Topic: "Blood From Stone" by Steve Spill

[steve spill]

BLOOD FROM STONE UPDATE:

Yesterday I received the shipment of Stones from Europe.  I was very excited and prepared to instantly send these out along with the terrific instructional DVD filmed on location here at Magicopolis.

While aesthetically pleasing, unfortunately, an important detail about the fabrication material is not absolutely perfect, and I am sending back the Stones.  I’ve agonized with this since this may not make a difference to some, maybe even most, but does to me. 
I discussed this with someone from the largest magic wholesaler, as well as an independent producer of magic who we all admire and respect.  One said don’t risk losing orders, meet your expected ship date and be done with it.  The other said if you’re not 100% happy with the product, follow your heart.  I’ve already told you how I feel.

At this point I don’t have a new expected ship date, so if anyone wants their money back just email me Steve@magicopolis.com for a refund.  I would love to blame this on someone but it is my own fault for not being in the artist’s shop during the production.  The highly skilled European craftsman with the patience and ability to fabricate these Stones is not a magician, and the slight difference in the way the production model handles compared to the prototype is unnoticeable to the uninitiated. 

Our manufacturer lives in Krakow and his normal job is fabricating props – both large and small – for the film industry in Poland, and he is a genius at his work.  He also is a person of high ethical and moral fiber, and same as me he wants the best “Blood From Stone” possible. 

The two of us are splitting the loss and moving forward so that you and I will be completely thrilled with the outcome.  In the end, I want this exclusive limited-run product to be as perfect as it can be, easy to use, and built to last.  I will post a new expected ship date as soon as it is available. 

[John Pyka]

Steve, I LOVE this idea!

[steve spill]

Blood From Stone update - It’s late in the game and there are only a few Stones left, but I finally got around to making a proper demo:  http://www.youtube.com/user/MagicConceptsInc#p/u/0/RyumsX28yqQ

[John Pyka]

Thanks Steve! Welcome to MTF! FYI - this really belongs in a different section, so I'll be moving it, but thanks for letting everyone know what you are up to...

[steve spill]

Since the Eighties I’ve been Squeezing Blood from Stones, now you can too.  I’ve had some good success with this easy-to-do, self-contained, packs small/plays big, memorable bit of stand-up comedy magic that doesn’t require a spectator on stage, and most important, that audiences go nuts for.   

“Blood from Stone” is totally practical because it’s the result of a lifetime of thought and performance testing, not some idea released simply to sell.   Here’s a video clip.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/MagicConceptsInc#p/u/0/_lXhSwUhZHc

Back in 1998 when Penn & Teller asked about doing the “Stone” I was flattered by their interest, and since they are friends who have done many favors for me in the past, I couldn’t refuse.  I offered my one-and-only “spare” unit free of charge.   They gave me a check for $2000.

The problem with making the Stone available to others has always been the fact that the manufacture of the prop is a one-at-a-time, handmade, time consuming process.   On top of that, the routine isn’t for everyone, so unlike a popular close-up trick that may sell thousands of units – the cost couldn’t be spread over a large amount of sales.

Flash forward to today.  Through my wife I met a skilled European craftsman with the patience and ability to fabricate a limited number of Stones.  He lives in Krakow and his normal job is fabricating props – both large and small – for the film industry in Poland.

No expense was spared in the prototype process and I’m absolutely thrilled with the outcome.  Design-wise the prototype is identical to my original prop – one of the coolest features being that when performing you never get any blood on you and that the “flow” is completely under your control.

I’m most impressed with the newly minted version, because this model is a hundred times more durable than my original prop.  In the ultimate test, I used the prototype Stone in dozens of performances of my show “Escape Reality” here at Magicopolis in Santa Monica.

The Stone performed perfectly and never needed even a minute of down time for maintenance.  The Stone is not only easy to use, but it’s built to last forever.  We have entered into an agreement and I have paid in advance for exactly one hundred units.  Hence this is a very limited offer of Stones, each and every one personally signed and numbered by me.

I don’t plan on doing any advertising other than this post for these hundred Stones, nor do I plan on offering the Stone through any dealers ever.  Included with the prop are all media/venue performance rights and step-by-step DVD instruction.  The manufacturer can make up to three Stones a day, which means the hundred units should be ready soon.

However, to be super-safe, and to allow some margin for error and quality control, I promise to be shipping on November 1, 2011, sooner if possible.  And I’ll ship the Stone out, right to your door, anywhere in the world, at no extra charge. 

Please note that in accordance with federal postal regulations forbidding the shipment of liquids, and to avoid other shippers cost prohibitive policies regarding fluids, and numerous international customs issues regarding the import of liquids, NO FAKE BLOOD will be sent with your order.  A simple fake blood recipe that takes seconds to make is included.

Blood from Stone is available by pre-order only.  The price is $279 and can be purchased through your paypal account.   Select the “Send Money” tab and use the email info@magicopolis.com

Only a fraction of the world’s magicians will read about this first time offer of a hundred Stones.  It is a test that may never be repeated again, so I urge you to act quickly.  If I’m ever able to get more of these made in the future, pricing will be determined at that time.   

Don’t worry, if your $279 is received after the supply is exhausted, it will not be accepted and your funds will be returned to your paypal account.

I will personally check back here periodically to answer any and all questions. 

PS:  Remember - When in Los Angeles you may wish to consider seeing my show “Escape Reality” at Magicopolis here in Santa Monica.    www.magicopolis.com