Phantom by Cavan Booth

Effect

Phantom is a visual magic trick that creates the illusion of objects vanishing, appearing, or transforming using only a phone's screen recording. The audience sees a live performance where objects change color, disappear, or teleport—all happening in real-time on the phone screen. The trick requires no gimmicks, special props, or sleight of hand, making it appear completely organic.

Full Details

Phantom relies on pre-recording a screen capture of the phone's camera feed. The magician performs the desired effect (like a card color change or ring vanish) in advance while recording the screen. During the actual performance, the magician plays back the recording while mimicking the same movements, syncing their live actions with the pre-recorded illusion.

Key features:

• No special apps, gimmicks, or trick cards needed—just a standard phone and ordinary objects.
• Works for multiple effects: vanishes, appearances, transformations, and color changes.
• Requires precise timing and movement to align the live performance with the recording.
• Must be performed in the same location where the recording was made (unless using a generic background like a white ceiling).

Who Should Consider the Trick

Phantom is ideal for magicians who:

• Enjoy digital or tech-based magic.
• Want a highly visual trick with minimal physical sleight of hand.
• Perform in controlled environments where they can pre-record the effect beforehand.
• Like experimenting with creative variations beyond traditional methods.

Difficulty

Phantom is moderately challenging due to the need for precise timing and movement synchronization. The method itself is straightforward, but performing it convincingly requires practice to:

• Perfectly align live actions with the recording.
• Maintain natural movements to avoid suspicion.
• Handle potential angles and spectator scrutiny.

As Cavan Booth notes, "This is one of those tricks where high risk is high reward. It is a little bit of a risky method, but when you pull it off, the trick that results is fantastic."

What Magicians Say

• Cavan Booth praises Phantom's versatility: "With one technique, you can accomplish appearances, vanishes, transformations, teleportations, color changes—pretty much anything. If you can imagine it, then you can do it." He also highlights its visual impact: "It's one of the most insanely visual tricks I know."
• AlakazamMagicUK emphasizes its impromptu potential: "The 'Phantom' effect is a game-changer for impromptu magic, allowing performers to create stunning illusions with borrowed items and no gimmicks."
• Alex Kirk (Monster Magic Shop) offers a more critical take, noting that while Phantom is visually impressive, it may not suit all performers due to its reliance on pre-recording and specific performance conditions.

Overall, Phantom is a powerful tool for magicians willing to invest time in mastering its unique method. Its flexibility and visual impact make it a standout choice for those looking to expand their digital magic repertoire.