Premier by Nicolas Mavresis and David Jonathan

Effect

Premiere is a multi-phase magic trick that involves movie posters and admission tokens. The magician presents five envelopes, each containing a different movie poster. A spectator freely chooses one poster and remembers the film. The magician then reveals that each envelope has a symbol representing a film genre (fantasy, animation, music, thriller, drama). The spectator places admission tokens on the envelopes in any order. The magician matches the tokens to the films, revealing hidden clues—such as numbers corresponding to the movie titles (e.g., "2" for The Two Towers, "7" for Seven). Finally, the magician rearranges the tokens to spell out the spectator’s chosen film (e.g., "8 Mile") in a surprising visual reveal.

Full Details

Premiere is a collaborative creation by Nicolas Mavresis and David Jonathan. It uses custom-designed props, including injection-molded admission tokens and movie posters, to create a layered, interactive experience. The trick combines storytelling, audience participation, and a clever method that remains hidden throughout. The finale involves a visual transformation where the tokens rearrange to spell out the chosen film, providing a strong, unexpected conclusion.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Premiere is ideal for magicians who enjoy:

• Story-driven magic – The trick has a cinematic theme that enhances engagement.
• Multi-phase routines – It builds gradually, with multiple reveals increasing impact.
• Custom props – The tokens and posters are professionally produced for durability and realism.
• Close-up or parlor settings – The props are compact but visually clear for small to medium audiences.

Difficulty

Premiere is moderate in difficulty. The method relies on prop handling rather than advanced sleight of hand, making it accessible to intermediate performers. However, smooth presentation and timing are crucial to maximize the trick’s impact. David Jonathan notes that the method required extensive refinement to ensure seamless execution, so practice is necessary to perfect the routine.

What Magicians Say

• David Jonathan calls Premiere "one of the hardest methods I’ve ever worked on," praising its deceptive construction and the collaborative effort with Nicolas Mavresis. He highlights the satisfaction of seeing the method work flawlessly after rigorous testing.
• The trick is described as having a "surprise ending that ties everything together," with the token rearrangement being a standout moment.
• Performers appreciate the organic feel—the props appear ordinary, and the method remains invisible, making the revelations feel impossible.

Premiere is a standout trick for magicians who want a visually striking, story-based routine with a strong payoff. Its combination of audience interaction, layered reveals, and professional props makes it a memorable addition to any set.