To make magic credible on screen is always very difficult. The story is the most important thing. That is what should win. If sacrifices or compromises are made, it's usually for story. Story in magic is very, very important to me. That's what I've really championed through my career.

I love creating new things. It's kind of my job, it's what I do, and I really have fun with it.

My show is constantly evolving... new tricks are added, old ones are dropped... so it stays fresh. But it's the randomly selected participants from the audience that make it fresh and provide some of the best comic relief.

Let sleeping dogs lie — who wants to rouse 'em?

You'd go in the magic shop [as an 8-year-old ], and you'd walk up to the magicians doing stuff, and they'd turn their back on you. "Oh my gosh, I wish they would accept me." It really lit a fire. I really wanted to succeed.

The more educated you get, the better shot you have to get it right, but if you're really trying something different, it's a challenge every time.

I find revealing the secrets of magic quite reprehensible.