Singapore, 28 Sept 2009 – The whiz-wizard that’s blowing minds and server limits all over YouTube, and Japan’s most worshipped, winsome street magician, Cyril, is finally set to sear up small screens all across Asia…only on AXN’s brand new original production Cyril: Simply Magic premiering 19 November at 9PM!


Made under the US$6 million Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and SPE Networks – Asia (SPENA) Joint Production Fund and along with WME Asia, AXN is literally enchanted to unveil a brand new, prodigious Original Production – the very first TV special on Cyril, made outside of Japan. This will be the first production to teleport to the international TV screen, the magician who has been a spellbinding star in the digital world and possibly the best-kept secret in the land of the rising sun.


The pioneer of “street magic”, this charming French-Japanese magician is best known for his irreverent and absolutely inscrutable street stunts; such as the famous hamburger trick, where he saunters up to a framed burger catalogue depicting pictures of burgers, plucks a real cheeseburger from its corresponding picture, takes a hearty bite out of it and eases the cheeseburger back into the frame, leaving nothing but the picture as it was …but with a big bite mark. This rugged rebel is also the top prize winner in the prestigious worldwide competition otherwise also known as the “Olympics of Magic”, and is internationally recognized as the world's first “Cyber-Magician” thanks to his frenzied, faithful flock of internet-based fans.


Now, the sensational Cyril takes a leap off the world-wide-web and Japanese local television, onto a TV set near you! In this new AXN Original Production, Cyril will not only share the marvels of his magic, he will also bring viewers along with him on a journey of self-discovery – something that his fans have not been able to see from the internet clips. Journeying with Cyril to various locations across Asia, this special series will show Cyril continuing to captivate unsuspecting passers-by with his incredible illusions and disarmingly fun personality, while making a positive impact on the people he comes in contact with.


Ricky Ow, senior vice president and general manager of SPE Networks – Asia, is delighted to work together with co-production partner, WME Asia and main sponsor, Sony Ericsson, in making this TV special possible.


“The fact that Cyril has made a total of 15 two-hour primetime specials on local Japanese television, speaks volume of his creativity.  AXN is proud to be the network that will showcase this top talent to the world.


“AXN has been the launch pad to Asia for well-known illusionists like David Blaine and Criss Angel.  Coupled with our experience in spectacular large-scale productions like The Amazing Race Asia, AXN will be the perfect platform to bring the fascinating genre of magic through the innovation of Cyril, to international audiences,” says Ow.


So take a note: more exciting than any appearing or disappearing trick, Cyril will manifest in your very own TV screens in his debut International TV Special

Cyril: Simply Magic on AXN in November 2009… don’t blink, or you’ll miss him!