Shin Lim is back with a new magic act on AGT

zulux21 · Jul 23, 2018

Sayre said:
This guy, though entertaining, is a career talent show act. He has been on Britain Got Talent and France Got Talent as well.

Not specifically quoting you but the general sentiment about Shin Lim and TV editing, It wouldn't surprise me if the TV network purposely edited the video for TV to make it more impressive when aired. They have a habit of doing that for magicians. Anyone remember Will Tsai and the coin matrix act? That one was proven to have been edited. (tho I'm sure it looked impressive live).

Note: I'm making a distinction of networks editing to make it more interesting vs the magician relying on camera tricks. Shin Lim doesn't need editing for his tricks to be impressive (as evidenced by his previous acts on YouTube, but networks are gonna do what they do to make it seem even more incredible. I bet it's just a part of being on AGT that they may or will edit.

Also.. this is as an aside, there are rumors that AGT would hire professional acts to make the show more interesting and varied. (otherwise it would be even more of a singing competition) Often these acts don't progress past a certain points so something to look out for. Aaron Crow is rumored to be one, and some people think Shin Lim is one too since he is already established and "famous" in some way.

As I said, I can't rule out they edited it. Shin is amazing, but he usually has a number of things I can spot, and these performances are way cleaner than the ones I usually see from him. That being said, these are also a third of the length and aren't his most complicated tricks yet as he is ramping up over his appearances in order to have something bigger to go to. (though they are part of his big tricks)

but yeah there is a definite difference between editing to make things look more clean then actual camera tricks, just like there is a difference between camera tricks and tricking the camera.

LegendarySkitch · Jul 23, 2018

Wow. If he came out and said he had actual magic powers... I'd almost believe him. That's insane

methane47 · Jul 23, 2018

Razgriz-Specter said:
This season has some amazing stuff

Dude doesn't even talk and he has great showmanship.

SLowing this down 25% and watching frame by frame.... You have to deduce that the producers are indeed editting the footage.
The "arrow" disappears before he even lets go the string.

spam musubi · Jul 23, 2018

zulux21 said:
As I said, I can't rule out they edited it. Shin is amazing, but he usually has a number of things I can spot, and these performances are way cleaner than the ones I usually see from him. That being said, these are also a third of the length and aren't his most complicated tricks yet as he is ramping up over his appearances in order to have something bigger to go to. (though they are part of his big tricks)

but yeah there is a definite difference between editing to make things look more clean then actual camera tricks, just like there is a difference between camera tricks and tricking the camera.

Actually, I saw a slight slip in one of his double lifts as he was placing one of the cards down, and he quickly fixed it, and it wasn't edited out. If you follow Shin's work, he's just that good, and they left a mistake in, so I think this is the real deal.

Cuburger · Jul 23, 2018

Man, this guy is unreal with close up magic. So clean, great presentation, really impressive and unique looking tricks.

Plus he severed the tendons in his thumb and was able to recover pretty remarkably well and fast. He's Doctor Strange.

Pet · Jul 23, 2018

No matter what you do, there's always an Asian who's better at it than you.

Seriously though, wtf. I assume the magic is in the table but wtf.

Sayre · Jul 23, 2018

methane47 said:
SLowing this down 25% and watching frame by frame.... You have to deduce that the producers are indeed editting the footage.
The "arrow" disappears before he even lets go the string.

Though there might be some editing, it's actually a trick. The arrow never leaves the bow and is actually stored in there when it is "shot".

Sayre · Jul 23, 2018

zulux21 said:
As I said, I can't rule out they edited it. Shin is amazing, but he usually has a number of things I can spot, and these performances are way cleaner than the ones I usually see from him. That being said, these are also a third of the length and aren't his most complicated tricks yet as he is ramping up over his appearances in order to have something bigger to go to. (though they are part of his big tricks)

I agree with you. Just thought I'd mention that in his latest vlog, he mentions that they heavily edited his performance and cut out a lot of stuff. He was annoyed because part of his thing was magic flowing with the music but the edited version messed that up. He said he pretty much did his 52 shades of red routine.

Edit: whoops. Sorry for double post!

zulux21 · Jul 23, 2018

Sayre said:
I agree with you. Just thought I'd mention that in his latest vlog, he mentions that they heavily edited his performance and cut out a lot of stuff. He was annoyed because part of his thing was magic flowing with the music but the edited version messed that up. He said he pretty much did his 52 shades of red routine.

Edit: whoops. Sorry for double post!

Ah didn't realize it was the full routine just cut down. That makes sense though on both ends.
it makes sense he would do that in general, and it makes sense the show would trim it down since it's like a 9 minute trick.

But yeah since he has such a strong focus on music in most of his tricks being editing down would likely be rather annoying to him.

though I also imagine that if he did 52 shades already, then next would be his original pen and teller performance, and after that he will likely be eliminated due to "popularity."

though I am not sure how many rounds there are in general :P

Randam · Jul 24, 2018

Woolley said:
A lot of audience reactions are recorded before the show starts.

I know. And that is way they are soo fake and annoying.
Why would they do that?

Xiaomi · Jul 24, 2018

Randam said:
I know. And that is way they are soo fake and annoying.
Why would they do that?

Being in the audience for those kind of shows is kind of like a job. You're helping them make a product they can sell. I've been to Colbert, Letterman, and the like and they all make it clear before the show starts that your reactions must be big no matter how you feel because it's part of the show.

Randam · Jul 24, 2018

Xiaomi said:
Being in the audience for those kind of shows is kind of like a job. You're helping them make a product they can sell. I've been to Colbert, Letterman, and the like and they all make it clear before the show starts that your reactions must be big no matter how you feel because it's part of the show.

I also know that.
they even practise the stuff with you.
still doesn't change my feelings towards that.
and on AGT it is especially annoying and fake.

methane47 said:
SLowing this down 25% and watching frame by frame.... You have to deduce that the producers are indeed editting the footage.
The "arrow" disappears before he even lets go the string.

everything is just fake about this.
the trick is fake, the reactions of everyone involved are fake as hell. then all those camera cuts..

I can just shake my head when I see stuff like this, or those card tricks..
and I'm shaking even more, when people find this stuff impressive.

this here is impressive sleight of hand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgjzNntEd4Y

DrBo42 · Jul 24, 2018

methane47 said:
Jesus Christ.. Even watching at 25% speed frame by frame.. the cards just vanish... this guy is ridiculous

Watch the form of his hands and what each finger is doing. This part of the routine here for instance

The moment his ring finger is placed like that, he already has the cards in his hand from below the ace. The extended thumb also creates the square shape to help mask the card.

When the thumb drops back into the palm he's already move the cards that were kept in place by his ring finger for the reveal

But yeah, even at 0.25 speed I can't see those cards get picked up by him at all. But by watching his hands you know what has already happened or what's about to.

As for cards completely disappearing, he's sliding them into the little mat he has down lol. Huge technical skill going on but often the simplest explanation is the truth.

Hamchan · Jul 24, 2018

God I fucking love this guy.

So damn skillful.

Razgriz-Specter · Jul 24, 2018

The real magics.

I Don't Like · Jul 25, 2018

Hahahaha Tyra Banks is the worst magician's subject ever. I remember a clip of David Blaine doing a trick on her and afterwards she calls it "of the devil."

Yoshizzle · Aug 15, 2018

Quarter-finals performance:

Putosaure · Aug 15, 2018

I'm wondering what is the wire for, on the left part of OP's video at 3:34.

Dominic Decoco · Aug 15, 2018

yoshizzle said:
Quarter-finals performance:

Mindblowing as always. I tried watching his black mat but my eyes are still too slow.

Simon actually criticized him this week, saying he needs to move on from the cards. I don't know about that considering it's his bread and butter.

jon bones · Aug 15, 2018

Terrific stuff and a wonderful build up. My wife is gonna love this act.

Yoshizzle · Aug 15, 2018

Putosaure said:
I'm wondering what is the wire for, on the left part of OP's video at 3:34.

I think it's a piece of Tyra's hair that got caught in her bracelet lol. Could be wrong :p

Vanillalite · Aug 15, 2018

yoshizzle said:
Quarter-finals performance:

Solid, but I feel like it wasn't as good as his other performances.

jett · Aug 15, 2018

yoshizzle said:
Quarter-finals performance:

Unfortunately that's one of his less interesting acts.

Dominic Decoco said:
Mindblowing as always. I tried watching his black mat but my eyes are still too slow.

Simon actually criticized him this week, saying he needs to move on from the cards. I don't know about that considering it's his bread and butter.

What is he going to move on to exactly. :P

Achtung · Aug 15, 2018

I love his act and the first 2 rounds he blew my mind BUT last night I was not nearly as impressed. I saw him drop cards off the table many times. You can see him swipe and drop off the table... it was the first time that I felt he seemed mortal.

Still entertaining for sure though and I hope he makes it through.

Dominic Decoco · Aug 15, 2018

jett said:
Unfortunately that's one of his less interesting acts.

What is he going to move on to exactly. :P

He told him I have one more card act that I think you'll like even better Simon.

CrankyJay · Aug 15, 2018

U2NUMB said:
I love his act and the first 2 rounds he blew my mind BUT last night I was not nearly as impressed. I saw him drop cards off the table many times. You can see him swipe and drop off the table... it was the first time that I felt he seemed mortal.

Still entertaining for sure though and I hope he makes it through.

Yeah, I noticed that too

Vanillalite · Aug 15, 2018

He seemed genuinely nervous.

You could tell the way he kept straightening the I.

Oyashiro-Sama · Aug 15, 2018

Where was Shin Lim when the Avengers fought Thanos?

Ricky_R · Aug 15, 2018

Haha that was great.

mikehaggar · Aug 15, 2018

protonion said:
I discovered him a while ago and liked his acts so much I bought one. The 52 shades of red.

I blew away my friends.

They are very cheap if you are interested.

I'm curious... how much practice does it take to be able to do the routine? Or does the trick deck and I'm assuming magnets, since he sells them on his site, do a lot/most of the work?

Stardestroyer · Aug 15, 2018

Randam said:
I also know that.
they even practise the stuff with you.
still doesn't change my feelings towards that.
and on AGT it is especially annoying and fake.

everything is just fake about this.
the trick is fake, the reactions of everyone involved are fake as hell. then all those camera cuts..

I can just shake my head when I see stuff like this, or those card tricks..
and I'm shaking even more, when people find this stuff impressive.

this here is impressive sleight of hand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgjzNntEd4Y

Your feelings will change once you become an audience member. It is exhausting and doing it during the tapping of the show will cause it to take a very long time. I was an audience member for man vs food. And that shot took a while and by the end I was beat. Now imagine how long it would take for a high quality produced shows with more complicated stuff.

protonion · Aug 15, 2018

mikehaggar said:
I'm curious... how much practice does it take to be able to do the routine? Or does the trick deck and I'm assuming magnets, since he sells them on his site, do a lot/most of the work?

Most of the routine is gimmicks yes. There is some sleight of hand too.
Individually you can do the tricks very easily.
But to do the whole routine as smooth as him will take a lot of effort.

Yoshizzle · Sep 4, 2018

Semi-finals performance:

Fubuki · Sep 4, 2018

jett said:
Unfortunately that's one of his less interesting acts.

What is he going to move on to exactly. :P

Singing and dancing, since this is the only thing AGT never going to move on from.

Deleted member 30411 · Sep 4, 2018

The best thing I have found from watching magicians, especially recently, is that they know we know to watch their back hand and look for subtle things so they end up throwing a bunch of bluff moves in to make is think we are clever and get it... and then they hit us with the blood sacrifice level fuckery so casually.

Razgriz-Specter · Sep 4, 2018

Fubuki said:
Singing and dancing, since this is the only thing AGT never going to move on from.

LOL literally just got done watching the episodes before last.
That shit pisses me off every year, stack the live shows with singers and dancers meanwhile voters kick out original shit because its so packed..

Oh and im also sick of the constant Team Iluminate and Fighting Gravity ripoffs they get every year and each time say how original and amazing they are.

jett · Sep 4, 2018

yoshizzle said:
Semi-finals performance:

Not as good as when he did on Fool Us tbh, but I'm sure it still blows any mind that hasn't already seen it.

Zip · Sep 4, 2018

Seems like a lot of his tricks revolve around sliding cards in or out of hidden pockets on his table or in his jacket. You can also see him drop the deck of cards out the bottom of the box off the edge of the table at the end, before he crushes the empty box.

That being said he is very good and I still don't know how he does a lot of his tricks like the bag shakes and the disappearing marker. Unless it collapses into something super tiny...? I dont know...

Qvoth · Sep 4, 2018

i think this is the same trick from his 2nd penn and teller appearance?

jett · Sep 4, 2018

Qvoth said:
i think this is the same trick from his 2nd penn and teller appearance?

Same act from his first appearance.

jett · Sep 4, 2018

So has Shin ran out of acts for the finals (if he makes it)? Not sure what else he can perform.

Yoshizzle · Sep 4, 2018

jett said:
So has Shin ran out of acts for the finals (if he makes it)? Not sure what else he can perform.

From his AMA on r/magic:

But yes, there will be one entirely brand new act no one has ever seen

jett · Sep 4, 2018

yoshizzle said:
From his AMA on r/magic:

oh sheeeeeit

Lump · Sep 4, 2018

jett said:
Not as good as when he did on Fool Us tbh, but I'm sure it still blows any mind that hasn't already seen it.

Other than being time constrained, my only criticism is that he didn't need to talk so much - or at all, really.

Brian McDoogle · Sep 4, 2018

Be the change you want to see, I know, but I wish we had a Magic or at least Penn and Teller Fool Us thread here. This season had some fun ones.

Ploid 6.0 · Sep 4, 2018

yoshizzle said:
Quarter-finals performance:

Very skeptical about that black base. Seems to have all kinds of hidden compartments.

The music at the end made me miss Paragon (Epic Games). Now I'm going to look up that trailer and get all sad.

bangai-o · Sep 4, 2018

zulux21 said:
What is a professional magician?

He doesn't have his own sponsored show
he doesn't even seem to have his own wikipedia page.

Fine. High level magician than. It is not fair for a level 25 to be competing against level 4s and stuff.

JaseMath · Sep 4, 2018

Jay Shadow · Sep 5, 2018

Brian McDoogle said:
Be the change you want to see, I know, but I wish we had a Magic or at least Penn and Teller Fool Us thread here. This season had some fun ones.

Yeah, I really missed having a Fool Us thread this year.

Yoshizzle · Sep 5, 2018

Shin made it through to the finals.

Shin Lim is back with a new magic act on AGT

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