Magician Mark Wilson, with backing from Kellogg's, established one of the most unique children's shows on television at the time.
"The Magic Land of Allakazam" was under direct control by Mark Wilson in all phases of production. Nothing happened without Mark's approval and CBS had to agree to all of Mark's conditions before broadcasting.
Let me tell you what that means:
No camera cuts) when Mark started a magic trick one camera angle had to be aired during the entire presentation. Multiple cameras can film but only one camera angle would broadcast during the trick. No "cutting between cameras" was allowed.
Real-time magic) the kids watching at home would see the same presentation as the kids in the studio audience. No breaks or post-production editing was allowed. No "cut-ins" or camera tricks.
Simple right? And yet, NBC turned Mark Wilson down! They refused to give executive rights to a performer of a Saturday morning kids show. But Mark Wilson stuck to his principles, he would not lie to kids with television camera tricks.
Nothing like it had even been broadcast as a regular series before.
