Derren Brown doesn’t believe in ghosts, but he can make you believe in them.” This is how we’re introduced to what Sci Fi hopes will be their newest sensation. Brown has been dropping jaws over in Britain, and is now ready to unleash his astounding powers of persuasion on American audiences.
Sci Fi is producing 6 one-hour episodes of the yet untitled series featuring Brown performing feats that you may mistake for magic. Make no mistake, there’s little magic involved, at least not any of the rabbit out of a hat variety. Brown himself claims that he fuses "magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection, and showmanship.” From what we’ve seen, that looks to be all true.
Imagine standing on a street corner when a stranger asks for directions. As he speaks with you he hands his water bottle over and simply states, “Give me your watch and cell phone.” What if you actually did what he asked? This is the power Derren Brown has over people. Whether any of this is true is irrelevant, it’s fascinating to watch. In fact, as you watch him work you can’t help but feel everything is authentic. After all, he’s simply using persuasive tactics to get what he wants. Unlike people like John Edwards who prey on the grief stricken, Brown is out to entertain the audience. Sci Fi's new series looks like it will succeed at that goal.
Derren Brown’s new series is being produced by Andrew O’Conner and Michael Vine for Objective Productions. It will air this July on the Sci Fi Channel
