The world of entertainment has always sought new ways of impressing and engaging the public. Since the Ancient Theatre times, special effects have always played an essential part in a show. Over the centuries, these effects have constantly evolved, becoming more and more realistic – as we can see today with holograms. Entertainment is based on magic, on spectacular scenes, on stage illusions – just think of prestidigitation, levitation and camouflage tricks, and of shadow games. Today, these effects seem rather outdated, especially when compared with modern technologies such as holographic creations. These techniques are bound to change not only the world of entertainment but also many other fields, including business and politics.
However, even the ultra-modern 3D holograms are based on tricks and illusions from the past. For example, the Holographic Theatre (IceMagic), developed by Studio Tangram, presents features inspired by Victorian Theatre and its Pepper’s ghost. This technique was invented by John Henry Pepper, who was himself inspired by 16th-century Italian philosopher and alchemist Giovanni Battista Della Porta. Pepper’s ghost uses glass slabs (now replaced by Plexiglas) and light tricks in order to reflect images that, through a careful study of angles, appear realistic and clearly visible, resembling a ghost. The Pepper’s ghost technique was later used in the cinema for character transformations and for light and shadow games.
Even our holographic creations use special effects and a skilful combination of light and images. With Telepresence (IceNet), Digital Resurrection or other holographic shows, the graphic elaboration of the three-dimensional figures is only one of the aspects that contribute to a truly effective scenic illusion. When lights, background and scenery are well combined, the 3D holograms are even more vivid and realistic. And this can be applied to various projects, in different locations and settings. Beside our Holographic Theatre (IceMagic), Studio Tangram has developed a range of holographic products suitable for smaller locations (such as retail points and showrooms) without affecting their visual resolution.