The following is quoted from an article in the March 2008 issue of Magic Magazine about the new VH1 Magic Reality Series Celebracadabra, in which Rocco Silano co-stars;
"While (producer) Chris Martin has been with VH1 for years, Celebracadabra is his first project where he has acted as executive producer. The original idea of an elimination-style reality magic show, where celebrity contestants would work with professional magicians, came to him a couple of years ago. He pitched it and VH1 appeared to like it, but then, as things in television tend to go, the idea seemed to "hang around in limbo" for about a year. Finally, after Dancing with the Stars became a hit, Martin was given the green light.
He began gathering Magicians’ names. Lots of names! Martin claims to have researched over 500 magicians, then spoke with 145 possibilities. From that, he took serious meetings with 65, even though he was still not sure of the direction of the show.
It was during the interview process that he and his co-producer, Karla Hidalgo, met with Rocco. "Rocco began this never-ending barrage of paper streamers, D’Lites, turning salt into ice, closing his hands and producing ice cream cones. When he left, the floor was just covered in all of this stuff." It was at that moment that Martin and Hidalgo hit upon the show’s direction. They wanted magicians, talented in their own right, but who were "characters."
The premise and apparent genuine intentions (of the producers) were enough to attract a varied team of magic coaches. Derek Hughes, David Kaye, Simon Lovell, Murray, David Regal, Rocco Silano, and Asi Wind all lent their expertise to the proceedings. Magicians were paired off randomly with the celebrities, who were chosen by their genuine interest in learning magic and a willingness to put in a real effort. The producers wanted contestants who were there for the competition, not merely the publicity."
This is all quoted from the 2008 March issue of Magic Magazine. Rocco is proud to be associated with the VH1 Magic Reality Series Celebracadabra. The dates is set for the premier of Episode 1 to air Sunday Evening April 20th.
Rocco would like to extend to you his personal invitation to view Celebracadabra on VH1.