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Post-elimination Interview: Eran Raven

Other Exit Interviews:  
Jan Bardi |  Guy Bavli |  Guy Bavli |  Jim Callahan |  Jim Karol | 
Gerry McCambridge |  Eran Raven |  Ehud Segev |  Mike Super

Eran Raven   biography

 

1) You made it to the final week of the competition. Ultimately, what do you think was the deciding factor when America came to vote?

I believe that all the finalists were wonderful entertainers, each individual with their unique interpretation of performing mentalism. This allowed the viewers to enjoy a variety of performance styles. I believe the American public really connected with the friendly and comedic manner that Mike Super performed his outstanding routines.

2) Ross is a trip. How was it using him as a subject during your final performance? Was it fun or kind of difficult to get through the illusion? Does a campy or unusual subject help or hinder your craft?

Ross was pleasure to work with. It was a blast seeing him become as "stiff as an iron rod". I knew that if he set his mind to this routine, it would be successful. Ross is very energetic. A volunteer like Ross, who is humorous by himself, combined with a mentalist that is able to take control of the situation, creates interesting dynamics for explosive entertainment.

3) Do you believe in true paranormal or "mentalist" abilities?

I consider myself a very open minded person with a healthy dose of skepticism. There are lots of items in this universe that we still can't explain or prove. I do believe that paranormal abilities may exist, but I have yet to see them.

4) If you could do one thing differently on the show, what would it be?

The format of the show only allowed the contestants to have 4 minutes to perform their demonstrations. I would have liked to have more time to demonstrate more complex and even more dangerous routines.

5) What was your favorite, and least favorite, thing about being on Phenomenon?

One of my favorite parts of being on Phenomenon were the people. Fostering new relationships and having the ability to spend time with old friends. Gerry McCambridge and I became very good friends throughout the show. Guy Bavli and I have been close friends for over 23 years. They both really encouraged me and provided me with honest feedback on how to improve my demonstrations. We had so much fun just going to dinners, playing tricks on and just hanging out.

My least favorite part of being on Phenomenon was my personal health. What the American public did not know was that I was performing with a ruptured disc, which happened several days prior to the launch of Phenomenon. When I was not on TV I was confined to a wheel chair, or walking with a cane on good days. I would literally get out of my wheel chair or loose my cane seconds before the cameras would start rolling. Often having ice or electrodes attached to my lower back during the performances just so I could function during those 4 minutes. The crew even built a bed out of wood backstage so that I could lay down between performances.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the producers, production assistances, stage managers and the rest of crew, that were very understanding of my health and wheeled me around in my wheel chair for the past two months.

6) What's next for you?

Doing a Live show like Phenomenon is very intense, but was a wonderful experience. So now that the show is over, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and girlfriend. And getting back to somewhat of a normal routine.



CONGRATULATIONS TO MIKE SUPER!

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