Alan Funt was the first hidden-camera magician. It was the playful nature of the way he worked that really inspired me. A lot of prank shows and hidden-camera shows can be a little mean-spirited. Funt was never like that. Michael Carbonaro alancamerafunt share on social
It's very exciting to take magic into a new direction, whereas a lot of times magic comes from a place of sort of ego, like, 'Look what I can do that you can't do.' It kind of comes across that way a lot, and you're always trying to challenge the magician; you're always trying to figure out how the magician is doing it. Michael Carbonaro challengedirectionego share on social
Growing up, I loved magic, I loved acting, I loved comedy. I really didn't know what direction I was going. I was trying a whole bunch of stuff. Michael Carbonaro actbunchcomedy Change image and share on social
I don't want to be 'the magician'; I want to be an innocent bystander along with the magical moment. Michael Carbonaro bystanderinnocentmagical Change image and share on social
My goal is to get people to really believe that the impossible is real, and not that I'm responsible for it. I want them to believe that they're having the most unusual, magical and bizarre days of their lives. Michael Carbonaro bizarredaygoal share on social
A lot of people have experimented with hidden cameras and magic before. What I do, which I think is different from any other style of prank or hidden camera, is that it's all fun. It's back to that kind of fun that 'Candid Camera' was. It's not mean-spirited at all. It's a joyful kind of play with people. Michael Carbonaro backcameracandid share on social
Magic is like special effects live, and I love to perform, so it sounded like doing magic tricks were a good way to entertain people. Michael Carbonaro effectentertaingood Change image and share on social
I've always performed magic as a kid. Michael Carbonaro havekidmagic Change image and share on social
I first started doing hidden-camera segments on 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.' He was the coolest guy in the world to work for because he understands the creative process, and he had total trust. And he just let me make up whatever I wanted; I experimented and tried and played. We had a lot of fun over there. Michael Carbonaro cameracoolcreative share on social
I found that if I stack the moments correctly, people will believe in the most outrageous things. Michael Carbonaro correctlyfindmoment Change image and share on social