Derren Brown is at the top of his game at the moment, and quite deservedly so. His shows are well produced, entertaining and generally awesome. From the perspective of the magic community, they are one of the best things to happen to magic in many years. Inspiring a whole new wave of future magicians and mentalists to start the journey into magic and mentalism. But where do they start?
There is a huge range of material on the market promising to teach you the techniques and secrets of Derren Brown. Most can be quite low quality, with more hype than content. So we are often asked which training books and DVD’s are the best in our opinion, to get a beginner started. This is what we usually suggest:
The first step:
13 Steps to Mentalism by Corinda
This is the core source for starting to learn mind reading and mentalism tricks. Perfect for beginners, the book requires no previous knowledge and will show you the fundamentals as well as the presentation and performance skills to get the best from them. This belongs on every mentalists hands.
A great series of DVD’s teaching mentalism for both the casual performer and the seasoned professional. For those of us that prefer to learn from a DVD, this is great material that is easy to perform and teaches you the core principles you will need, along the way.
If you want to dive into the world of hypnosis, but designed for magicians rather than stage shows, then this ebook by Anthony Jacquin is highly recommended. Derren Brown is know for his extensive use of impromptu hypnosis, and this ebook is probably one of the best ways to begin to learn these techniques.
Mentalism is general is very much presentation based. Often the props are simple, sometimes no more than a pen and a sheet of paper. The power of the tricks comes from how they are performed, and the interaction between the performer and the spectators. Knowing the secrets, is a very small part of the learning process. We strongly suggest that you seek out every opportunity to watch other mentalists as much as possible. Go and watch how Derren Brown performs magic in his latest show and pick up the DVD’s of his previous shows. They don’t teach how he does the tricks, but they will teach you the way he presents them. His showmanship is world class, and priceless tuition for you.
Official Site for Derren Brown Show information
one of the best DVDs for me when i started out was liquid metal by Morgan Srebler and psychokinetic silver ware by banercheck it was hard work but worth it i was able to make my own unique routine from these DVDs this is also the piece that got me the contract at Darren browns old residencies trust me you needs these DVDs. I would also urge you to check out Christopher Dee metal DVD.
If you can spare the money and want an instant strong mental piece get sixth sense by Hugo Shelly it is amazing and is perfect for stage and close up and will make you look like a master of the mind and the best thing it is easy to do.
Kieron Johnson
I would agree that Corinda’s is a very useful reference but to get to the core of mentalism I think you need to start with Anneman.
I agree! http://www.magicshop.co.uk/p3704/Practical_Mental_Magic_-_By_Theodore_Annemann_-_Book/product_info.html
Looking over many of the many, many pages of products, the ones that stood out to me as best meeting the needs of new mentalists are:
1) The Principles of Mentalism by Richard Osterlind
2) Beyond Fundamentals CD by Bob Cassidy
3) Artful Mentalism: And Evening With Bob Cassidy.
After Corinda and Annemann, Richard and Bob’s woks are essential for learning the truly important secrets of performing powerful mentalism.
Very good suggestions Thanks
It’s not the best for mentalism alone, but a book I have got a lot of mileage from (for mentalism, sleights and magic in general) is ‘Street Magic’ by Paul Zenon. In it he covers some tricks for someone beginning in mentalism (there is a chapter entitled ‘Mind Magic’), as well as outlining some sleights and gimmicks which can be used in mentalist effects. Very good for then designing your own effects based on the knowledge gained.
(It’s such a good book that a lot of magicians in various forums were furious that it is on general sale, and apparently some members of the Magic Circle were worried because it can be found in book shops and contains a relatively large amount of magic secrets.)
Good tip Rich. Thanks for sharing
Derren brown’s very own lecture dvd is a must watch in my opinion, in which he gives a 45 minuite live performance followed by a very interesting disscussion about alot of the techniques he uses.
He also teaches an effect where a spectator shuffles a deck and derren with his back turned names every card in order, and demonstrates mentally forcing an imaginary card. A very interesting dvd which i would highly recomend
For the younger generation starting out Matt Mello's modern mentalism introduces some important principles.
Having been a mentalist for many years and having even appeared at International Conventions (keeping my professional name incognito), I must highly recommend Annemanns Practical Mentalism and Corindas 13 Steps to Mentalism. Oh, if only Maurice Fogel had written a book, I would have given my eye teeth for it.
Corinda – Annemann's Practical Mental Magic – PS1,2,3 Banachek Maximum Entertainment – Ken Weber
The principles of mentalism – Richard Osterlind
Good suggestions! Principles of Mentalism is excellent. Thanks for posting!
Peter Turner is one of the best mentalist out there 😀 !!!
My first contact with the mental magic was the German translation in the Inter Magic by Rudolf Braunmüller of Mental Magick of Basil Horwitz, and until today I find the material very good.
Greetings from Germany
Ulrich
Hello Dominic,One of the best mentalism effects I use is dark arts,form Matt Mello,Modern Mentalism.Always gets great reactions.Hope this helps.Best regards,Luke.
Matt Mello’s Modern Mentalism is such a good source. Thanks for sharing that Luke
13 steps to mentalism is a must for everyone who want to learn some mentalism tricks. that’s for sure. It’s also a good thing to practice some “regular” magic to get into performance art.
1 of my favourite effects I use all the time is Psypher by Robert Smith.
Hope this helps?
In my opinion Ben William’s ANY WORD. As you rightly say, it’s all in how it’s presented.
Anneman’s “Practical Mental Magic” and Corinda’s “Thirteen Steps to Mentalism” are a must if you are going to be literate in this field. They will help you with everything you learn after that. It’s like learning to read music if you are going to be a musician.
Best of luck!
Richard Osterlind covers just about everything a beginner (or pro) could wish for in the following dvd collections.
Annemann’s Practical Mental Effects vol 1-6
Corinda’s 13 steps to mentalism vol 1-6
Easy To Master Mental Miracles vol 1-7
Mind Mysteries vol 1-7
No Camera Tricks vol 1-4
Easy to learn from,and entertaining to watch,Richard brings classic effects up to date,not only revealing the methods,but also the important subtleties that combine to form a truly great performance.
Foundations don’t come any stronger than these….
I think that Luke Jermay’s Making Mind Reading Look Real is a good start for helping beginner mentalist focus on presentation rather than effects.
I would recommend Henning Nelms “Magic and Showmanship; a handbook for conjurors” to every magician, but especially to Mentalists. There is often little to see in mentalism, so the presentation must be spot on. Also the principle of conservation in performance goes a long way in making people believe that what you’re doing is real. Or could be… I enjoy when spectators don’t even know that what they just saw even was a “trick”.
It works for Derren.
Bob Cassidy must be read after you have read Anneman.