Marco Tempest Soars on YouTube

Illusionist Marco Tempest, best known for his cutting-edge magic that combines conjuring and high technology, is now making his presence known on the internet.

Tempest has recorded and posted a series of "PhoneCam" videos-uncut, unedited footage that was shot via a cell phone and features a magic trick or optical illusion-onto YouTube. Beyond the usual web surfers who have watched and rated his videos, Tempest’s work has caught the attention of CNN and NBC's "Tonight" show.

I commend Tempest for his considerable ability to innovate and use the internet to gain lots of coverage and publicity. His most recent video depicts Tempest wearing his cell phone on his hat and somehow passing underneath a moving pickup truck. If you want to see how it was done, there’s an accompanying video that shows the clever work behind the footage.

My favorite Tempest video is "PhoneCam Magic #8 - Proximity. I also enjoyed PhoneCam Magic #7 - Stand Up and PhoneCam Magic #1 - The Umbrella.

According to his website, Marco Tempest was one of several video artists recently invited by the U.N. to create special internet videos in support of the organization's "Stand Up for Poverty Campaign." He was joined by Jessica Lee Rose, the teenage actress who plays Bree in Lonelygirl15. "When you stand up, things start to happen," says Tempest. "Just like magic."