Courtesy of Michael Weber
Curiosity Expert: Michael Weber
Performer and Deceptive Practices Co-founder
- "The Fine Art of Paying Attention"
- Watch Michael Weber
- NPR: "Illusionist's Show Becoming A Pretty Slick Trick"
Michael Weber inhabits a unique position in the world of the professional teacher, inventor and wonder-worker. He holds Masters and Doctorate degrees yet he has never let his formal education interfere with his lifelong fascination and facility with "Forbidden Knowledge." Scientific American magazine wrote "Michael Weber is a walking Swiss Army Knife." Weber's lifelong interest in wonder has permitted him access to worlds of experts and experiences which remain well-hidden from the general public.
Widely respected for both his innovation, problem-solving and storytelling abilities, Weber's professional insights have been sought out and highly valued across all industries and around the globe as a director, designer, consultant and speaker. He was the magic consultant for the original David Blaine Street Magic television special and helped redefine magic for his generation.
Weber and his co-conspirator Ricky Jay founded the consulting company Deceptive Practices which provides "Arcane Knowledge On a Need-To-Know Basis" to film, theater and television. Weber has worked with writers and directors ranging from Errol Morris, Wes Craven, Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese to George Wolfe, David Mamet and Robert Zemeckis.
Examples of Weber's work can be seen in dozens of plays and feature films including Forest Gump, Angels in America, The Parent Trap, The Illusionist, Top Dog Underdog, The Prestige, A Year of Magical Thinking and Ocean's 13. Michael was the co-creator and executive producer of the Sony Television series CONversations and is currently working with Aaron Sorkin, consulting on the upcoming Broadway musical HOUDINI starring Hugh Jackman.
Weber also shares his innovation tools and techniques through his company MindLab. Current projects include the launch of the online health community: Lybba, the world's most amazing interactive candy experience: Sweet! and a zero-gravity show to be performed on the International Space Station.
Once, when asked for his job description Weber replied "I ask questions, answer questions, help others, tell stories, create wonder, make things, and work hard to make things better."
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