digital magic.(magician applies 3D imaging technology)

An illusionist performs hocus-pocus with a digital focus

Marco Tempest's act, like that of most illusionists, includes traditional techniques using sleight of hand. But unlike his colleagues, Tempest performs his prestidigitations with help from computer graphics imagery, interacting with 3D images to perform compelling magic.

"It seems as though people are not as interested in theater as they used to be, and instead embrace movies with digital effects," Tempest explains. "So I'm trying to find a way to reach them by making my magic more interesting and dynamic."

According to Tempest, traditional magicians are limited by what they can do on a stage because there are only a few principles of magic, which are repeated throughout a performance. "With computer graphics, I can take the magic into a computer or video screen, where anything is possible," he says. "It's a stage without boundaries."

Tempest incorporates all types of digital imagery into his act, combining traditional magic illusions with special effects that often are found in feature films. Performing these illusions requires Tempest to carefully synchronize his actions to coincide with pre-rendered animations. "If one element gets out of sync, the illusion is ruined," he says.

Many of Tempest's digital illusions are new twists to traditional tricks. He doesn't saw a person in half, but he interacts with a multitude of realistic body parts projected onto a large screen. He won't make a coin appear behind a person's ear, but he makes a ball reappear and bounce across various screens. He doesn't make an assistant disappear, but he "transports" a volunteer into a virtual computer game environment.

In one illusion, Marco and a volunteer are walking around inside a computer screen when a mishap occurs, causing the volunteer to shrink--an obvious special effect. Then Tempest walks out onto the stage holding the 3-inch person in the palm of his hand. On the screens behind him, a live camera zooms in and shows that the tiny person is real.