Production is a principal category of magical effect in which the magician causes an object, creature, or person to appear seemingly from nothing, defying logical explanation. Production encompasses effects such as conjuring a rabbit from an empty hat, producing a fan of cards from thin air, or making a dove materialize from a silk scarf. Production is distinguished by the illusion of spontaneous appearance, often utilizing empty or transparent spaces to heighten the sense of impossibility.

Production effects rely on a blend of sleight of hand, misdirection, mechanical devices, and specially constructed props to create the perception that matter has materialized where none existed. The psychological impact of production is amplified by the audience’s conviction that the space or container was previously empty. Production is recognized as one of the foundational types of magic effects, alongside vanish, transformation, restoration, and others, and remains a hallmark of both close-up and stage magic. The technical execution of production demands precise timing, choreography, and mastery of concealment to ensure the illusion remains unbroken.