Chain Breaking Magic 101...

Breaking apart a chain is pretty simple if you have the strength of Hercules or you’re part of a magic act that has planned a fault-free production. The magic went as planned by having my team on the same page from the very beginning, and by designing a prop that worked perfectly. The forethought of magic (and fun) continues during the shoot when all your production elements go as planned.

One of the most important production elements was to find a welder who was able to follow my design of how the chain should be molded and brought to life...link by link. I provided a template for the curve of the chain that was to surround the chest and back. I think the ‘artiste’ emerged from our welder. He did a beautiful job. Flexibility was required as to how the chain would adapt to our muscleman’s chest. I designed the chain in two pieces that could pivot...the mount could be screwed together then angled, condensed or expanded from each other as necessary. This connection was “hiding” behind our model’s back. Both pieces of chain were then brought to a chroming service, who also chrome coated the exploding fragments. These fragments were used as the pieces of chain flying from his chest which were shot as a separate unit, zooming during the exposure, then further worked on in Photoshop. The chain assembly was mounted on a pivoting head for the options we needed for the various poses during the shoot, so it could easily and quickly fit around his chest back and arms.

Being heavily involved in the workout and health community, I have a great network of “in-shape” people to always connect with. (I also send out an exercise/ health based newsletter on a weekly basis). Through my connections, I was fortunate to get Mr. Pete Kutsugeras, soon after his Mr. America competition. Pete was in great shape as he jumped right into his role of Hercules. He did some dumbbell curls, presses, along with a flurry of other lifts to get himself bigger than he was already. I think he and the chain also had equal amounts of body fat...like zero! We had a ton of wonderful shots, which actually was one long, final posedown. Thank you to everyone who was involved.

The shoot was definitely magic and fun. Don Levey Makes People Happy, with chain breaking.