TV Shoot with Franz, Tackey, and two members of Japanese pop group ABC.

This weekend the Penguin crew teamed up with world famous illusionist Franz Harary, Japanese pop star Tackey, and two members of the up and coming Japanese pop group ABC to vanish a Hummer in the middle of a dry lakebed in the Nevada Desert.

Here's the plot of the illusion:

A Hummer speeds through the desert in a straight line toward Tackey. At the last second, a pick-up truck cuts in front of the Hummer at a perfect 90 degree angle. If everything goes to plan, the Hummer will vanish just as it passes behind the truck and Tackey's life will be saved.

How? As the Hummer passes behind the truck it is momentarily engulfed in the thick cloud of dust unearthed by the truck as it careens through the desert at the edge of losing control. Franz says that instant is all he needs. In the blink of an eye the Hummer will vanish.

Two members of Japanese pop group ABC play a vital role and have the opportunity to call the stunt off at the last minute if the timing isn't perfect. The Hummer will pass them at the last possible emergency stop point. If something is wrong and they don't call off the stunt, the Hummer will have no way to stop in time to save Tackey's life.

Here are some photos from the shoot:


Above: Franz Harary explains the details of the illusion to members of ABC and American Musician John.



Above: Franz leads Tackey and one of his photographers on a walk-through of the area.



Above: Franz Harary and Acar talk strategy while Tackey looks on. Tackey is more than a little interested considering a six ton HUMMER is about to be speeding toward him at 50+ miles per hour.



Above from left to right: Maxwell, Morgan, Greg, ABC, John, Tackey, Franz Harary, Smiley, Acar.




Above: After the shoot we celebrated with Sushi!

This was an incredible weekend. We'll have video clips of the shoot to show you soon! The illusion we filmed will be featured on Franz Harary's Magic Planet TV Special which airs throughout Asia. The illusion will also be featured on massive video screens at Tackey's live concerts in Japan and throughout the world.