a gimmick. I won't tell you what it is but I will tell you it'sremarkable. The construction is bombproof. There are NO moving parts. It will last alifetime. It is a totally new concept.

Test Conditions…absolutely. The lemon can be in the audience BEFORE the bill isborrowed and signed. In my opinion the new gimmick and choreography for The Final

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/printtopic.php?topic=526257&fo...

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Cut not only solve the method better than any predecessors but the MOMENTS aresensational. As great as The Final Answer was I believe that The Final Cut surpasses iton every level. The method is easier to do, and it's 100% reliable. The moments aremuch better. Scott has included hilarious patter for all three versions.

The final convincer is the spectator is handed both the fruit and the knife. You show bothhands completely empty. You cut the fruit open...no move period. The signed bill isdiscovered inside!

The Shows…Included are 3 performances in front of living, breathing audiences. Twoare on Cruise Ships before audiences of 1000. The last show was filmed at the MagicCastle in the Parlor of Mystery. The Final Cut works just about anywhere from formalclose up to parlor to stage. Each performance starts with a different front half which isthe set up for destroying the spectators signed bill. Very funny stuff.

The Training…Released on DVD. We cover everything you need to know in extremedetail. Nothing is left out.

Skill Level…The Final Cut is actually the easiest version we've ever seen. Theremarkable method combined with the gimmick do the work for you. It's mean and cleanbeyond belief. You'll understand it immediately and be able to do it well in one day.Using our tools just add personality and you're ready to get standing ovations.

For working professionals The Final Cut is a no-brainer. It will surpass all the versionsyou know. It packs flat and plays huge. Set up is two minutes. It's unbreakable. Itentertains and fools everybody.

Release is set for Oct. 2013. It will only be available direct from Bob Kohler Magic.

The Final Cut will be in short supply as we crank up manufacturing the gimmick so to befirst on your block please join my mailing list to be first to know when it goes on sale.

I will offer a pre-release to my mailing list first before it goes public.

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Sep 23, 2013 01:00PM)

Thanks for all of the interest. Many requests for pricing. We're still completing themanufacturing process. As soon as the retail price is set I'll release the information.The wait won't be long...

Message: Posted by: korttihai_82 (Sep 27, 2013 07:42PM)

Have to ask... does this rely somewhat on star t**p like final answer did? The solutionthere was nice but sadly not too workable with lemons if one lives in country where theyare imported other side of the world. They simply are too hard and 99% wrong size touse S T in Finland... And there is just something naturally fun with the lemon thatoranges lack.

Juha-Matti

Message: Posted by: MikeDes (Sep 27, 2013 08:50PM)

I have a question too �

Canada, like a lot of countries now has plastic bills. So rolling up the bill and switching


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is difficult as the bills unrolls if not held firmly. I have had to alter the way I do FinalAnswer because of this. Will I have the same problem with Final Cut?

Message: Posted by: pslaughter (Oct 14, 2013 11:30PM)

Any news on this yet?

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Oct 15, 2013 04:23AM)

Hey folks,

I'm REAL proud of this one. This has burned a lot of pros. Everyone who sees this,misses the moment. If it goes by magicians, then laymen have NO CHANCE!The gimmick has no moving parts and is totally different from the Final Answer, yetproduces the same impossible results.The DVD has three different shows, with three different routines, but all using the FinalCut method of doing the dirty work. I believe the real strength here is that your handnever completely enters the Crown Royal bag. This method creates the impression thatyou never touch the fruit. In fact, if you want the to let the spectator cut the fruit openyou can.One of the shows on the DVD is a speedy version which I believe is the closest you willget to the impact of the original Jarrow handling. Here's the signed money, it's gone,now look in the lemon! It's that simple, direct and powerful. Also the learning curve onthis is minimal. You can be up and running in a day, and the set up takes just a fewseconds.

To answer the questions from above....

This does not use a roll but a fold so the plastic currency works well with this method.

Although I recommend using the Star T**P, a larger entry point can be used.I do this with Oranges as well as Lemons.

Message: Posted by: korttihai_82 (Oct 15, 2013 07:04AM)

Aaa, did you have demo of this on youtube some time ago? Very basic version? It lookedreally good :)

Juha-Matti

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Oct 15, 2013 09:54PM)

The final cut is the new version of that version!LOL

Message: Posted by: Christopher Williams (Oct 16, 2013 07:20AM)

And the release date for this?


Should be live on Bob's site within two weeks, if not sooner.

Message: Posted by: Cris Johnson (Oct 16, 2013 11:30AM)


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Count me in. Everything I've ever bought from Bob has been stellar.


Collaborating with Bob is great. He really goes 'all in' when it comes to quality andeffects that have a real heart!

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Oct 17, 2013 01:22PM)

The release of The Final Cut is coming very soon. All of the parts are now in stock, I'mjust waiting on the training DVD to arrive.The web page for the product will be going live soon to take orders. If you are on mymailing list you will get an e-mail announcing the release and you'll be the first to know.

I expect we'll sell out of the first batch very quickly. As usual making the gimmicks takestime and often on release of a new high quality product such as The Final Cut thedemand overwhelms the supply.

The price point of The Final Cut is $199.99. It is a product in the BK Pro Line. It will onlybe available direct from me at http://www.bobkohlermagic.com.

If you haven't joined my mailing list and want to know the latest news about my newproducts and workshops please visit the site and sign up.

Scott and I have had a very long friendship starting way back in the mid-80's. It's alwaysrewarding working with Scott. I've watched him grow into a top pro over the decades.The Final Cut is truly a professional performer's dream come true. This will be the bestinvestment you'll make this year.

Over the last few months I've been in constant contact with several Beta testers we gaveThe Final Cut to use in their shows. 100% of the feedback was over the top good. Themain comment was "please don't put this out". We heard this over and over includingour good friend Doc Eason.

So get your order in as soon as it goes live. We'll start shipping next week.

Message: Posted by: Cris Johnson (Oct 17, 2013 03:09PM)

I'm checking my email constantly.:) I love Bob's quality * Scott's performing style. Thiswill be terrific, I have no doubt.


Happy to say that The Final Cut is now finally online and up for pre-orders.

Grab them now as Bob has only had a limited supply made for the first run. These willbe shipping out on the 25th of October which is right around the corner.Comes with everything accept the fruit and the cutting implement.

You are going to want this one!!!! Trust me...I'm a magician!

http://www.bobkohlermagic.com./page3/page12/page7/

Message: Posted by: Christopher Williams (Oct 18, 2013 05:29PM)


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Can it be done close up? Walkaround? Strolling?


Sure, if you got a bag of fruit and can duck into the corner for 30 seconds to reset yourgolden!

Message: Posted by: samr1990 (Oct 18, 2013 05:55PM)

Ordered 2!


Smart move!!

Message: Posted by: Devious (Oct 18, 2013 07:07PM)

The Bill to Lemon has been in my act for over a decade.Having said that, I'm greatly looking forward to recieving mine.I hope that they fly off the table!

Many thanks to you both Bob and Scott!

Message: Posted by: Cris Johnson (Oct 18, 2013 07:48PM)

Just ordered mine.:)


Awesome, thanks you guys for jumping on board so early.

Message: Posted by: elimagic (Oct 19, 2013 10:16AM)

Is there a trailer for this? Or a performance video? Im on the edge and that wouldprobably push me over :)

Message: Posted by: samr1990 (Oct 19, 2013 10:27AM)

If it's to the level of Slashed, Velocity and the Final Answer then no trailer is needed.

I'm presuming no trailers so hard work over the last 30 years isn't duplicated bysomeone not willing to pay for the privilege.

Message: Posted by: elimagic (Oct 19, 2013 10:53AM)

That is true. I'll just wait for a review and then place my order


I just got a call from Bob Kohler informing me that nearly half of the first run of thesethings are gone. That's incredible... so thanks to all of you who got in on this. I amhonored by your confidence in the material.

I know Bob was going to put up a trailer, but I assume it will be on the back burner as hewill be busy making sure the all the preorders are filled and shipping out by the 25th. Iimagine we will see a trailer after that at some point.

There will be plenty of footage for a trailer as the Training DVD features three different


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live shows.

-Scott


There is a trailer coming...When is the question...The facts in the product description are 100% accurate. Trailers can only show so muchwithout compromising the value of any product. The eye candy video style is usuallyhype.

The Final Cut is different from many products in the sense that we strictly creatematerial in the BK Pro Line for working professionals. Our history is as strong as anymanufacturer in magic. The Pro Line includesThe Fitch Kohler Professional Holdout System, Velocity 2.0, Human Phone Number 2.0,The Final Answer (OK, as it turned out it should have been called the Next to last FinalAnswer), Slashed, The Blades, The Mindreading Goose, The Lightning Box and WengerSpirit Bell.

All of these products are created to be used in shows. I know from thousands of emailsthat our routines are being used to entertain audiences and make performers a lot ofmoney. In fact, I know that more pros than you would guess actually make a very goodliving using ONLY our products.

The Final Cut is another in the Pro Line series. It meets every qualification pros need.Honestly, at this price point the bang for the buck is a no-brainer.

The trailer will show parts of the shows. Snippets. It will show part of the training...tinyparts. I believe if you are in business doing magic the Top Ten list on my site contains allof the information you need to decide if The Final Cut is for you or not.

It's powerful, diabolical and affordable.

I've received many emails asking if The Final Cut is better than The Final Answer. Theshort answer is yes, it is better. The main reasons are first the test conditions are better.The lemon is either in the audience or in plain view BEFORE the bill is borrowed andsigned. This is huge in the audience's perception of the effect.

Second, the new gimmick is easier to use, lightning fast, no moving parts to break and itchanges the moment of the load.

The Final Cut method allows the performer to create any style routine they want. Sureyou can copy any of Scott's three performances. They are great. The jokes are funnyand the power is there.But if you've invested in The Final Answer and you have created another routine that fitsyour style The Final Cut will instantly work in your routine.

OK, enough ranting. Back to working on the trailer...

Message: Posted by: emyers99 (Oct 19, 2013 04:21PM)

I'm confused. I use the Final Answer and I've always had the lemon in the audiencebefore the bill is ever borrowed or signed. So On that point, I see no difference.


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True, the lemon can be in the audience in both versions. I think what Bob meant wasthat in my standard version I used to do, I would put the bag out there after the guycame up and gave me the money. Like The Final Answer, The Final Cut gives you a lotof freedom. If you already have TFA and love it, then stick with it! If you want to see thenew handling then grab TFC. There are new jokes and bits o' business you can learnfrom the new one apart from the new method. Plus you can see how I get around thefire issue from TFA.

It's all good stuff. I really can't say one is better than the other, just like my three actualchildren in real life, I love them all the same....it's just that one of them is better atfooling me all the time.

-S


For those who have contacted me about purchasing TFC via my website, it will be upthere eventually but for now please visit Bob's site for the pre-orders.

Thanks!

http://www.bobkohlermagic.com./page3/page12/page7/

Message: Posted by: Devious (Oct 21, 2013 04:20PM)

@ Scott,I truly am looking to the clever way that you designedto getting around the fire issue from The TFA.


Thanks....It is simple but it is still funny and gets just as many laughs. Actually there ismore than one way around it on the DVD. I give you a few options in the three differentperformances that are shown.You see it done for audiences of 800 to1000 people down to 70 in real working venues.This way you can see how this can play everywhere. You could even do this walk aroundif you wanted.

Message: Posted by: Stperformer (Oct 22, 2013 08:56AM)

This has really caught my interest :)

Question; I do the $100 Bill Switch (folded 4X) with a TT. I'm assuming it is not aproblem to get the bill from the TT into the gimmick??Thanks


Nope...The bill switch lends itself perfectly to this effect!

Message: Posted by: Danny Diamond (Oct 23, 2013 12:26PM)

Hi Scott - I'm a fan and I'll likely be picking this up, so don't take this the wrong way, butI'm confused about something...


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In the initial post, Bob said...

[quote]On 2013-09-20 13:11, Bob Kohler wrote:The Gimmick…yes, there is a gimmick. I won't tell you what it is but I will tell you it'sremarkable. The construction is bombproof. There are NO moving parts. It will last alifetime. It is a totally new concept.

It's unbreakable.[/quote]

But then further down I saw...

[quote]On 2013-10-18 17:55, samr1990 wrote:Ordered 2![/quote]

To which you replied...

[quote]On 2013-10-18 18:18, Scott Alexander wrote:Smart move!![/quote]

If the gimmick will last a lifetime, then why was it a smart move to purchase two? Again,I'm not trying to sound like a jerk! Just genuinely trying to figure out if the gimmick willtruly last a lifetime and why it would really be necessary to buy two.

Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Oct 23, 2013 01:38PM)

[quote]On 2013-10-23 12:26, Danny Diamond wrote:

If the gimmick will last a lifetime, then why was it a smart move to purchase two? Again,I'm not trying to sound like a jerk! Just genuinely trying to figure out if the gimmick willtruly last a lifetime and why it would really be necessary to buy two.[/quote]

"MOST" professionals have backups to integral parts of their show.


[quote]On 2013-10-23 13:38, Zombie Magic wrote:[quote]On 2013-10-23 12:26, Danny Diamond wrote:

If the gimmick will last a lifetime, then why was it a smart move to purchase two? Again,I'm not trying to sound like a jerk! Just genuinely trying to figure out if the gimmick will


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truly last a lifetime and why it would really be necessary to buy two.[/quote]

"MOST" professionals have backups to integral parts of their show.[/quote]

True - plus, I guess I also forgot about the possibility of simply losing the gimmick, or itbeing stolen, etc.


You hit the nail on the head. Things happen, lost, stolen, act of God etc.

When a routine makes it into my show I always consider backups. In magic you neverknow if a product will still be available in a year, 5 years, 10 years.

Message: Posted by: pslaughter (Oct 23, 2013 10:00PM)

Does the load have to occur in a bag or under cover?


The illusion of being loaded without cover is created.There is in fact ample cover, however the choreography in combination with thegimmicks in play, create a well covered situation that appears perfectly innocent anduncovered to the audience.

that's all I can say without tipping.


My order is in!! Looking forward to receiving this!

-DD

Message: Posted by: tdowell (Oct 25, 2013 02:12AM)

You shouldn't need a trailer for Mr. Kohler's effects. Bob and Scott are bothprofessionals and produce some of the best magic out there. Much thought and time areput into the product before it is released. Bill in Lemon is a great effect and Scottcertainly improved the concept with Final Answer. I have no doubt this will be a winneras well.

My order is in sight unseen because I know they don't produce cheap lackluster effects.This sounds great and is priced right. Can't wait.


Thanks for the confidence and kind words.


Working on the Disney Magic at the moment. Doing TFC tonight as a matter of fact!Just heard from Bob Kohler that the preorders are beginning to ship tomorrow!!



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Make that Monday!


The shipment of all Pre-Orders of The Final Cut is now complete. We got each andevery order in the USPS system yesterday but the clock actually starts on the deliverytoday.

International customers will get a Customs# for tracking purposes once the packagearrives at their countries Customs. Domestic orders should arrive starting on Wed. andyour tracking numbers have been sent to you.

The Tsunami of orders essentially wiped out the first batch of gimmick. The good news isthis morning the second batch arrived this morning 7 days early. So we still have sets forimmediate delivery. We're doing our best to keep The Final Cut in stock.However there is a limit to what we can produce. During the fall months manufacturingstarts to take longer getting everything ready for the holidays. So order early asinsurance to make sure you have The Final Cut in your show this holiday season.

Message: Posted by: algebraic (Oct 28, 2013 05:49PM)

My order is placed.

Message: Posted by: TrickyRicky (Oct 28, 2013 09:32PM)

Received information from Bob Kohler that my Final Cut was shipped.I'll see if it works with Canadian plastic currency.Ricky

Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Oct 29, 2013 03:03AM)

[quote]On 2013-10-25 02:12, tdowell wrote:You shouldn't need a trailer for Mr. Kohler's effects. Bob and Scott are bothprofessionals and produce some of the best magic out there.[/quote]

Agreed! When their names are on a product, you know it's been professionally audiencetested!

Message: Posted by: gmindmagic (Oct 30, 2013 02:25PM)

Received this today and I have no relationship to Scott or Bob so this is an unbiasedopinion.....One word Genius! Simple, direct the perfect handling for a very deceptiveillusion. Worth a lot more to a person who will apply and use this.

A big thank you to both Scott and Bob for making this available.


And a big thank you to you for being the first person to review it!!

Message: Posted by: BrandonWilliams (Oct 30, 2013 03:50PM)

Got mine today as well. Looking forward to viewing the DVD because I'm a bit perplexedjust looking at the props supplied. As always, I'm sure this will deliver.


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Message: Posted by: gmindmagic (Oct 30, 2013 04:06PM)

Thanks Scott. Yeah.....when you get it you will say what the ? then the beauty will comeout. I've had a lot of PM's because of my initial review. For those who PM'ed buy it nofishing :)

Oh I did one legitimate question about using it for strolling? Here is my answer

"I really don't stroll per say but it would be very practical. You will need to prepare yourlemons or oranges in a certain way even kiwis. You do need to use a Crown Royal typefabric bag, not paper. When you get it you will say oh you have to be kidding.......but thesubtly of this is it's simplicity. I love it and this is what I do for a living. So I would say getit and try it. The reset is less than a minute if you have your lemons prepared."

Message: Posted by: BrandonWilliams (Oct 30, 2013 06:37PM)

Just watched this. I've always been a fan of the Spill and Eason handlings of the bill inlemon, but didn't like the fumbling that would often occur at the worst possible moment.Scott has created a simple and brilliant method that eliminates this weakness in abeautifully deceptive way. I'm more than happy with my purchase. Also, I purchased theFinal Answer when it was first released, and prefer the Final Cut methodology.


Got mine today too - very thorough and well-produced DVD.

For the simplicity of the gimmick (in mechanics) and for what you get, I predict some willfeel this was overpriced. I guess if you were paying simply for the actual materials thatyou receive, then it is expensive. I believe this is one of those cases where you are reallypaying for the idea/concept and routine more than some hi-tech gadget. Working proswill likely accept the high-price and appreciate the thought that went into this - and theywill likely appreciate the high-price, to hopefully keep the "merely curious" away.

Message: Posted by: tdowell (Oct 30, 2013 10:42PM)

Received mine today and I agree with all the comments. Though I admire the "spaceage-machine-gizmo" of Final Answer, with all due respect to Scott and Bob, I alwaysthought the routine and operation to be overly complex to execute.

Final Cut is completely different: Very direct, simple, and the gimmick is not what youwould expect. Even after looking at the gimmick, I couldn't figure it out until I watchedthe dvd. The gimmick is super subtle and the routine so direct that there is no way youraudience will detect the load. The gimmick gives the performer a perceptual edgeagainst his or her audience. Brilliant.

Comes with all the necessary items to perform except the fruit, and includes a wellproduced dvd. The gimmick will last a lifetime unless you decide to put it under amoving freight train.

Five out of five stars.

Message: Posted by: Blindside785 (Oct 31, 2013 11:50AM)

I am getting mine shipped today from a seller on the Café. I know I'm gonna feel badwhen I get it, I'll be ordering from Bob Kohler in the near future for a back-up and tosupport the creators.


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Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Nov 2, 2013 04:13PM)

Thanks for all of the kind comments.

I did a corporate show here in Vegas last night. A very funny thing happened. Thespectator I had on stage had seen me a year ago perform the Bill in Lemon for adifferent company in the same industry.So he knew what was coming. When I got to the ending he started saying "My bill isgoing to end up in a lemon, My bill is going to end up in a lemon."

In the 30 years I've been performing the Bill in Lemon I've never had a spectator reactthis way. So I handed him the knife and lemon. Showed him my hands were empty andproceeded to cut open the lemon revealing his signed bill.

To say he freaked out would be an understatement.

Classics effects are classic for a reason. They are memorable and impossible. This manhad the opportunity to see The Final Answer and now The Final Cut. He had a verystrong memory of the routine.

After the show he came up to me with his wife and told me that last year he was fooledby the routine but he was seated back in the crowd. This time since he was on stage hewas sure he'd figure it out.Of course he didn't have a chance. He was blown away.

I'm convinced that the new method will continue to fool every audience that sees it.

Message: Posted by: Dan Watkins (Nov 4, 2013 01:02AM)

I thought I would chime in here... the other week I was in Vegas on business and I hadthe chance to meet up with Bob Kohler and Armando Lucero at Bob's house for a bit ofa jam session.

Naturally I was curious about The Final Cut as I am a fan of the Final Answer and I haveperformed Bill in Lemon many times using a version heavily influenced by the FinalAnswer. So I am very familiar with the Bill in Lemon methods including the Steve Spillversion...

When I got to Bob's house he handed me the gimmick. I stared intently at the gimmicktrying to figure it out, and I had no comprehension how it worked. It has no movingparts, no mechanism, it appears to be a normal item, but I did find a very innocuous"thing" that makes it work. Even identifying the gimmick, I could not understand what itdid. I would bet that if you handed it to any spectator 99% of them wouldn't even noticeanything and the other 1% that notice something won't understand what it is.

Next I went to Bob's studio and he showed Armando and I two of Scott's shows. He fastforwarded directly to the exact point in time the load is made. He told us before the loadhappened, and then told us after the load occured. Neither of us saw it, nor did Iunderstand how the gimmick even played a part in it. It is that deceptive.

For me, the worst part of the Final Answer is loading the gimmick. Once the gimmick isloaded, loading the fruit is awsome. The Final Cut is completely different and themoments are very different. It is simpler. I could see someone questioning the cost ifthey are looking at the simplicity of it compared to the complexity of the Final Answer.But, the gimmick does have to be made, and both Scott and Bob make a few bucks on


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it. I haven't seen the whole DVD yet, but Scott's presentations are great. If it is anythingas good as the Final Answer DVD, then it's worth its weight in gold.

It was a cool way to start the evening. The rest of it was primarily playing with coins :)

Dan

Message: Posted by: Blindside785 (Nov 4, 2013 01:09AM)

I got this in the mail yesterday and had a chance to view the dvd today. Wonderfulthinking and such an entertaining routine.

I don't really have much to say, everyone has pretty much said what needs to be said. Itis a wonderful routine to add into my sets and I'm glad to own "Final Cut" and "Superfly"from Scott Alexander, and that's a SOLID 15-20 minute routine.

Message: Posted by: cabaretmagician (Nov 5, 2013 06:32AM)

This sounds brilliant, but just before I purchase it I was wondering how practical it wouldbe for close up magic? Would it be practical to on every table (or every other table) forexample, or is it best just doing at the top table? If anyone who already has it could letme know I'd really appreciate it!

Message: Posted by: Danny Diamond (Nov 5, 2013 10:25AM)

I feel this is best suited for stage/parlor, personally.

Doing this at EVERY table during a strolling gig sounds quite unrealistic to me. Buthaving it prepared and ready to present for one special table, for example, is verydoable.

Message: Posted by: Blindside785 (Nov 5, 2013 11:33AM)

I'm planning on doing this at a strolling gig in December. It's practical for strolling, but ofcourse you need the lemon or oranges setup and tucked away somewhere.

Message: Posted by: Danny Diamond (Nov 5, 2013 11:45AM)

[quote]On 2013-11-05 11:33, Blindside785 wrote:I'm planning on doing this at a strolling gig in December. It's practical for strolling, but ofcourse you need the lemon or oranges setup and tucked away somewhere.[/quote]

Right - if you have the ability to sneak off for a minute or two between each set, thenyes, you can do this strolling. In many strolling situations however, sneaking off betweenEACH set/group is not ideal, imo. In a restaurant for example, on a busy night, I like tobe instantly reset for the adjacent table who is waiting for me to come visit. If I have tosneak off for a minute or two between each table, there's a good chance I will end upmissing some tables on a busy night.

Message: Posted by: Blindside785 (Nov 5, 2013 12:13PM)

[quote]On 2013-11-05 11:45, Danny Diamond wrote:[quote]


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On 2013-11-05 11:33, Blindside785 wrote:I'm planning on doing this at a strolling gig in December. It's practical for strolling, but ofcourse you need the lemon or oranges setup and tucked away somewhere.[/quote]

Right - if you have the ability to sneak off for a minute or two between each set, then yes,you can do this strolling. In many strolling situations however, sneaking off betweenEACH set/group is not ideal, imo. In a restaurant for example, on a busy night, I like tobe instantly reset for the adjacent table who is waiting for me to come visit. If I have tosneak off for a minute or two between each table, there's a good chance I will end upmissing some tables on a busy night.[/quote] Well between each and every group, of course not. but the reset would be about15 seconds if you got to your bag. Which I think is practical if you want to do this 1 every3 groups or so.

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Nov 5, 2013 12:29PM)

I can definitely see this being used for strolling.Prep the fruit in advance and have em in a bag....grab one....do the quick 15 second setup while your on the way to the next table. Definitely doable.


I might just have my chop cup and balls in the Crown bag with the setup and pull outthe knife and use it as a magic wand. Do the chop cup routine at the table, produce thelemon and then cut it open. BAM!Gonna have to try that out!

Message: Posted by: Cris Johnson (Nov 10, 2013 08:21AM)

I've used several different bil methods over the years and feel this release is the best,hands down. I'm so glad I ordered this.

Message: Posted by: cabaretmagician (Nov 10, 2013 02:23PM)

Sounds great - just took the plunge! Really looking forward to receiving it.

Message: Posted by: rowland (Nov 10, 2013 02:46PM)

I have the final answer which has served me well, there are quite a few of the newversion already being sold I don't remember this happening with the final answer. Iwonder why.

Message: Posted by: korttihai_82 (Nov 10, 2013 06:45PM)

A friend took the plunge but he didn't like it so he sold it to me. I also have somewhatmixed feelings. Also it is extremely hard not to write about this without revealing toomuch.

My first impression was that Final Cut isn't nearly as clever as Final Answer was at thetime. This is not a bad thing. The method is much more down to earth and Final Cut isalso much easier to do. The routines that come with this are much shorter and tighterthan the ones that came with final answer. All of the routines could be made easilylonger if needed.

In directness the Spill/Eason original was and remains to be the most straight forward


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signed bill to lemon. You hand out the props, borrow the signed bill, make it vanish andimmediately take out the lemon, cut it open and show the bill inside. Same is true inhere.

The main difference with Steve Spill/Doc Eason routine is that don't have to put wholehand into the bag in the end to make the dirty stuff.You just put your fingertips into the bag with natural motivation to take out and the loadis done. Really clever and also improvement on Spill/Eason/Randall(might as wellmention inception since it has something to do with the thinking in here) handling.

The price is that lemon cant really be shown before it comes out of the bag, similarly toinception. Hard to say how spectators will remember the difference, if they evenremember it, since in both methods the bag carrying the lemon will be out in the openbefore the bill is even borrowed. In Final Asnwer it could be shown, here it remainsinside the bag.

This kinda reminds me of Slashed (Alexander cut and restored rope routine). This takessomething that most people reading this topic are familiar with and makes one minor buteffective improvement on it.So basically if you do Spill/Eason/Randall type of routine and you want to make the loadextra clean, get this, it is worth it. For a working magician the price is cheap.However if your just an amateur looking for something clever to play with I would dare tosay that this is not for you and you might feel this is expensive.

J-M

Oh, and sorry but I have to point this out... The advertised solution on how to destroy theenvelopes without fire is pretty much what I would guess 9/10 people would do if theywere given the problem how to destroy bill in the envelope without fire.

Message: Posted by: Stellan (Nov 12, 2013 07:48AM)

A woman?

Message: Posted by: Jack Straw (Nov 12, 2013 08:57AM)

:applause:!!!!

Message: Posted by: Aaron Smith Magic (Nov 12, 2013 12:40PM)

[quote]On 2013-11-12 07:48, Stellan wrote:A woman?[/quote]

Hahahahaha!


Thanks...glad to hear folks are liking this. I just did it at the Daytona Magic Conventionand more recently at Wizards Magic Theater in Orlando for Steve Bedwell and a bunchof other pros and fried them all. You just don't see the load coming and it happens sofast without any stumbling. Glad everyone is picking up on the super clean nature ofthis method.

Message: Posted by: Zombie Magic (Nov 12, 2013 03:49PM)


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Scott, maybe on your Penguin Live lecture you can demo it. I think most would begobsmacked seeing it live.


I'll give that some consideration...

Message: Posted by: MaxfieldsMagic (Nov 13, 2013 01:43AM)

There are some really nice gags on the DVD that can be used for any bill in lemon. Theroutine and presentation are very entertaining.


Thanks! I wanted to put a few different gags in there which is why we included threedifferent live shows on the DVD.

Message: Posted by: brandonford1982 (Nov 14, 2013 10:18AM)

I ordered mine a few days ago. I loved velocity when I performed it a fee years ago.Scott's got some good stuff out there.

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Nov 14, 2013 10:44AM)

It's great to hear the feedback from everyone. I love the Bill In Lemon plot. I believe thatone of The Final Cuts major strengths and an improvement is the fact that the audiencedoes not see the lemon until the very end.Showing the lemon earlier in any signed Bill In Lemon routine gives the audienceinformation that will lead many to see the ending coming. This in my opinion weakensthe impact and surprise thus reducing the power of the ending.

Scott and I have been working on the plot for decades. This is what I've personallydiscovered.

For those who have TFC I think after watching the shows you'll agree the fact that youhand both the lemon and the knife to the spectator on stage, show your handscompletely empty then cut the lemon open to discover the signed bill is as pure as themethod gets. There's no reason or need to introduce the lemon earlier. Just my twocents...

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Nov 14, 2013 10:58AM)

True...this proves that it was really inside a PRISTINE piece of fruit!

Message: Posted by: Stellan (Nov 14, 2013 12:21PM)

I see what you mean with that and it is true in one sense, but I don't think it isnecessarily true.If you set it up like a challenge like: Now I am going to transport this bill to that lemon itcan become very strong, even stronger.A good example is Pop Haydn's Teleportation Device routine.

Message: Posted by: Falconer (Nov 14, 2013 04:53PM)

I have been use the Bill in Lemon (diferente versions in my act for long time, but TheFinal Cut sounds very good! I believe in this one also because everything that BobKohler do in magic is always great. He and Scott Alexander know very well in real world


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what is powerful Magic.

I will order it.

Falconer

Message: Posted by: korttihai_82 (Nov 14, 2013 07:31PM)

Agree with Stellan. It all depends on presentation. Steve Spill and Doc Eason made abig deal in their routines that you introduce all the props beforehand so the effect is sortof challenge. But of course it can be done other way around as well where it is asuprise. I personally do the later one as well and yet most of the people realize what isabout to happen once the lemon is introduced along with the knife. But wasnt it BillNagler who made studies that laymen actually repond better on magic if they realise theending themselves few seconds before it happens. Apparently it takes the edge off thesting of being fooled.

Juha-Matti

Message: Posted by: brandonford1982 (Nov 15, 2013 06:32PM)

Great Great Great Great!!!! Brilliant concept! Can't wait to put this to use! :)


Personally, I like to look at TFC like the way the plot of the movie "The Sixth Sense"plays out.Here's a magician, goofing around, having fun, and making the audiences membersmoney disappear (cute bit)...then, all of a sudden this lemon is introduced and yourealize this thing is spinning off on a whole other level.

When you begin cutting the lemon open, the audience suddenly realizes they havebeen duped. Now, this cute little bit, has just become a friggin miracle.

Like the movie, the audience thinks this is a touching story of a psychologist trying tohelp a boy, but then the tables completely turn.It's an M. Night Shama-lemon kinda deal!

Message: Posted by: Doc Dixon (Nov 16, 2013 01:40PM)

[quote]On 2013-11-16 06:37, Scott Alexander wrote:Personally, I like to look at TFC like the way the plot of the movie "The Sixth Sense"plays out.Here's a magician, goofing around, having fun, and making the audiences membersmoney disappear (cute bit)...then, all of a sudden this lemon is introduced and yourealize this thing is spinning off on a whole other level.

When you begin cutting the lemon open, the audience suddenly realizes they havebeen duped. Now, this cute little bit, has just become a friggin miracle.

Like the movie, the audience thinks this is a touching story of a psychologist trying tohelp a boy, but then the tables completely turn.It's an M. Night Shama-lemon kinda deal!

[/quote]


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Reminds me of a conversation I had with Dan Harlan over 20 years ago. We werediscussing what we thought would be the perfect formula for a comedy magic routine.The formula we arrived at was: comedy-comedy-comedy-comedy-comedy-comedy-mindseizure. (The actual term Dan liked was a bit stronger than "seizure", but you get thepoint.) Twenty years later, I still think that formula just about nails it.

Best,

DD

Message: Posted by: Falconer (Nov 16, 2013 06:15PM)

I agree with Scott Alexander: is like a "plot of the movie "The Sixth Sense" playsout."!Make sense indeed...

Falconer

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Nov 18, 2013 11:02AM)

The method for The Final Cut works with both presentations. I personally prefer thesurprise style. However if you want to show the lemon before you borrow the money andhave it signed to set up test conditions, no problem.If you have The Final Cut this will make sense. To show the lemon just reach into thebag and grab the lemon at the top end. Block the audience's view of "the work" withyour hand and arm.

A few seconds in front of a mirror and you'll see that this is really easy and totallyeffective.

Message: Posted by: Cris Johnson (Nov 18, 2013 05:36PM)

I've been working diligently with this over the past several days. Technicaly it's very easybut as with any new effect I like to really get the whole "muscle memory thing" downtight before putting it in front of a live audience.Frankly, I feel GUIOTY over how easythis is.:) I'll be debuting this at a gig in two days and will try to remember to post how itgoes. While I like a LOT of Scott's gags, I'm basically just doing my own old routine butusing the Final Cut instead of my old method which was a great method, but theapparatus was kind of bulky and it was a little angle-sensitive, so Final Cut serves twopurposes...cut down on gear and eliminate angle issues. Plus, I like the fact that thebag can be in front of the audience in plain view before the show even starts which iswhat I'll be doing. Stay tuned...


Typo...should say "GUILTY"

Message: Posted by: tdowell (Nov 19, 2013 12:13AM)

The envelope routine is good but I personally use the hankee and cigarette. When theybreak open the cig to find nothing and you say "Oh, you thought the bill would beinside, that would be f'n mazing wouldn't it?" it gets lots of laughs and turns off thesuspicion. When you get to the lemon, they are left unsure as to what may be inside. Ithink it is absolutely brilliant.



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Yeah...it's a funny image as they dig thru the cig and the paper and tobacco is falling onthe ground.

Message: Posted by: Stperformer (Nov 19, 2013 08:01AM)

I'm in Australia now for a while and they have plastic/polymer notes here as they have inCanada also.

They create a couple extra challenges regardless of the Bill to Lemon method used.

I have received my 'Final Cut' and definitely want to go this route :) but may have toadapt a bit of handling.

Is anyone else doing Bill to Lemon/Final Cut with polymer notes??????????

Nelson


If you want to share any handling ideas via PM It would be great, as I can pass them onto a few others who have asked about this.


OK, did Final Cut for the first time today. It was a school group as I've adapted theclassic Bill to Lemon plot for 2 of my educational school assembly programs and wantedthe Final Cut as a more angle-friendly version.

In short, IT ROCKS! While one measley performance isn't truly enough to judge a neweffect/routine/prop/handling, the fact is after a week's rehearsal (and many lemons!)when it was finally "go time" today, it was smooth as silk. the volunteer (a teacher) wasright next to me and the routine played beautifully. After the routine, as I continued, Inoticed several teachers taking the guy's bill and examining it. After the show was over,my client came up and specifically raved about that effect even thouch I placed it nearthe middle of the show (for scripting reasons).

So, I love Final Cut. No moving parts of the gimmick ---actually you are supplied withTWO gimmicks, one of which is very familiar to most magicians -- and the 'new' gimmickwhich works well and looks so innocent you can hand it to other people.

While the angle friendly nature of the routine is awesome, what I think I like BEST aboutit is that the lemon in the bag can be in the audience's plain site before you ever comeanywhere near anyone's money. I think that's a huge selling point.

BIG thumbs up from me.

Message: Posted by: MaxfieldsMagic (Nov 21, 2013 09:22PM)

Sounds like it really went well for you, Cris. Bet that felt good. Thanks for sharing yourstory.


Sounds great Cris!!Last night I tried Kohler's new touch of showing the lemon before you put the bag in theaudience. Worked really well.


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Although I think I like the element of surprise better in a longer routine.

But, a here's a lemon and a knife, you hold the bag, proof the bill is gone and then youtake out the lemon and cut it open right away is great for a short power version.


Glad to announce that TFC is going to be available, in limited supply, from a verypopular dealer next week.

Message: Posted by: Danny Diamond (Nov 24, 2013 10:22PM)

If you switch out the supplied Crown Royal bag in exchange for a small Christmasstocking - then you have yourself a nice little routine for your Christmas shows this year- that's exactly what I'm doing. The stocking will hang on my Lefler table in full viewthroughout the show until it's needed. Should play well, I think!


Hey, nice idea!

Message: Posted by: magicjluc (Nov 25, 2013 07:44AM)

Just ordered it, I can't wait!

Message: Posted by: Paul Gross (Nov 25, 2013 12:54PM)

Hello,

I am pleased to announce, thanks to Bob Kohler and Scott Alexander Hocus Pocus isnow selling the Final Cut! We are very excited about this and we are sure that you willbe more than impressed with what you receive. Bravo to Bob and Scott for producing yetanother quality professional prop!

Best regardsPaul GrossOwnerHocus Pocus

Message: Posted by: Justin Lewis (Nov 27, 2013 04:45PM)

Just ordered mine from the amazing team at hocus-Pocus. I'm extremely excited aboutthis one. What really makes me happy is the ease of performing this. Nothing likeHaving all your energy and concentration with your audeance. Also, a really cooladdition to why I baught this, the range of how and where you perform this is large.Close up, parlor and stage or walk around. I like this! I have and use other productionfrom Scott and BK, so I'm positive this was a smart buy. Contact Paul at hocus-Pocus.He has them in stock and ready to ship!Hocus-Pocus.com1-800-407-4040

Message: Posted by: Vayron (Nov 28, 2013 06:16AM)

I've received mine 2 days ago. In one word : it's awesome.

When I saw the gimmick, I had absolutely no idea of its function but after watching thedvd it was crystal clear. The method is quite simple but very effective. The load is fast


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and very clean. But what I like the most is not the method, it's the routine Scott and Bobhave provided. I've read earlier that the routine were quick and very direct. Yes the magiccastle performance is very direct : you make the bill vanish and you find it in the lemon.However you still have at least 7 minutes of great comedy with an awesome climax. Theroutines with the envelope are also give or take 7 minutes long.

I've been looking for the best B.I.L. routine for 2 years, and I almost have them all : betyour bucks, FA, inception, WGM dvd BIL, Citrick (french version) but FC is what I'm nowgoing to use.

Although FC is great, if you want to do the game with the envelope I think FA is IMOslightly better. Here is how I would do it : give the bag of mystery to the audience.Borrow the bill, put it "in an envelope". Burn the envelope, audience member gives youthe lemon, you do what you have to do with the gimmick and here it is, you have the billinside the lemon.Why is it better : it's even more clean and the load at the end is lightning fast and theyhave no chance to catch you. It's also very easy...

So needless to say that I'm extremely happy with my purchase. Yes it's not cheap andthe gimmick alone is certainly not worth 200 bucks. But as you know you don't pay forjust a gimmick, you have now 7 minutes of great comedy and a beautiful piece of magicto add to your repertoire. And all you need fits in you pocket ! In fact, I'm glad it's notcheap, I don't want everybody to do it ...

So thank you Scott and Bob for providing such great products for us !

Message: Posted by: doriancaudal (Nov 28, 2013 06:21AM)

[quote]On 2013-11-28 06:16, Vayron wrote:Yes the magic castle performance is very direct : you make the bill vanish and you find itin the lemon. However you still have at least 7 minutes of great comedy with anawesome climax.[/quote]

Where can you see this demo ? Any link ? Thanks !

Message: Posted by: takeachance (Nov 29, 2013 12:04AM)

Any more reviews?

Message: Posted by: Justin Lewis (Nov 29, 2013 01:41AM)

Give me a few days �

Message: Posted by: Danny Diamond (Nov 29, 2013 08:59PM)

I've owned this since it came out but just today had the time to really work up the routineand go through the whole procedure. I'm having a few little issues.

If there is anyone who has really begun using this or has at least rehearsed a good dealwith it, can you PM me? I have a few questions but can't really ask them here withoutexposing. Thanks!

-DD


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Message: Posted by: Christopher Williams (Nov 30, 2013 03:07AM)

I've had this for a week or two now, and it is very clever routining, simple in design andconcept. It is very different to the mechanics of TFA by Scott Alexander and Bob Kohler,but I can certainly see how it is just as effective. The first time I watched the performanceI did think to myself 'How has he done that'? Looking at the gimmick I was wonderinghow he did it. There will be people who buy this for many reasons. Some because theyare fans of Scott and Bob's work, some because they are collectors of the Bill in Lemonplot, some because they hoped it would be the next trick that makes them a star, somebecause they were hoping for a high tech gadget and some just to sell curiosity andlearn the method! Me? A mix of a few of them, mainly because I have always wanted toadd a Bill in Lemon to my act, but as with most people, I am quite picky and know whatwill work for me and what won't. Sadly this won't work for me and what I require asclever and deceptive as it is, so I will sell mine. It is as new and unused, if anyone isinterested, PM me

Message: Posted by: Vayron (Dec 2, 2013 03:24PM)

I went to a party on saturday (not as magician, just guest). I took FC with me to try it outa couple of time in front of good friends. Other people saw the performance and theywas so impressed that they have booked me for 3 gigs.

So as far as I'm concerned, it's my best buy of the year ... Thanks again Scott and Bob !

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Dec 3, 2013 12:46PM)

Nice to hear The Final Cut is getting you shows.

In the 1980's various versions of The Signed Bill In Lemon were always my closer forboth stage and close-up. It was my reputation maker.

By 1990 I had changed my stage show to 100% mentalism. My closer since then hasbeen my Human Phone Number.

Now I'm mostly performing for high-rollers in Vegas. Since we started the beta testingprocess last January I've added The Final Cut to every show I do. I've been doing avariety of presentations for both formal close up and stand up.I'm using The Final Cut as an Encore piece. It destroys the audience. It certainly isgetting me bookings from both the agents and the clients.

Message: Posted by: MR Effecto (Dec 3, 2013 01:06PM)

This sounds so good. I will for sure get one after the. New year

Message: Posted by: Justin Lewis (Dec 5, 2013 01:27AM)

Ok, so here is my formal review! Like many who have received this in the mail I openedthe box and said what the ****! Then I remembered what I read earlier on this forum. So Iput the dvd and it all made since. This is pretty cool! I'm a mentalist normaly who loveshoarding all types of magic and mentalism routines. Being a collector I really love highgadget, electronic things involved, However; also being a performer I completely respectand rely on low gadget material that can't go wrong! This is why I will be using final cutfor now on! The box came really fast from hocus-pocus. Paul highly recommends thisand after talking with him and decided to invest in this! The gimmicks are really simple,something you can't easily make so get that out of of your head. the dvd explainseverything, from the history of the bill to lemon, he credits many performers as well, to


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the evolution of the final cut. Being a mentalist slight of hand consist of billet switches soI'm not strong with complicated slights, The final cut is extremely easy to do I wouldn'teven call it a slight. Everything you need is supplied. Everything you receive will last alifetime. So far I have performed this 5 times. Three times pretty *** close up. lemon wentright into spec hand with knife then cut lemon open and there is their bill! Straightforward. Price is very fair. You are not paying for the props if I might add, you pay for awell thought out routine. I highly recommend this! call Paul at Hocus-pocus!! I know hehas a few in stockhocus-pocus.com1800 407-4040your magic/mentalism horderJustin

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Dec 5, 2013 11:02PM)

Awesome to hear all the great feedback. So glad to know this is going in all the prosshows!!!

Message: Posted by: Potty the Pirate (Dec 7, 2013 01:58PM)

This looks really good. But, I use The Final Answer, and my gimmick is still going strong.I find it hard to imagine a "better" version - although I know Scott's products areawesome, so I'm sure it's at least as good.

The really strong selling points of TFA are: the performer NEVER has to touch the lemondirectly; the lemon is handed out to an audience member, whilst the signed bill is still infull view; the spectator can remove the lemon from the bag, and cut open it openthemselves.

In my presentation, I also use some mind-play, making the audience think the bill willappear someplace more obvious than the lemon - in fact, most of the time, everyone hasforgotten about the lemon until the very end of the routine.

As to the handling, well, I did spend a fair bit of time developing my own "moves", whichmake the s****h completely invisible, and once learned, it's child's play.

It seems like Final Cut is equally devastating, so I will probably invest in one, in case myFA eventually gives up the ghost.

But in terms of effect, I believe that FA is unsurpassable. I've studied the BIL effect morethan any other, I know the handlings of pretty much every popular version, and ownseveral gimmicks, of which FA is way, way superior to all the others. I understand thatthe FA gimmick is likely to be a very pricey item to manufacture, so this new version isScott's solution, providing an equally amazing effect, with less complicated mechanics.

I guess I'm gonna have to invest in this, apart from anything else, I'm intrigued that thismethod involves folding the bill, instead of rolling it into a small tube. This is the oneweakness of FA, which, frankly, no one has ever questioned. But, as a magician, I wouldbe suspicious why the bill needs to be rolled up. Of course, if the bill is folded flat, thereare several methods out there which will "destroy" the bill, without using fire.

In my non-fire presentation, the bill never gets destroyed, but simply vanishes. It wouldbe nice to have the option of a folded bill, so that it can be more easily destroyed - forinstance, in a paper shredder. This wasn't practical with FA, as the rolled bill wouldn't gothrough a regular shredder.


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In my mind, there's no doubt that this will be a superb effect/routine. Everything ScottAlexander releases is gold, I bought FA as soon as it was released, and it been a staplein my shows ever since. A fantastic routine for family shows, or for kids 7+.

Update: just placed my order, I simply can't afford to drop this routine, or to change to anolder, less amazing method. I'm placing a lot of faith in Scott, but from experience, I canhonestly say, I'm extremely confident that this new method will be worth every penny.

Message: Posted by: Vayron (Dec 7, 2013 06:01PM)

I did FC today. Received €50 as a tip. Nice :)

FC make me think of an idea developed in the books of Wonder. Some magicians havedifferent version of a same trick depending on the venue (close-up, parlor, ...). But it ismuch simpler if you have only one version of a trick and you can perform it in anycondition. That's the case with final cut. You can perform the same routine for 1 or 200people with the same method.

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Dec 9, 2013 10:53AM)

Thanks VayronNice TIP!!!!!!

Message: Posted by: Bobby Forbes (Dec 9, 2013 04:02PM)

Who else is playing with this? There has been quite a few in the for sale section of theCafé. Hope that doesn't mean anything as far as the effect / method goes. I'm doingChris Randall's "inception" with Scott Alexander's work on the star trap. I'm pretty surethe final cut is pretty similair judging by all of the previous posts. Anybody care tocomment? If your doing inception, how much different is the final cut?

Message: Posted by: Iain Moran (Dec 9, 2013 05:34PM)

[quote]On 2013-12-09 16:02, Bobby Forbes wrote:Who else is playing with this? There has been quite a few in the for sale section of theCafé. Hope that doesn't mean anything as far as the effect / method goes. I'm doingChris Randall's "inception" with Scott Alexander's work on the star trap. I'm pretty surethe final cut is pretty similair judging by all of the previous posts. Anybody care tocomment? If your doing inception, how much different is the final cut?[/quote]The main difference is that with TFC there is much less fumbling around in the bag, plusonly the finger tips ever go inside and you don't have to do another effect beforerevealing the lemon, etc.

Iain.

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Dec 10, 2013 02:39AM)

I was working with Steve Spill and Bob Sheets at the Brook Farm Inn of Magic inMaryland at the time Steve created his masterpiece. Steve's plot was very important tothe impact the routine generates.In Steve's routine the bag is introduced before the bill is borrowed and signed. The billvanishes and is instantly inside the lemon. Simple and pure. Going in and out of the bagin the middle of the routine broke the plot in Steve's mind.


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The Final Cut holds true to Steve's plot. You never go near the bag during the routine,it's not necessary with our method. Only at the ending of the routine do you touch thebag. Only your fingertips go into the bag, the load seems impossible.To me there is no comparison...

Message: Posted by: brandonford1982 (Dec 11, 2013 02:08PM)

Ill comment as I bought it and then sold it.

The concept is good. The gimmick does not load the bill for you but rather help you loadit without Going far into the bag. Also because you don't have to go far to load the bill,for me this causes some issues. If you perform surrounded as an example, not havingthe lemon full in the bag will be an issues. For stage use it's great! But for myenvironment, I couldn't use it. It's a great tool (more than a "gimmick") but the toolultimately wasn't for me. I hope this helps and doesn't come across negative. It is agreat Idea and will make a bunch of people happy.


If anyone is interested in seeing The Final Cut live and in performance, I will be doing itin my Spectacular Holiday And Magic Extravaganza Lecture/Show onPenguinmagic.comCome join me......

Sneek Peek below!

http://youtu.be/7Xl7NjqCRjQ

Message: Posted by: Justin Lewis (Dec 11, 2013 06:43PM)

Alright! Pretty sure anyone watching this during alexander awesome lecture willWant it right away! I've had mine for about a month and everyone is loving it!

Message: Posted by: Jonace (Dec 13, 2013 03:18AM)

Just watched the DVD. Love the details.


Thanks! It's nice to hear. Our Pro Line products all go through a period of R & D wherewe start with the creation then perform the routine countless times to iron out the bugs.Scott and I love the process.It allows us to trim away the excess and deliver the details that are important hopefullygetting you up to speed as fast as possible. The challenge is to deliver a routine packedwith entertainment that fools everybody yet is easy to do.The Final Cut exceeded our expectations and I know that those who work the routine willget applause and repeat bookings.

Message: Posted by: Alex DLF (Dec 14, 2013 10:15AM)

Hey Bob !

Just sent you an email ;)

Thanks.


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Message: Posted by: takeachance (Dec 14, 2013 09:02PM)

Always like SA's routines, always a high standard. I am worried about using this closeup. Any problems on the load if someone is very near by? will they see whatever it isthat helps the loading once the bag is opened?Could they accidently see it if holdingthe bag?

Message: Posted by: Justin Lewis (Dec 14, 2013 10:49PM)

I've done this many many times close up. Never been caught. The load is crazy fast andnot detectable

Message: Posted by: takeachance (Dec 14, 2013 11:27PM)

Thanks Justin, appreciate the response.


At my workshops one of the topics is choreography and doing an assessment of theperformance situation.

Personally I do many routines that have work that needs to be covered. It's part of manygreat routines.

The Final Cut close-up is easy if you think ahead. Here are a few questions you shouldask yourself. Will the spectators be seated or standing? Is is a formal show or walk-a-round? What angles do I have to kill if any?

By just taking these things into consideration you'll know if TFC is appropriate or not.For instance, if it's a strolling gig and the audience is comprised of NBA basketballplayers it's going to be tough. I'd pass.

Also remember Vernon's famous quote. This is one of the great magic lessons."Misdirection is for when technique fails". I love this quote and extend by saying that I tryto cover every move especially critical moves like the load with a joke or comment.Watch Scott's performance and he asks the spectators a question right before thecritical moment.

I agree with Justin. The load is fast, like a rattlesnake bite. You only need to direct theirattention for a few seconds.

Another thing to consider is choreography. Think about using your feet and moving asyou talk to cover the load. If you choose the correct place to stand then move just a littleby turning a few inches you get a lot of cover as it's tough for the audience to focus.Less is more, I'm not suggesting that you flail from side to side. Think about perhapsleaning towards the spectators or turning to ask a specific spectator the question.

These little touches not only work close up but on stage as well. Integrate yourchoreography to fit your style or character. You'll never get caught.

Message: Posted by: David Klass (Dec 16, 2013 10:05AM)

[quote]On 2013-12-16 09:45, Bob Kohler wrote:At my workshops one of the topics is choreography and doing an assessment of theperformance situation.


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Personally I do many routines that have work that needs to be covered. It's part of manygreat routines.

The Final Cut close-up is easy if you think ahead. Here are a few questions you shouldask yourself. Will the spectators be seated or standing? Is is a formal show or walk-a-round? What angles do I have to kill if any?

By just taking these things into consideration you'll know if TFC is appropriate or not. Forinstance, if it's a strolling gig and the audience is comprised of NBA basketball playersit's going to be tough. I'd pass.

Also remember Vernon's famous quote. This is one of the great magic lessons."Misdirection is for when technique fails". I love this quote and extend by saying that I tryto cover every move especially critical moves like the load with a joke or comment. WatchScott's performance and he asks the spectators a question right before the criticalmoment.

I agree with Justin. The load is fast, like a rattlesnake bite. You only need to direct theirattention for a few seconds.

Another thing to consider is choreography. Think about using your feet and moving asyou talk to cover the load. If you choose the correct place to stand then move just a littleby turning a few inches you get a lot of cover as it's tough for the audience to focus.Less is more, I'm not suggesting that you flail from side to side. Think about perhapsleaning towards the spectators or turning to ask a specific spectator the question.

These little touches not only work close up but on stage as well. Integrate yourchoreography to fit your style or character. You'll never get caught.[/quote]

Great post Bob!

Message: Posted by: Michael Dustman (Dec 16, 2013 11:05AM)

"Another thing to consider is choreography. Think about using your feet and moving asyou talk to cover the load. If you choose the correct place to stand then move just a littleby turning a few inches you get a lot of cover as it's tough for the audience to focus.Less is more, I'm not suggesting that you flail from side to side. Think about perhapsleaning towards the spectators or turning to ask a specific spectator the question."

Spoken like someone who has seen a Bob Fitch workshop or two...................

Message: Posted by: davidredfearn (Dec 16, 2013 12:49PM)

Remember the use of feet as a form of control ..in all magic Gary Kurtz lecture 1980's


Hey Michael,Absolutely correct. I've spent decades with the Grand Master Bob Fitch. No doubt theuse of footwork for me came from him.Bob influenced a lot of us in the early 80's. The list is very long and includes BobSheets, Giovanni, Bill Malone, Gene Anderson, Steve Bedwell, Paul Gertner and thatwas just the group I first attended the workshop with.


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Gary and I have hung out and worked together since 1986. Gary's a brilliant magicianand now a phenomenal mentalist.

I have no idea how far back the real credit goes for implementing footwork but using it asa tool is one of the most powerful lessons in magic


Good to see ya at the lecture Mike D!!!

Message: Posted by: emyers99 (Dec 19, 2013 02:26PM)

[quote]On 2013-12-19 12:03, Scott Alexander wrote:Good to see ya at the lecture Mike D!!![/quote]

No it wasn't. No need to lie to him.


Yeah...your right...LOL

Message: Posted by: Nathan Alexander (Dec 19, 2013 09:29PM)

Roasted chestnuts - that sneek peak was hilarious. Makes me wanna sign up just forthat, although the content looks amazing.

And Miley did look a little more feminine there. Nice to see her looking more like a ladyinstead of a dude.


Haha! Funny!I'm all sold out if TFC at the moment but Bob is producing more as I write this. Shouldhave more online shortly.


I got another batch on the way from Bob Kohler. Should be able to get them out nextweek.

Message: Posted by: Magician Shaun (Dec 28, 2013 07:32PM)

I have now had The Final Cut for a couple of months. I have performed it in severalstand-up shows as well as a couple of walk around gigs. The last walk around gig Iperformed it fully surrounded. It was a private party in someone's home. This was the3rd time I performed this during walk around and each time I did it surrounded.

The way I did this doing walk around was by preparing everything and hanging the bagup in plain site. I then asked for two volunteers one of which I had hold the bag. I thenborrowed the bill and had it signed. I used the hanky vanish method. I did more theSteve Spill, "The bill is gone, who's got the bag?"

Every time I have done this it gets a huge reaction, standing applause, and often


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interest for future bookings. This is the only version of the BIL I have ever done. I preferto use Tangelos as my fruit. I am a busker but have not had an opportunity to performthis on the street. I will say that I feel fully comfortable performing this and am certain itwill work well for the street.


Hey that's great Shaun. Glad to know its working for you under fire for you in a close upsetting. that's what I really like about it. The versatility in being able to use this in anyvenue from the street to the stage.

-Scott

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Jan 4, 2014 02:37AM)

I just got home from doing a show for 25 CEO's at the Mandalay Bay. Formal Close upshow. I decided to do The Final Cut as an Encore. What makes The Final Cut perfect forthis is to use Steve Spill's "Speed" version where you do the bare bone. They sign thebill, a fast vanish and immediately it's in the lemon. The speed factor especially in aclose up show is stunning.

So how did it go? I passed out 25 business cards, got everybody's card to boot andbooked two shows for February. The truth is the entire show is very strong but theenergy and surprise TFC brings is fast becoming a "must do" routine for me.

Message: Posted by: Justin Lewis (Jan 4, 2014 03:01AM)

Yup. I agree. Everyone talks about the bill that ends up in the lemon. It's still playingstrong. I'm stillLoving it and using TFC more and more. It's exciting to see the reaction from people.Anyone else with cool stories of using TFC or ideas? Love to hear them.

Message: Posted by: Stucky (Jan 4, 2014 05:21AM)

[quote]On 2013-12-10 02:39, Bob Kohler wrote:I was working with Steve Spill and Bob Sheets at the Brook Farm Inn of Magic inMaryland at the time Steve created his masterpiece. Steve's plot was very important tothe impact the routine generates.In Steve's routine the bag is introduced before the bill is borrowed and signed. The billvanishes and is instantly inside the lemon. Simple and pure. Going in and out of the bagin the middle of the routine broke the plot in Steve's mind.[/quote]

From my understanding (talking to friends who have it) Chris' version streamlined theSpill load and added the time misdirection so the audience didn't get to the end of thetrick before the magician did. So scott took Chris' touch and added something similarbut different to speed it up even more. As I don't have this product is there a historybreakdown on the DVD of Spill to Randall to Scott? (and those inbetween)

[quote]You never go near the bag during the routine...[/quote]

Then how do you get the lemon out of the bag? :)

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Jan 4, 2014 02:25PM)


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Here are the facts. Steve Spill created the plot of using the Crown Royal bag to hold thelemon. For the record Steve's method and touches have never been published. Steve'sversion is lightning fast.

Doc Eason published the basic Spill routine but without Steve's touches.

Chris Randall published Inception which breaks away from the Spill plot as he goes intothe bag in the middle of the routine. In my opinion this is not "Time Misdirection". Bygoing into the bag in the middle of the routine then again at the ending is a major flaw. Itkills the plot. What Steve created was a plot that the audience knew and understoodthat the performer did not go into the bag except at the very end.

The Final Cut is NOT based on any of Chris Randall's work. Our method is completelydifferent and stays true to the Spill plot. In fact, the audience never sees our hand gointo the bag like every other version. The Crown Royal bag is either in the audience orhanging in full view until the very end. The load used in the Final Cut is the fastest, mostdirect and cleanest version.

You ask how do we get the lemon out of the bag? Simple, we hold onto the bag, turn itupside down and let the lemon fall out of the bag.

The Final Cut DVD does include a section on the history of the Spill routine with propercredits.

Message: Posted by: paisa23 (Jan 4, 2014 03:10PM)

Sounds great...

Message: Posted by: Stucky (Jan 4, 2014 07:38PM)

[quote]You ask how do we get the lemon out of the bag? Simple, we hold onto the bag, turn itupside down and let the lemon fall out of the bag.[/quote]

I didn't ask, I made a joke about your verbage. Sarcasm on the internet is hard.

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Jan 4, 2014 09:57PM)

Really?!?

(that was sarcasm) LOL

Message: Posted by: emyers99 (Jan 5, 2014 12:16AM)

Over the past 30 years, I've used several bill to lemon methods including The LemonGame, Jeremy Pei's Lemon Egg, the Eason/Spill version and most recently the FinalAnswer. It is undoubtedly a killer finale and audiences eat it up no matter what methodyou use provided the routining is entertaining and the load is deceptive. While I wasinitially skeptical of the Final Answer, my dear friend Michael Dustman talked me intotrying it, and it has been my go-to method ever since. In fact, IMO, the two greatestadvancements ever to bill to lemon plot are the Star Trap and the Final Answer. Handsdown, no debate. In my current routine, the lemon is in the audience the entire show. It'ssealed in a plastic bag which is inside a paper bag. At the end of my show I havesomeone from the audience open the paper bag to see what's inside. They pull out the


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sealed plastic bag and throw it to me on stage. In literally a second or two, I load the billthrough the plastic bag using the Final Answer. I then throw the bag to the spectator onstage. That spectator tears open the plastic bag, removes and inspects the lemon andthen cuts them lemon open himself. How can you get cleaner/better than that? The FinalAnswer loads the bill while the lemon is in plain sight and there is nothing to ditch orclean up after the load. The only thing I've ever had issue with is the fact that you haveto roll the bill. It's irrelevant in the audience's mind but it's a pain to do and it slows downthe process.

So I was curious when the Final Cut came out claiming to be the best bill to lemonsolution ever. So curious that I had it in my shopping cart three separate times butalways bailed before hitting the button. I was simply not convinced that anything couldtouch the Final Answer. And the more I read about it, the alleged features didn't reallyseem like improvements to me. But, since I'm a shopaholic when it comes to magic and Ilove all the stuff I've bought from Scott over the years, I finally broke down and pulledthe trigger. I had no idea what to expect other than the reviews that had warned not toexpect any high tech gizmos. When I opened the box, my wife was standing with meand she blurted out, "You paid $200 for that?? I'm married to an idiot." So, as previouslyindicated by other reviews, the props you get seem incredibly underwhelming when youopen the box. Since I knew that going in, I wasn't disappointed and headed straight tothe dvd. As with all Kohler/SA projects, the dvd is first rate and the teaching is top notch.Scott performs the trick very well in the three live performances that are shown. So I wasexcited to move onto the method section of the dvd to see what the advancements wereall about.

While the Final Answer is a James Bond caliber loading device, the Final Cut is morelike a Jed Clampett utility item. As Bob says, it's indestructible and has no moving parts.When you see it, you will likely ask the same thing I did. "What does it do?" As Bob andScott have mentioned above, the gimmick essentially allows you to do the magic movewithout your entire hand going into the bag. So if you are on the fence about buying thisas I was, a good question to ask yourself is whether that feature is important to youbecause that is essentially what you are buying. While the routine/method is certainlyvery good and useable, had I asked myself that question before buying, I think theanswer for me would have been a "no." Having now played with and practiced with theFinal Cut, my answer would still be "no." Here's why. On the good side, the Final Cutdoes away with having to roll the bill. That is a great plus, but other than that, I see noadvantages/features that make this better than the Final Answer. With the Final Answer,the load can be done invisibly, in about a second, with the lemon in full view of theaudience. Not so with the Final Cut. More fundamentally for me, however, is the fact thatI performed the Eason/Spill handling for several years. In every case, my hand wentcompletely into the bag to do the move/retrieve the lemon. The reactions were killer andno one ever once questioned the hand in the bag. Also, while the Final Cut lets you loadessentially at the fingertips without the hand going into the bag, the fingers do go intothe bag...only to come out a few seconds later...and then the bag is turned over as thelemon is dumped out. To me, that is a logical disconnect. In the Spill method, your handgoes into the bag for a reason...to grab the lemon. With the Final Cut, if you are going todump out the lemon, why do the fingers need to go into the bag at all?

Granted, I'm thinking like a magician and I'm not sure a lay person would catch thedisconnect....but along those same lines, I also don't think a lay person cares or can tellthe difference between the fingertip load or the whole hand load. To test my theory, Iperformed the Final Cut for my wife who has seen me do the Eason/Spill version severaltimes. When I finished she said, "How is that any different than your other version?" Itold her that in this version, my hand doesn't go into the bag. To which she responded,


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"Does your hand go into the bag in the other version you do?" So even though she'sseen me do the Eason/Spill routine several times in the past, she had no recollection ofmy hand ever going into the bag to retrieve the lemon. I think that leads me to myultimate conclusion which is that, in my mind anyway, the Final Cut solves a problemthat only magicians think is a problem. Again, it's a top notch product all around and ifyou've never done a bill in lemon routine before, this is certainly a method you canconsider. I don't want this review to come across as bashing the Final Cut. That is not myintention. I'm simply saying that for me, the Final Answer is far superior to the Final Cutand, while the Final Cut may be viewed as an advancement over the Eason/Spillmethod, I"m not convinced that it's a necessary advancement. Just my two cents. Othershere obviously love it, and that's great. Different lemons for different folks.

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Jan 7, 2014 11:58AM)

Without question both Scott and I love The Final Answer. We put our hearts into creatingit. We tipped a lot of previously unpublished work on both method and presentationalaspects of the routine including jokes and sight gags. Many performers still use and loveThe Final Answer.Five years ago however we lost our ability to manufacture the gimmick. It's very difficultto make. I searched far and wide looking for a source. At this time Scott and I startedworking on improving The Final Answer. We considered making an all metal gimmickand many other possibilities.So Eric, I agree with many of your points but unfortunately The Final Answer is nolonger available and not an option.

During this time one of the issues with currency started becoming an issue. For lack of abetter term "plastic" bills were appearing. We did our research and discovered that thisnew variety of bill is what we're all going to be dealing with sooner than later. Get readybecause paper money tricks we all know and love will soon be obsolete. So weabandoned The Final Answer gimmick and started working on other solutions. Theresult was The Final Cut.

The main point I'd like to address is what you are calling "the disconnect". I've watchedtoo many performers reach into the bag to get the lemon and their hand vanishes insidethe bag forever while they load the lemon. It's painfully obvious that something fishy isgoing on. The only person I've ever seen really do it perfect is the creator Steve Spill. Ifyou can do Steve's load as fast as him you don't need The Final Cut. But if you'rehanging out in the bag, or going into the bag several times during the routine then youDO need The Final Cut.

Scott and I believe that The Final Cut eliminates the possibility of loading the lemonentirely.First, the load happens on an off beat moment when your are asking the spectator aquestion.

Second, yes, your fingertips go into the bag. You have to hold the bag open and it's anatural action to hold the bag as your fingertips go in 1 inch to get the knife.

Third, the "disconnect" does exactly that. The lemon is obviously at the bottom of thebag and you've never been near it.

Our handling is designed specifically to eliminate reaching to the bottom of the bag toretrieve the lemon.Turning the bag over and dropping the lemon out into the open is as fair as fair gets in


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my opinion.

I appreciate your thoughts. I know you have a lot of hours on The Final Answer. I wouldsuggest you work up The Final Cut and try it out. It just feels right.Obviously I have The Final Answer, in fact I have versions of The Final Answer that werenever released. Over the decades I've performed various other versions.

I've switched over completely to The Final Cut. It still has the test conditions I requirewhere the bag is in the audience before the bill is borrowed and signed. But what reallychanged my mind was I like the moment of the load.

It's also a little easier to do. The only thing I feel I'm losing is the zip lock bag which isawesome but only I miss it, the audience doesn't.

The Final Cut also has some new presentational aspects that work much better now inthe "No you can't use fire" world on stage.

Message: Posted by: emyers99 (Jan 7, 2014 11:37PM)

I'm really surprised that you can't find someone to make the Final Answer. With amazingmagic gizmos coming out all the time like MIB, the Spider Pen, nuts and bolts thatunscrew themselves, a mechanical gizmo with only one moving part seems incrediblysimple. So hopefully you will keep trying.

As for the Final Cut, from a presentational standpoint, I don't see how this really addsanything new to the plot. All the no-fire presentations were doable with the Spill versionand the Final Answer. In fact, I've never used fire in any of the versions I've done. As forthe fingertip handling, your gimmick certainly makes that possible and I can tell you andScott are proud of it. To me, however, it seems like a minor variation that doesn't solve areal problem. In the Spill version, at least the handling I used, no one has any ideawhat's in the bag. They also have no idea what purpose the bag serves. So when I stickmy visibly empty hand into the bag for 2 seconds and then pull out a lemon, spectatorsmay be surprised by the appearance of a lemon but would have no reason to questionwhy my hand goes into the bag. And if someone is clumsy enough that they fumblearound in the bag for five seconds in the Spill version, I'm not so sure a fingertiphandling would be better. Since the loading action is essentially the same, if anything, afingertip handling would make the fumbling more visible because it brings the fumblinghand into view at the top of the bag. Part of the beauty of the Spill version is that thebag gives you all the cover in the world to do the dirty work.

Who knows? I'm not convinced there was enough new content/method/presentationhere to warrant a separate release or the $199 price tag, but based on some of the otherreviews here in this thread, it appears others disagree. Tis the beauty of individuality. I'mstill a loyal Kohler/Alexander fan...just not for this project.

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Jan 8, 2014 03:54AM)

No one can do the Spill load better than Spill. That being said......The Spill version,although amazing in the right hands, does not allow for the spectator to hold the fruit.This is why I think the combination of the Star Trap innovation from TFC, combined withthe Final Cut gimmick's super fast load ability, gives the average performer an improved,fumble free, Spill handling. Although the "moments" are different than TFA I thing thatthe new TFC idea is definitely an awesome alternative for those who were not luckyenough to have gotten their hands on a Final Answer.


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Message: Posted by: Stucky (Jan 8, 2014 08:23AM)

How close is the FC gimmick to that of the Mesika lemon loader? (aside from the fact FCdoesn't hang under your coat)

Message: Posted by: Torquay22 (Jan 8, 2014 08:35AM)

I watched your performance Scott on the penguin live lecture repeatedly and I can seeany funny moves at all it is such a stupidly fair handling. I will definately get this when Ihave the money for it


I agree that the ability to allow the spectator to hold and even cut the fruit is a hugeadvancement in this plot, but that credit all goes to Scott and the Star Trap which haspreviously been released with TFA and your lemon book. It's not new to this project andthat's one of the main reasons for my conclusion.

Message: Posted by: korttihai_82 (Jan 8, 2014 03:13PM)

[quote]On 2014-01-08 08:23, Stucky wrote:How close is the FC gimmick to that of the Mesika lemon loader? (aside from the fact FCdoesn't hang under your coat)[/quote]

Totally different... Nothing common with em

Juha-Matti


True... TFC's set up and execution is quite simpler than the Meskia setup.And again you have the benefit of the spectator being able to handle the lemon after thedirty work has been done.

Message: Posted by: Blindside785 (Jan 9, 2014 01:28AM)

I think this is very beautiful and simplistic, it was worth the money for the bits ofbusiness alone. I have put only little practice, will give it more practice it deserves soon. Ilove it, it's the first Bill in Lemon I'll get and really the last. Great value.


I agree. So much a performer can get out of this! I love my final cut


Come see it live at The Magic Castle. Feb 24 -March 2

Message: Posted by: Justin Lewis (Jan 11, 2014 03:59PM)

Nice. See ya there Scott



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Cool....see ya there. I will be at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach theweek after. March 4-8Might bust out a little TFC there too.

Message: Posted by: Potty the Pirate (Jan 14, 2014 01:17PM)

I agree with much of what Eric Myers said, but not entirely. First of all, Final Answer is abrilliant, outstanding method, which frankly, is unsurpassable.

I already own, and work with it, the finest Bill in Lemon ever....so, why would I choose topurchase another version?

This is one plot which fascinates me, not only for the particular effect, but because thereare so many ways to achieve the result: it's a fascinating study.

When I saw that Scott had released a new version of this effect, it was very hard toresist, knowing that he is the creator of "Final Answer"...so, I bought "Final Cut".

Overall, I think FA is superior, as the load takes place right in front of the audience, butthey never know, because they have clearly seen every move as you roll the spectator'snote and hand it back to them....they have clearly seen that the lemon is never removedfrom the plastic bag.

But for the purists, I also think Final Cut is outstanding. And considering the perspectiveof the intelligent thinker in the audience, I believe this method is the best I've everencountered.

There is the dilemma - Final Answer is absolutely bewildering to the majority ofaudiences, so is Final Cut.

There is a natural expectation for a comparison, but they are polar opposite methods.

Scott Alexander will surely be remembered for his insights and ingenuity into the BILroutine, not to mention his great comedy: he has taken the effect to new heights. In myopinion, both his methods are outstanding, and I am delighted to be able to offer eitherversion. Naturally, for repeat performances, I will present the alternative version.

I have two small problems with "Final Cut", and one is the bag. I think some spectatorswill assume the load takes place through the bag, perhaps a secret hole somewhere?

I know that Scott holds the bag by the rim, but this isn't going to be remembered bymost spectators.....

This problem could be solved by simply replacing the bag with an item which isobviously free from gimmickry. For that, I will leave you to think of a suitable item.

There is also the matter of the spectator noticing something (a couple of things)incongruous, but naturally, good spectator management should take care of that.Nevertheless, the condition of the prop could, potentially, alert the assistant to themethod, in my opinion.

Having said that, I honestly believe that the "clues" wouldn't alert anyone other than agenius, before a long, insightful, deconstruction of what happened. And, if the onlyperson who can do that, is your audience helper, then you're pretty safe.


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I can envisage long discussions at the bar, about how, exactly, it was done. And, let's behonest, that's a very good thing.

I will certainly reorganise my routine, so that I can present it using either method.

Which is best? Final Cut, of course, because it's available. But also, because once youlearn this, you'll be able to perform the effect for ever. But, Final Answer is better for layaudiences, you need that specific prop, and it's no longer available. If you still have it,look after it, as long as the mechanism works, it's worth a small fortune!

In my opinion, Scott Alexander has created two of the finest versions of BIL ever.


Thanks PTP!Both TFA and TFC fill my requirements of loading the real bill in real time right in front ofthe audience. I have been using TFC for the past two years since TFA was counterfeitedby an overseas company. (Don't buy it BTW. The gimmick is not big enough to hold thebill. I've had 30 emails over the past year and a half asking how to get the bill in thegimmick. I have them send me a pic of the prop they have and sure enough, it's theknock off. Sad)

The one thing I really enjoy about the new method is the freedom that TFC allows forme to "jazz" during the routine. I can improv, make jokes and ad libs and really play. Theload doesn't have to come at a specific point in the routine.There are typically three things spectators always ask me how I do after my shows. TFCis consistently one of them.

Message: Posted by: pslaughter (Jan 18, 2014 09:52PM)

I'd love to see a performance of this. I know it was on something on Penguin, but I'm notsure which one….

Does the instructional DVD go into the preparation of the star trap?

I'm still on the edge with this one. I'm interested, but not ready to pull the trigger. A videomight push me over...


The only place you will see it is during Scott's brilliant penguin live lecture.


Bob Kohler is in the process of working on a demo trailer for TFC. He has been quitebusy with his Las Vegas workshops and hasn't been able to get to it until recently. I'mimaging we will see one in the next few weeks.Yes the Star Trap is covered on the DVD Training.

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Jan 28, 2014 02:02PM)

The trailer for "The Final Cut" is under construction. So stay tuned...If you are on my mailing list for bobkohlermagic.com you'll receive notice of when thetrailer is up and running.


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Of course, you'll also receive notice of sales and all of the new workshops that are nowavailable. Training has always been a part of my work. I've trained many well known andfamous magicians over the years.I'm now holding workshops in my studios in Las Vegas. The current line-up has justbeen posted on my website. There are a maximum of six seats for each workshop so getinvolved early so you don't miss out.

For full details visit bobkohlermagic.com

Message: Posted by: M Sini (Jan 28, 2014 03:37PM)

After watching Scott's Penguin Live lecture, I decided to put my order in for Final Cut.I've messed around with some other bill-in-lemon routines but I couldn't find one I waswilling to perform. I recieved my package yesterday and popped the DVD in after dinnerto check it out. After being fooled by all 3 performances on the DVD, I was pleased tofinally get to the method and explanation. I'll keep this short: The Final Cut (after somepractice) is going straight into my show.

Another great product from Scott and Bob!

Message: Posted by: Blindside785 (Jan 28, 2014 03:57PM)

Final Cut is smooth in operation. I'm in the midst of putting my first stand-up type showtogether, Final Cut is going to be my closer.


Over thirty performances down with TFC, loving more and more! Fooling everyone. I lovethat I don't need to concentrate on difficult moves toGet this done! One hundred percent of my energy goes into entertaining!

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Feb 4, 2014 01:31PM)

Nice to see you guys are getting as much outta this as I have!Doing it tomorrow on the Disney Wonder along with a new trick that is in the pipeline!

Message: Posted by: MR Effecto (Feb 4, 2014 03:44PM)

I just got this on Monday and its going right into my busking act. Well done Scott.

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Feb 11, 2014 11:01AM)

For those of you waiting the next batch of The Final Cut is now in stock and is ready forimmediate delivery.

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Feb 12, 2014 01:14AM)

Good news! You just made several people on my list very happy!

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Feb 25, 2014 05:41PM)

For those of you on the waiting list for the Weekend Warrior Coin Workshop, sorry butit's officially sold out.

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Feb 26, 2014 03:46AM)


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After last nights performance of The Final Cut at the Magic Castle John Lovick (akaHandsome Jack) said...."That is sooooooo clean!!!"

Message: Posted by: ostadler (Feb 26, 2014 04:02AM)

@pslaughter: Yes, the "star trap" is being explained in the DVD of TFC.

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Mar 17, 2014 03:01PM)

It is an essential part of having the spectator be able to handle the fruit before cutting itopen. It closes that one obvious doorway that the audience is always thinking about.


Thanks again to those who have contacted us regarding as to how well TFC is playingfor you. We thank you for your support in continuing to put out our ProLine products.

We have been getting messages about putting up a trailer so that folks can see a bit ofthe trick. But rather than put out a chopped up, edited trailer, Bob and I decided to putup a link of me at the Hermosa Beach Comedy and Magic Club doing what I call theSpeed version.

This is not one of the three versions of the show on the Training DVD. There are a lotmore ideas and subtleties and bits on the DVD.This is a really slimmed down version done as an encore piece. But you will get the ideaand see how simple and direct this really is.Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/-5SQzmnM-cY

Message: Posted by: MBrook3902 (Mar 25, 2014 05:56PM)

Excellent as always Scott. Love your work.

MB

Message: Posted by: swayne100 (Mar 25, 2014 06:06PM)

The link doesn't work


Should be workin' ....Just clicked it.

Message: Posted by: swayne100 (Mar 25, 2014 10:45PM)

Very nice!

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (Apr 6, 2014 08:15PM)

Keep in mind that this video is a very short , bare to the bone version. The training DVDhas three full blown shows on it.

Message: Posted by: pslaughter (Apr 19, 2014 05:43PM)

Not sure if this is the right place…


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I'm having some issues with the Star trap. Can't seem to get it to work correctly.

Could someone PM me their ideas on how to make this work?

I have the trick and would be glad to verify that I own it if necessary.

Thanks

Message: Posted by: Daniel Clemente (May 1, 2014 04:33PM)

Ok the video posted might have just put me over the top to buy it!

Dan

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (May 4, 2014 07:50PM)

What is your problem with the Star Trap? You need to practice with different types offruit. Ripeness, thickness of the skin and other variables will affect your results. Sopicking the best fruit for the Trap becomes a skill. Work at it, no doubt it's the bestsolution!

Message: Posted by: Justin Lewis (May 5, 2014 01:25AM)

Bob is 100% correct. I've been using this for months now. At least 50-60 times nowperforming this I can tellYou that type of fruit, ripeness and thickness plays a huge roll in how the star trap willwork. My best place for buying fruit, oranges mostly is at farmers markets. Every city hasa farmers market night. Local venders tent to have the type that I want.

Message: Posted by: Ken Dumm (May 5, 2014 10:18AM)

I find that if I manipulate the fruit a bit, it "loosens" up, and the star trap becomes a lotmore easy to work with.

Ken

Message: Posted by: Daren (May 5, 2014 11:51AM)

Looks great, so this defo works in as a strolling type gig, or a walk around?

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (May 5, 2014 01:44PM)

This most certainly will work a close-up walk around situation, however I wouldn't do itrepeatedly over and over again all evening. I would do my normal walk around set, andthen once I got a nice group gathered I would save it as a power trick to get that bigreaction from the group. I keep about a dozen oranges or lemons prepped in my caseready to go, this way it takes literally 10 seconds to reload. Just make sure you have anice covert place to dispose of the fruit… never leave any evidence!

Message: Posted by: Daren (May 5, 2014 01:54PM)

That great thanks Scott, this is exactly what I was thinking maybe for top tables or forvery receptive groups, thanks

Message: Posted by: Ken Dumm (May 5, 2014 04:47PM)


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I will leave the fruit, but only after a few more slices of the fruit (offering it as a souvenier)to dispose of any evidence.

Ken

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (May 6, 2014 12:58AM)

That'll work!

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (May 6, 2014 02:21PM)

We are sold out for the moment. I will have more coming in hopefully next week.Any orders on my site between now and then will most likely ship out on the 15th.


Awesome to hear Scott you guys are doing well with them! I love mine. Seriouslythinking of buying another even though I can see the one I have lasting a life time

Message: Posted by: Bob Kohler (May 14, 2014 01:44PM)

I did a parlor size show last night and tried out a new intro into TFC. The bartender hada pile of lemons so I borrowed 8 of them and put them in a bowl on the edge of thestage. I had a spectator select one and toss it to me. I walked behind my table to get thebag. It was already prepared and ready to go. I ditched the selected lemon using aSlydini strategy he used for lapping. First I held up the lemon and said "I'm going totake the lemon you chose", now I lowered the hand with the lemon as I raised my handholding the bag. I simply placed the lemon on the table behind a prop. As I raised thebag I said "and I'm going to isolate it in this bag". Now I kept the back of my hand to theaudience and pretended to put the lemon into the bag.

If you've ever watch Slydini you know how effective this is when done smoothly and upto speed.

So was it worth the effort. YES, after the show a bunch of spectators took the otherlemons and cut them open. It put a huge grin on my face.Give it a try...one more level of smoke.

Message: Posted by: Daren (May 18, 2014 12:21PM)

Did a gig for a birthday party, it was a strolling type gig, I decided to take along TFC anddecided to give it a whirl, omg!!! The reactions were fantastic, I had someone lend metheir £20 got it signed, handed out bag, I did a quick hanky vanish and stated themoney is on a magical journey, goes bouncing along the floor, up the persons leg(allows for a funny line that I use, does it tickle?!!! ) up to their shoulder, down their armand into the bag, use the normal lines and wow the reactions I got when I cut theorange open were more than brilliant, now staying into my set be it strolling, walkaround, close up this works great!!!

Message: Posted by: magic1178 (May 18, 2014 10:05PM)

Hi guys,

If I just want to adapt the startrap to inception let's say,

With respect, Do I need this or could I get away with just buying the lemon book Mr


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Alexander put out?

Also,could I do the load in a Starbucks Cup for example?ThanksDerek


Inception is a cool idea, but the final cut allows you to perform without going in the bagmultiple times. Vastly different from inception, not to give good credit to Randell forinception but scott has taken it to a larger level. only the finger tips go into the bag.that's it!

Message: Posted by: Daniel Clemente (May 24, 2014 02:04PM)

I have an adult style show on June 7th...im going to give this a shot finally...i can't wait!

Dan

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Jun 2, 2014 11:34PM)

Cool...let me know how it goes!

Message: Posted by: bluedragon (Jun 3, 2014 12:10PM)

I love this effect, very direct and looks fantastic, I can't wait to buy it.

Can someone kindly advise as to whether there's a UK stockist or will I have to buy fromthe US instead?

Thanks for your help.

Best.

Neil.

Message: Posted by: Daren (Jun 3, 2014 03:31PM)

I bought mine directly from Scott, I am in the UK, I think mine came within 5 days veryfast shipping, believe me it is worth it!!!!

Message: Posted by: Daniel Clemente (Jun 8, 2014 09:50PM)

I tried it out...i think it went pretty well...had a little hiccup with the load...not surewhy...but the reactions were great...i will have to keep buying some more fruit andcontinue doing the effect!

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Jun 16, 2014 09:24PM)

Looks like we are going to be out of these for a little while. I'll let you know when we canget them back up online.

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Jul 9, 2014 09:41PM)

Looks like Bob got some more of the goodies in to build more Final Cuts! All should beready to go soon! Will keep you updated and thanks for hanging in there.


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Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Aug 2, 2014 11:47PM)

Ok....TFC is not officially back in stock!

Message: Posted by: Scott Alexander (Aug 2, 2014 11:47PM)

Sorry that should say NOW in stock!


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Bob Kohler - The Final Cut

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