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"Pepper's Ghost" is the name for a very old stage illusion that makes ghost-like images appear to coexist with real-life people and objects. Magicians have been using it for hundreds of years and it's still in-use today at theme parks and stage shows. Originally, it was accomplished with live actors, illuminated and hidden away from the audience. With modern projection and flat screen technology, it's even more complex and realistic. Production companies use it to bring performers like Tupac and Michael Jackson back to life onstage.
It doesn't have to be complicated to make your own "Pepper's Ghost" effect. All you need is an illuminated screen or object, something like a piece of clear plastic to capture the reflection, and maybe some creative set-dressing to complete the illusion.
https://youtu.be/WsQtKkRE8ss?t=315
The most famous example of Pepper's Ghost is probably Disney's " The Haunted Mansion" attraction. The ride uses the effect a few different ways, but the ballroom scene filled with ghosts is the highlight. More recently, Disney attractions have used advanced versions of Pepper’s Ghost that blend animatronics, reflection effects, and realtime CGI to enhance the experience.
The way that I make Pepper’s Ghost’s is a little different. I usually use a flat panel display as a source image and some sort of round vessel to contain it. I experiment with moving the image from the container into other screens and back. However, the core principal of the reflection illusion is essentially the same as traditional Pepper’s Ghost effects.
Diagram for a Pepper’s Ghost effect in a bell jar
Ellingson Pepper’s Ghost Demos and Features at Make Magazine