Price$30.00
Media TypeTrick
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedAug 15, 2008
Snapped
Cameron Francis
Full52
(Based on 2 reviews)
The SNAPPED DVD includes two different approaches to Cameron's insanely commercial effect. Gaffs are included inside the box for 'SNAPPED' along with required cards and spare gaffs. The DVD also includes DVD-ROM content required for the second version - 'BIG SNAPPED'! In addition, the DVD features three amazing bonus card effects presented in Cameron's own, inimitable style!
PLUS: Unlock the Secret Hidden Menu and Access Amazing Alternate Handlings by Three Guest Magicians! All you have to do is find it!
You begin by removing a photograph of four Aces - your 'lucky' Aces - and having it examined. A card is selected and signed before begin buried back into the middle of the deck. You explain that the photo will reveal the suit of the selection. You give it a shake and the Ace of Hearts visibly turns face down in the picture! You proceed by PULLING A FULL SIZED PLAYING CARD OUT OF THE PHOTO leaving an empty space where it once was! The card is placed on a spectator's hand. You snap your fingers over it and the card is revealed to be the signed selection. This super commercial, off-beat effect is easy to do and VISUALLY STUNNING! Your spectators just won't know what hit them.
Running Time Approximately 1hr 33min
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Over that past year or so, I’ve become familiar with Cameron and his work. I have a handful of his products (Snapped, Omega Mutation, Attack of the Copper Silver Coin, What it isn’t, Fresh Mint, and Rehab). I’ve really come to like his work and thinking on magic. This month’s Gem, Snapped, is no exception.
Here’s the short version of the effect: a photograph of a fan of cards (four aces) is shown and examined. One of the cards is visually plucked from and taken out of the photograph. There’s more, and there are multiple versions and handlings, but that’s the nutshell version… it’s extremely visual.
Although this is a Gem, and in my opinion is a valuable effect for close up workers, there are a couple of “could do better next time” items. Let’s get those out of the way first; then we’ll move on to the meat of the review.
Last April, I reviewed Cameron’s Omega Mutation DVD set produced by Big Blind Media. The production quality was top notch, the sound, music, lighting, editing, everything, so I was sort of expecting a similar production quality with Snapped. However, Snapped was not produced by Big Blind Media; it was produced by Full 52.
I don’t have any other DVDs by Full 52, so I don’t know if this is standard, but the lighting was pretty rough in quite a few spots on Snapped . There were a few sound issues as well. Cameron did not appear to be mic-ed, but rather they were using the mic on the camera itself. Some of the shots should have been more close up as well. However, having pointed out all of that, in my opinion, this is still a extremely valuable purchase and well worth the money.
Here’s what you get:
* “Special” cards needed
* “Photo Stickers”
* PDF of the photo sticker images
* PDF of a template for a “switch envelope”
* DVD:
o Multiple handling ideas
o 3 Bonus tricks
o An Easter Egg hidden menu with 3 additional variations by 3 other “mystery” magicians
All that for $30.00 bucks is a darn good deal. The DVD is very entertaining, and in between each section, there are funny gag-reel clips and Cameron being… well… Cameron… very funny stuff. The full effect is as follows: Spectator signs a card which is lost in the deck. The photo of the Aces is examined.
Magically, one of the Aces in the photograph turns face down… the Ace that matches the suit of the selection. The magi then claims that the face down card magically turned into the signed selection. To prove it, the spectator’s signed card is then visually pulled out of the photograph and handed to the spectator leaving a photograph with one of the cards now missing.
There are various methods of accomplishing this taught on the DVD. Some leave you clean at the end, some don’t. Some allow you to be clean in the beginning; some don’t. For the most part, you’ll have to be “dirty” either at the end or at the beginning. In the Easter Egg section, you’ll find some killer ideas on ending clean. My favorite handling came from this section.
I have not yet tested this with real spectators, however, this is the type of magic that working pros immediately will recognize as something that will get a great reaction. Some of the handling ideas use a switch envelope which can easily be made, and the DVD includes a download-able template for creating the switch envelope. Other methods do not require the switch envelope.
Regarding the bonus effects, “Reds” is awesome. I love it. It’s basically a four Ace production. However, the premise is that your deck is defective and it came with four black Aces instead of two red and two black. You then show the four black Aces to the audience. You then turn two of the Aces red, one at a time… very convincing handling. The best part is that you don’t need any extra cards… it can be done with a borrowed deck.
Here’s the short version of the effect: a photograph of a fan of cards (four aces) is shown and examined. One of the cards is visually plucked from and taken out of the photograph. There’s more, and there are multiple versions and handlings, but that’s the nutshell version… it’s extremely visual.
Although this is a Gem, and in my opinion is a valuable effect for close up workers, there are a couple of “could do better next time” items. Let’s get those out of the way first; then we’ll move on to the meat of the review.
Last April, I reviewed Cameron’s Omega Mutation DVD set produced by Big Blind Media. The production quality was top notch, the sound, music, lighting, editing, everything, so I was sort of expecting a similar production quality with Snapped. However, Snapped was not produced by Big Blind Media; it was produced by Full 52.
I don’t have any other DVDs by Full 52, so I don’t know if this is standard, but the lighting was pretty rough in quite a few spots on Snapped . There were a few sound issues as well. Cameron did not appear to be mic-ed, but rather they were using the mic on the camera itself. Some of the shots should have been more close up as well. However, having pointed out all of that, in my opinion, this is still a extremely valuable purchase and well worth the money.
Here’s what you get:
* “Special” cards needed
* “Photo Stickers”
* PDF of the photo sticker images
* PDF of a template for a “switch envelope”
* DVD:
o Multiple handling ideas
o 3 Bonus tricks
o An Easter Egg hidden menu with 3 additional variations by 3 other “mystery” magicians
All that for $30.00 bucks is a darn good deal. The DVD is very entertaining, and in between each section, there are funny gag-reel clips and Cameron being… well… Cameron… very funny stuff. The full effect is as follows: Spectator signs a card which is lost in the deck. The photo of the Aces is examined.
Magically, one of the Aces in the photograph turns face down… the Ace that matches the suit of the selection. The magi then claims that the face down card magically turned into the signed selection. To prove it, the spectator’s signed card is then visually pulled out of the photograph and handed to the spectator leaving a photograph with one of the cards now missing.
There are various methods of accomplishing this taught on the DVD. Some leave you clean at the end, some don’t. Some allow you to be clean in the beginning; some don’t. For the most part, you’ll have to be “dirty” either at the end or at the beginning. In the Easter Egg section, you’ll find some killer ideas on ending clean. My favorite handling came from this section.
I have not yet tested this with real spectators, however, this is the type of magic that working pros immediately will recognize as something that will get a great reaction. Some of the handling ideas use a switch envelope which can easily be made, and the DVD includes a download-able template for creating the switch envelope. Other methods do not require the switch envelope.
Regarding the bonus effects, “Reds” is awesome. I love it. It’s basically a four Ace production. However, the premise is that your deck is defective and it came with four black Aces instead of two red and two black. You then show the four black Aces to the audience. You then turn two of the Aces red, one at a time… very convincing handling. The best part is that you don’t need any extra cards… it can be done with a borrowed deck.
(Top ▲)
Cameron Francis’ SNAPPED! DVD – a Full52 production
The blurb:
Bring a Photograph to Life and Removed a Signed Selection from Inside!
The SNAPPED DVD includes two different approaches to Cameron's insanely commercial effect. Gaffs are included inside the box for 'SNAPPED' along with required cards and spare gaffs. The DVD also includes DVD-ROM content required for the second version – 'BIG SNAPPED'! In addition, the DVD features three amazing bonus card effects presented in Cameron's own, inimitable style!
PLUS: Unlock the Secret Hidden Menu and Access Amazing Alternate Handlings by Three Guest Magicians! All you have to do is find it!
You begin by removing a photograph of four Aces – your 'lucky' Aces – and having it examined. A card is selected and signed before begin buried back into the middle of the deck. You explain that the photo will reveal the suit of the selection. You give it a shake and the Ace of Hearts visibly turns face down in the picture! You proceed by PULLING A FULL SIZED PLAYING CARD OUT OF THE PHOTO leaving an empty space where it once was! The card is placed on a spectator's hand. You snap your fingers over it and the card is revealed to be the signed selection. This super commercial, off-beat effect is easy to do and VISUALLY STUNNING! Your spectators just won't know what hit them.
One receives the DVD (obviously), and inside is a ziplock baggie containing one set of gaffed cards (though nothing unusual to us magi folk) and two sets od SNAPPED! Stickers. Two?! Yes, and the reason why will become apparent later. A worthy mention are the PDFs containing the same set of photographs, giving you an essentially endless supply of gaffs.
SNAPPED! – Cameron’s handling
This versions is relatively easy and doesn’t require a table. Depending on the clean-up you use, reset is either really quick or almost-as-quick-just-not-quite. Very practical for walkaround or tablehopping performers, obviously.
Cameron mentions you can have the selection signed, but doesn’t come across as if he sees the need for it; neither do I, frankly. I don’t think it would significally enhance the effect, and it would also limit me to 12 performances before needing to change decks.
Big SNAPPED!
The exact same effect as SNAPPED!, but done with slightly bigger pictures (included as PDFs for you to print). The advantage, obviously, is that there’s no interference with your deck of cards. This employs a quite cheeky, and deceptive, switch envelope to make the magic, and this is where Full52’s dedication shines.
Cameron clearly shows and explains how to construct the envelope from a regulation size coin envelope. Dave noticed, however, that that particular style or size of envelopes isn’t as common in the UK (or Europe, for that matter). He has therefore included a PDF containing the template for the envelope, and then explains how to easily construct it from there. It’s literally a matter of print-cut-glue, and you’re done! OK, there’s some folding as well.
BONUS EFFECTS
MCM Smackdown - Long description, here we go: The performer tries to explain the difference between a mentalist, a card sharp, and a magician.
The mentalist, he explains, makes a prediction on a business card ( he does so), has a card selected (he does so), and then reveals that prediction and selection match (they do).
The card sharp, then, proceeds to cut to the mates of the selection (he does).
The magician, finally, puts each of the mates in a different pile, and makes them vanish from those piles and join the prediction ON THE BUSINESS CARD!
I found this a rather mixed bag: though clever, the routine is quite long, and I didn’t find the presentation quite as engaging.
Reds – the performer pulls out the four Aces from the pack, but there appears to be a problem: all four are black. The magician the proceeds to turn two of them into red Aces.
Obviously a great lead-in to any four Ace routine. A packet trick at its core, and quite a clean one; a normally discrepant count becomes copasetic by the very nature of the effect (i.e. two sets of the same card). Clever, and undoubtedly commercial.
The Bridge – As Cameron says, another approach to the Hofzinser problem on the same DVD. In order the selection (Ten of Spades), the performer uses the Aces to divine its suit. Naturally, the Spade turns face up. The remaining Aces are then cut, reversed, into the pack and trap the selection. Finally, in order to better the connections between Ace and Ten of Spades, the other Aces are turned into the King, Queen and Jack, producing a Royal Flush in Spades.
I have always considered the Hofzinser problem a trick for magicians. At some point in time, we all go looking for the most logical handling, or the one without duplicates, and a free selection is possible. I consider none of them to be very commercial, however, and I found this one a welcome change. Rather than a transposition (which makes little sense), a triple change occurs, concluding with a strong image – literally. I may just give this one a try.
ADDITIONAL HANDLINGS
*Confession: At first, I wasn’t able to find the hidden menu containing these three versions of SNAPPED!, and so I cheated by popping the DVD into my computer. Suffice it to say that the menu isn’t that difficult to find, you just need to try all your options.*
And now, for the unveiling of the three mystery performers (drumroll please): Dave Forrest (jee, didn’t see that one coming), Iain Moran and Steven (Stephen?) Tucker.
These apparently have been shot at the end of the shooting day for Stephen Tucker’s Twister Continuum DVD. After being shown the stickers by Dave, both Iain and Stephen came up with different versions of the effect.
SNAPPED! - Dave’s handling
Combining Iain’s setup (more on that later) and a move of Steve’s, Dave came up with a different way to produce Cameron’s effect. While still not very difficult, the production move appeared a bit angle sensitive to me (it also flashed quite a bit), and it requires a table (or other kind of surface). Although I liked the look of it, those conditions make it less appealing to me.
SNAPPED! - Iain’s handling
Both Iain (and Dave, as mentioned before) use a different configuration of the photographs than Cameron. This, I think, is the reason behind the inclusion of two sets of photographs: it allows the viewer to assemble his gaffs and get going right away without having to find stickers and print the photos first.
The big advantage to this configuration is the fact that it ends clean (or at least the final photograph does). However, because the back of the first photo has to be a card back, one loses either the “photograph” feel, or the examinability at the start (should one opt to leave the backside of the final picture blank).
For his handling, Iain uses Richard Kaufman’s Radical Change to pluck the selection from the photograph. Disclaimer: I am a HUGE fan of that move. The rest of the conditions is pretty much the same: no table required, and relatively easy to do. Schweeeeeeeeeeet!!
SNAPPED! - Steve’s handling
Sorry to say that I didn’t care for this version at all. In effect, a picture of four Aces appears amongst a packet of cards. Through several counts, the photograph changes, to where the Ace of Hearts (the selection) is face down, and finally into one where it has gone missing. To finish, the Ace of Hearts appears amongst the other – blank – cards.
- It’s a packet trick, but should be done after a spectator has ‘freely selected’ the Ace of Hearts. So yes, it still requires a full deck as well.
- It uses yet a third configuration. While not bad per se, I don’t feel that this version is worth the effort to make up another set.
- It’s incredibly discrepant. It’s unclear what the amount of cards should be (though four are shown during several counts along the way). The packet can’t be shown to be ordinary, and – by consequence – the first photo doesn’t appear by magic.
(I’d also like to mention that this ‘production’ takes away the “lucky aces” introduction.)
At the end, when the Ace is produced (same problem as before: no exposition of just blanks beforehand), the packet now consists of the Ace, three blanks, and the photo. For those keeping track, that makes five.
- The displacements of cards in between the counts come off as awkward.
- The biggest irk I have with this, is its (lack of) visuality. The Aces in the picture are relatively small. While not a problem in itself, constantly obscuring the view of the photo before any changes happen takes away the visual impact of the whole routine. Compare this to the other handlings, where the photo is in full view when the magic happens.
Steve calls it “a slight variation”. Sorry man, it’s entirely different altogether.
FINAL WORDS
A commercial routine, easy to do, fully in the hands, what more could you ask for? How about additional handlings and a lifetime supply of gaffs? Still not satisfied? Alright, we’ll throw in three additional effects!
Gawd, this sounds like one of those terrible infomercials, but I didn’t mean to.
Just get it already!!
The blurb:
Bring a Photograph to Life and Removed a Signed Selection from Inside!
The SNAPPED DVD includes two different approaches to Cameron's insanely commercial effect. Gaffs are included inside the box for 'SNAPPED' along with required cards and spare gaffs. The DVD also includes DVD-ROM content required for the second version – 'BIG SNAPPED'! In addition, the DVD features three amazing bonus card effects presented in Cameron's own, inimitable style!
PLUS: Unlock the Secret Hidden Menu and Access Amazing Alternate Handlings by Three Guest Magicians! All you have to do is find it!
You begin by removing a photograph of four Aces – your 'lucky' Aces – and having it examined. A card is selected and signed before begin buried back into the middle of the deck. You explain that the photo will reveal the suit of the selection. You give it a shake and the Ace of Hearts visibly turns face down in the picture! You proceed by PULLING A FULL SIZED PLAYING CARD OUT OF THE PHOTO leaving an empty space where it once was! The card is placed on a spectator's hand. You snap your fingers over it and the card is revealed to be the signed selection. This super commercial, off-beat effect is easy to do and VISUALLY STUNNING! Your spectators just won't know what hit them.
One receives the DVD (obviously), and inside is a ziplock baggie containing one set of gaffed cards (though nothing unusual to us magi folk) and two sets od SNAPPED! Stickers. Two?! Yes, and the reason why will become apparent later. A worthy mention are the PDFs containing the same set of photographs, giving you an essentially endless supply of gaffs.
SNAPPED! – Cameron’s handling
This versions is relatively easy and doesn’t require a table. Depending on the clean-up you use, reset is either really quick or almost-as-quick-just-not-quite. Very practical for walkaround or tablehopping performers, obviously.
Cameron mentions you can have the selection signed, but doesn’t come across as if he sees the need for it; neither do I, frankly. I don’t think it would significally enhance the effect, and it would also limit me to 12 performances before needing to change decks.
Big SNAPPED!
The exact same effect as SNAPPED!, but done with slightly bigger pictures (included as PDFs for you to print). The advantage, obviously, is that there’s no interference with your deck of cards. This employs a quite cheeky, and deceptive, switch envelope to make the magic, and this is where Full52’s dedication shines.
Cameron clearly shows and explains how to construct the envelope from a regulation size coin envelope. Dave noticed, however, that that particular style or size of envelopes isn’t as common in the UK (or Europe, for that matter). He has therefore included a PDF containing the template for the envelope, and then explains how to easily construct it from there. It’s literally a matter of print-cut-glue, and you’re done! OK, there’s some folding as well.
BONUS EFFECTS
MCM Smackdown - Long description, here we go: The performer tries to explain the difference between a mentalist, a card sharp, and a magician.
The mentalist, he explains, makes a prediction on a business card ( he does so), has a card selected (he does so), and then reveals that prediction and selection match (they do).
The card sharp, then, proceeds to cut to the mates of the selection (he does).
The magician, finally, puts each of the mates in a different pile, and makes them vanish from those piles and join the prediction ON THE BUSINESS CARD!
I found this a rather mixed bag: though clever, the routine is quite long, and I didn’t find the presentation quite as engaging.
Reds – the performer pulls out the four Aces from the pack, but there appears to be a problem: all four are black. The magician the proceeds to turn two of them into red Aces.
Obviously a great lead-in to any four Ace routine. A packet trick at its core, and quite a clean one; a normally discrepant count becomes copasetic by the very nature of the effect (i.e. two sets of the same card). Clever, and undoubtedly commercial.
The Bridge – As Cameron says, another approach to the Hofzinser problem on the same DVD. In order the selection (Ten of Spades), the performer uses the Aces to divine its suit. Naturally, the Spade turns face up. The remaining Aces are then cut, reversed, into the pack and trap the selection. Finally, in order to better the connections between Ace and Ten of Spades, the other Aces are turned into the King, Queen and Jack, producing a Royal Flush in Spades.
I have always considered the Hofzinser problem a trick for magicians. At some point in time, we all go looking for the most logical handling, or the one without duplicates, and a free selection is possible. I consider none of them to be very commercial, however, and I found this one a welcome change. Rather than a transposition (which makes little sense), a triple change occurs, concluding with a strong image – literally. I may just give this one a try.
ADDITIONAL HANDLINGS
*Confession: At first, I wasn’t able to find the hidden menu containing these three versions of SNAPPED!, and so I cheated by popping the DVD into my computer. Suffice it to say that the menu isn’t that difficult to find, you just need to try all your options.*
And now, for the unveiling of the three mystery performers (drumroll please): Dave Forrest (jee, didn’t see that one coming), Iain Moran and Steven (Stephen?) Tucker.
These apparently have been shot at the end of the shooting day for Stephen Tucker’s Twister Continuum DVD. After being shown the stickers by Dave, both Iain and Stephen came up with different versions of the effect.
SNAPPED! - Dave’s handling
Combining Iain’s setup (more on that later) and a move of Steve’s, Dave came up with a different way to produce Cameron’s effect. While still not very difficult, the production move appeared a bit angle sensitive to me (it also flashed quite a bit), and it requires a table (or other kind of surface). Although I liked the look of it, those conditions make it less appealing to me.
SNAPPED! - Iain’s handling
Both Iain (and Dave, as mentioned before) use a different configuration of the photographs than Cameron. This, I think, is the reason behind the inclusion of two sets of photographs: it allows the viewer to assemble his gaffs and get going right away without having to find stickers and print the photos first.
The big advantage to this configuration is the fact that it ends clean (or at least the final photograph does). However, because the back of the first photo has to be a card back, one loses either the “photograph” feel, or the examinability at the start (should one opt to leave the backside of the final picture blank).
For his handling, Iain uses Richard Kaufman’s Radical Change to pluck the selection from the photograph. Disclaimer: I am a HUGE fan of that move. The rest of the conditions is pretty much the same: no table required, and relatively easy to do. Schweeeeeeeeeeet!!
SNAPPED! - Steve’s handling
Sorry to say that I didn’t care for this version at all. In effect, a picture of four Aces appears amongst a packet of cards. Through several counts, the photograph changes, to where the Ace of Hearts (the selection) is face down, and finally into one where it has gone missing. To finish, the Ace of Hearts appears amongst the other – blank – cards.
- It’s a packet trick, but should be done after a spectator has ‘freely selected’ the Ace of Hearts. So yes, it still requires a full deck as well.
- It uses yet a third configuration. While not bad per se, I don’t feel that this version is worth the effort to make up another set.
- It’s incredibly discrepant. It’s unclear what the amount of cards should be (though four are shown during several counts along the way). The packet can’t be shown to be ordinary, and – by consequence – the first photo doesn’t appear by magic.
(I’d also like to mention that this ‘production’ takes away the “lucky aces” introduction.)
At the end, when the Ace is produced (same problem as before: no exposition of just blanks beforehand), the packet now consists of the Ace, three blanks, and the photo. For those keeping track, that makes five.
- The displacements of cards in between the counts come off as awkward.
- The biggest irk I have with this, is its (lack of) visuality. The Aces in the picture are relatively small. While not a problem in itself, constantly obscuring the view of the photo before any changes happen takes away the visual impact of the whole routine. Compare this to the other handlings, where the photo is in full view when the magic happens.
Steve calls it “a slight variation”. Sorry man, it’s entirely different altogether.
FINAL WORDS
A commercial routine, easy to do, fully in the hands, what more could you ask for? How about additional handlings and a lifetime supply of gaffs? Still not satisfied? Alright, we’ll throw in three additional effects!
Gawd, this sounds like one of those terrible infomercials, but I didn’t mean to.
Just get it already!!