David Copperfield Television Illusions

Work Title: David Copperfield Television Illusions
Medium: TV Episode
Episode Title: --
Year: 199?
Writer(s): David Copperfield
"Original" Writer: Yes Own work?: No
Summary:

I remember being fairly young (pre-teen/early teen) and watching David Copperfield T.V. specials. The one in particular that I recall was when he included a physically interactive event for the viewers at home (me). At one point Copperfield asked you to come close to the screen and pick a card, coinciding with a number if I remember correctly. Through a series of moves and card shuffling Copperfield asks you to put one hand on the screen pointing to your card as it is displayed. At the end, somehow or another, he guesses the original card you picked. Looking back now I'm sure there is some simple formula he used but back then as a young kid you feel as if David Copperfield is speaking directly to you and that you were a direct part of this TV show. It gave the same feelings as if you were at a live viewing or at a stage production and got called up to stand side by side with the talent.

  • Self-Written?: 1
  • Source Name:
  • Source URL:
Era/Year of Portrayal: distant_past
Distinctive characteristics of the world in portrayal:

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Technology

  • Name of portrayed presence-evoking technology: N/A
  • Description of the technology: There was a black background and the only thing the viewer sees is David Copperfield and particular graphics that come up as the trick progresses. This keeps the attention focused on what it needs to be and when.
  • Nature of task or activity: Magic trick.
  • Performance of the Technology: Funny enough is the TV SEEMED as if it wasn't just a passive medium but an interactive technology.
  • Description of creator(s): David Copperfield has to speak, dress, act, in a very captivating way (as most magicians do). He was middle aged and rarely had anyone else on screen with him in order to capture all the attention.
  • Major goal(s) of creator(s): The goal was to really reach his audiences and to make them feel a part of the show.
  • Description of users of technology: Me and my brothers who were young kids between the ages of 10-14.
  • Type(s) of presence experience in the portrayal: both
  • Description of presence experience: --
  • User awareness of technology during experience: I think we were aware of the television but used in a completely different matter which made it more special because we weren't used to man communicating "directly" with us through it.
  • Valence of experience: It was so enjoyable. I still remember pulling my hand from the screen when he guess right and looking at everyone in the room with that amazed but questioning feeling.
  • Specific responses: --
Long-term consequences:

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Other:

Coder name: Matt Della Vecchia
Coder email: tud09206@temple.edu
Coder affiliation: Temple University