Pasin Thanasin
Abstract :
The Pepper’s Ghost project combines cutting-edge digital animation with traditional optical illusion techniques to tell the heartwarming story of Koho, a tiny creature’s mission to save a firefly trapped inside a bottle. This immersive experience fuses physical 3D-printed miniatures with animated characters projected into the scene, creating a seamless interaction between the two worlds. The story centers on the tiny creature, which discovers a firefly caught within a glass bottle. Driven by compassion, the creature embarks on a journey to set the firefly free, navigating obstacles along the way. The glowing firefly, a symbol of hope and freedom, plays a crucial role in the narrative, acting as both a catalyst for the story and the emotional anchor for the audience.
The project utilizes the Pepper’s Ghost illusion, an optical effect where images are projected onto a reflective surface at a 45-degree angle, creating the illusion of floating, ghostly projections. By carefully positioning this reflective surface between the animated elements and the resin-printed miniatures, the animation appears to interact with the physical environment. The digital character movements and the glowing firefly interact naturally with the surrounding miniatures making the characters appear to exist within the real-world scene.
The animation of the tiny creature and firefly is rendered with special attention to detail, creating fluid movements and an ethereal glow effect for the firefly. The 3D-printed miniatures, designed with high resolution, provide a tactile, realistic environment that enhances the illusion. Together, the physical and digital elements work in harmony to transport the viewer into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur.
This project not only showcases the artistic potential of Pepper’s Ghost illusions but also demonstrates the power of blending traditional illusion techniques with modern technologies like 3D animation and resin printing, creating an emotionally engaging experience that captivates and inspires the audience.
Objectives :
The objective of this Pepper’s Ghost project is to create an immersive visual storytelling experience that combines illusion technology with an emotional narrative. The project aims to utilize the Pepper’s Ghost effect to bring to life the story of Koho, a tiny creature on a courageous journey to save a trapped firefly. By leveraging the reflective illusion technique, the project seeks to create a magical, ethereal atmosphere where the characters appear to exist between reality and fantasy, enhancing audience engagement and emotional connection.
This project also aims to explore the symbolic themes of hope, resilience, and kindness. The firefly represents a fading light struggling to survive, while Koho embodies the idea that even the smallest efforts can lead to significant change. By crafting a visually stunning and meaningful experience, the project encourages viewers to appreciate acts of compassion, no matter how small.
Furthermore, this project seeks to demonstrate the artistic and technical possibilities of Pepper’s Ghost, showcasing its effectiveness in storytelling, stage design, and immersive art installations. Through a combination of creative direction, lighting, and carefully designed visual effects, the illusion will enhance the depth and realism of the narrative, making it a captivating experience for audiences.
Ultimately, this project serves as both an artistic expression and a technical exploration, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling by blending classic illusion techniques with modern visual art.
Conceptual Framework :
The Pepper’s Ghost project is grounded in the integration of illusion technology, visual storytelling, and emotional engagement. At its core, the project employs the Pepper’s Ghost effect, a classic optical illusion technique, to create a holographic-like display that brings the story to life. The illusion is achieved through a carefully positioned reflective surface that allows projected imagery to appear as though it is floating in a real-world environment.
The narrative framework is built around the journey of Koho, a tiny creature determined to rescue a trapped firefly. This storyline symbolizes perseverance, hope, and kindness, reflecting deeper themes of empathy and resilience. The firefly, whose glow is fading inside a glass bottle, represents a struggling light in need of help, while Koho embodies the power of small but meaningful acts of bravery.
The artistic and technical aspects of the project work in tandem to enhance viewer immersion. Lighting design, animation, and transparency control are critical elements in shaping the illusion’s effectiveness. The interplay between physical and projected elements ensures that the audience experiences a seamless fusion of reality and fantasy.
This conceptual framework supports the project’s goals of blending traditional illusion techniques with modern storytelling methods, creating an engaging, visually captivating experience that evokes emotion and wonder.
Process / Methodology :
1. Concept Development & Storyboarding
-Define the Narrative: Develop the story of Koho,a tiny creature attempting to save a trapped firefly. Identify key emotional moments and interactions.
– Sketch Storyboards: Plan the visual composition and movements in both the animated and physical space.
– Design the Environment: Separate elements into two categories:
– Physical Miniatures: Objects like miniature landscape, or furniture that will exist in the real-world setup.
– Digital Animation: Koho, the glowing firefly, and any other ghostly effects projected via Pepper’s Ghost.
2. 3D Modeling & Animation
3D Modeling for Animation
– Model Characters & Animated Elements: Use software Maya to create 3D models
– Texturing & Lighting
– Rigging & Animation
3D Modeling for Miniature Printing
– Model Miniature Assets: Design static objects such as environment, or props using Zbrush and Maya software.
– Optimize for 3D Printing
– Export & Slice for Printing: Convert models to STL/OBJ format and prepare them in slicing software.
3. 3D Printing & Physical Assembly
– Print Miniature Elements: Use an resin printer to fabricate the miniatures.
– Post-Processing: Sand, paint, and assemble the printed objects to match the aesthetic of the animation.
– Scene Setup: Arrange the printed elements in a display that aligns with the projected animation.
4. Preparing for the Pepper’s Ghost Illusion
– Render 3D Animation: Export the animated characters with a black background
– Flip the Animation: horizontally flip the footage to align properly in the reflective illusion.
– Adjust Brightness & Contrast: Ensure glowing elements are bright enough to stand out against the dark scene.
5. Setting Up the Pepper’s Ghost Effect
– Prepare the Reflective Surface: Position glass sheet at a 45-degree angle between the physical miniatures and the audience.
– Place the Display Device: Use a monitor over the reflective surface to project the animation.
6. Testing & Refinements
– Calibrate the Illusion: Adjust angles, brightness, and animation timing to ensure a realistic effect.
– Fine-Tune Animation Sync: Ensure movements of the animated creature align naturally with the physical scene.
Techniques and Materials :
Techniques
1. 3D Animation Techniques
– 3D Modeling
– Rigging & Animation
– Rendering
– Mirroring the Animation
2. 3D Resin Printing Techniques
– Modeling Miniatures for 3D Printing
– Post-Processing: wash the models in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) , Sand and smooth the models, Painting and Detailing
3. Pepper’s Ghost Illusion Setup
– Reflective Surface:
– Projector Setup:
– Lighting Control:
– Environmental Setup:
Materials
1. For 3D Animation & Projection
– 3D Software: Maya, Zbrush
– Projector/Display: Computer monitor
2. For 3D Resin Printing & Miniature Crafting
– 3D Resin Printer: Phrozen 8KS
– Resin: Phrozen 8K Resin
– Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
– UV curing station
– Sandpaper, acrylic paint
– Fine brushes and masking tape
3. For the Pepper’s Ghost Illusion Setup
– A special glass
– Frame Box
– LED lights.
Result / Conclusion :
The final result of the Pepper’s Ghost project, integrating 3D animation with 3D resin-printed miniatures, is a captivating and visually stunning illusion that effectively merges the physical and digital worlds. The project successfully brings the narrative of the tiny creature attempting to save the firefly to life, offering an immersive and magical experience for viewers.
The project was successful in achieving the desired illusion and effect, merging digital animation with the physical world in a seamless and magical way. The interaction between the animated tiny creature, the glowing firefly, and the resin-printed miniatures resulted in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience, highlighting the power of combining traditional illusion techniques with modern 3D printing and animation. The Pepper’s Ghost technique enhanced the storytelling, creating an immersive, almost otherworldly atmosphere where the lines between reality and fantasy blurred.
References :
TPMvids. (2019, May 13). Top 10 Disney Secrets, Illusions & Tricks Explained – Walt Disney World & Disneyland [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s61R31LNI5s&t=313s
