David Copperfield told some very confidential secrets for some magic tricks in the film, so confidential that he had them sign secrecy contracts.
Don Scardino insisted that the over-the-top illusions be entirely shot with practical special effects. Magician David Copperfield served as an advisor for those scenes, and they were accomplished using practical effects.
"The Amazing Burt & Anton" are based partly on Siegfried Fischbacher & Roy Horn, a flashy pair of magicians who headlined at a Las Vegas casino for over a decade. The character of Lucius Belvedere with his continual tiger injuries is also a nod to this duo, as a tiger attack is what ultimately ended Siegfried & Roy's show.
Jim Carrey's character Steve Gray is said to be a combination of Criss Angel and David Blaine. Blaine is famous for his real world endurance stunts and Angel for his over the top punk rock style of magic. Angel also served as one of the film's consultants.