SAM KENT AND JOE GIVAN
SAM KENT PASSING
Magic was always at the top of his list. He opened the Wizard magic
shop in Boulder Colorado, in 1970(?). It was one of the most magical
and well-kept magic shops ever to exist, super organized, super clean,
and the magical atmosphere was unparalleled. And even though he
owned a magic shop Sam, as a magician, refused to learn methods be-
hind effects when fooled by them. He enjoyed the wonder, and never
wanted to know the secrets behind such incredible experiences. Sam
influenced my life (Joe Givan) to a large extent.
After the Wizard closed, Sam still followed his passions becoming a
movie critic for the most popular radio station in Colorado, managing
the film theater in one of the largest performing arts center complex-
es in the country, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and he
opened new shops selling movie memorabilia and collectible film
posters.
Sam was not well known in magic circles, although his participation in
the “Foan Family Circus“ troupe was particularly valuable. Within that
group, he performed at various magic conventions and other public
venues to share the amazement and creativity that “Magic” has to offer.
Sam Kent was a man who always followed his heart.
He did not conform to the typical path of finding a normal job. His
passions were based on magic, first, movies, music, Disney theme
parks, and outdoor toy trains. His life was filled with a child like
wonder and the world of fantasy, he delivered joy to everyone
around him.
Sam believed not only in the power of real magic and wonder, but
wanted to preserve that throughout his entire life. His heart was in the
right place and in the crux of what all magicians do. Wonder. Fascina-
tion. Beauty. Amazement. He enjoyed it all, and cherished it. Sam Kent
was a unique, sweet, special soul who never had a harsh word about
anyone or anything. He truly lived a magical life. He will be sorely
missed by the numerous friends who knew him.
DIGA Studios, Chris Ramsay join forces to create new content
For one concept, Magic: Impossible, Ramsay challenges various
magician friends to survive the “craziest and most outlandish”
situations they can think of, using magic as their only means
of escape. Drawn from challenge cards, teams will be tasked
with participating in one of the following: a survival chal-
lenge, an Amazing Race-style challenge, a ticking clock
challenge, or a prank challenge. Journalist and author
Ian Frisch will executive produce.
“As a lifelong fan of magic, I have been following
Chris Ramsay’s incredible career for some time,
and am beyond excited to get the opportunity
to develop this project with him,” said DiSanto,
CEO of AMG and president of DIGA Studios,
in a statement.
Tony DiSanto‘s DIGA Studios, a division of Allyance Media Group
(AMG), has partnered with magician and YouTuber Chris Ramsay to
develop unscripted content for TV and digital distribution.
Ramsay will leverage his social media following of more than 3.5
million subscribers to create magic-based content that infuses tricks
and illusions with a “modern flair.”
“He is a true pioneer in the new gener-
ation of magicians who spread magic
through social media and YouTube,
expanding its reach and inspiring
millions to take up the art. And
most of all, Chris has a unique
creative vision and sensibili-
ty—his videos are infused
with a great sense of hu-
mor, fun, and an ‘anything
can happen’ feel, which
are all key attributes
we want to bring to
this show.”
MARCH | 2020
9