Musion Eyeliner
Encyclopedia
The Musion Eyeliner is a modern commercial variation of a stage illusion
called Pepper's ghost
, using high definition video projection or LED screens to allow moving images to appear within a live stage setting.
The system works by placing thin metallised film across the front of the stage at angle of 45 degrees towards the audience; recessed below the screen is a bright image supplied by an LED screen or powerful projector. When viewed from the audience's perspective, the reflected images appear to be on the stage. The inventor of the system is Uwe Maass.
The fact that the system uses a thin film as its reflective surface brings both advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include that the film is relatively low-cost, light-weight, and can cover a large area without seams (thus helping maintain the illusion); disadvantages include that the screen's light weight can make it move in the presence of moving air (such as wind outdoors, or powerful sound systems indoors).
The system's effect is described by the company Musion Systems Ltd. as "3-dimensional" and "holographic", though strict definitions of these terms might discriminate between this simple one camera/one projector illusion and more complex methods requiring two or more light paths as seen in conventional stereoscopic projection or diffraction-based holograms.
The technology involved is the subject of a US patent application.
also utilize the technology for any of their 'live' events, due to the lead singer, Lumi, who appears in the group's animated music videos, being a fictional character.
The 2009 tour of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds
used a Musion Eyeliner system which projected an image of Richard Burton
's face in the role of the Journalist.
Musion holographic projections have also been made for product launches such as the Toyota Auris car and an LG phone launch in which the technology was used to provide a stage illusion for magician David Blaine. In 2010 holographic animation specialists SquareZero successfully recreated two performances by people who have been deceased for a number of years. The first was Paul Arden - a former creative director of Saatchi and Saatchi who appeared to talk at the Cannes Lions advertising festival. Also using digital techniques they recreated Frank Sinatra who performed Pennies from Heaven for the birthday of Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell.
Stage illusions
Stage illusions are large-scale magic tricks. As the name implies, stage illusions are distinct from all other types of magic in that they are performed a considerable distance away from the audience, usually on a stage, in order to maintain the illusion....
called Pepper's ghost
Pepper's ghost
Pepper's ghost is an illusionary technique used in theatre and in some magic tricks. Using a plate glass and special lighting techniques, it can make objects seem to appear or disappear, transparent, or make one object seem to morph into another...
, using high definition video projection or LED screens to allow moving images to appear within a live stage setting.
The system works by placing thin metallised film across the front of the stage at angle of 45 degrees towards the audience; recessed below the screen is a bright image supplied by an LED screen or powerful projector. When viewed from the audience's perspective, the reflected images appear to be on the stage. The inventor of the system is Uwe Maass.
The fact that the system uses a thin film as its reflective surface brings both advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include that the film is relatively low-cost, light-weight, and can cover a large area without seams (thus helping maintain the illusion); disadvantages include that the screen's light weight can make it move in the presence of moving air (such as wind outdoors, or powerful sound systems indoors).
The system's effect is described by the company Musion Systems Ltd. as "3-dimensional" and "holographic", though strict definitions of these terms might discriminate between this simple one camera/one projector illusion and more complex methods requiring two or more light paths as seen in conventional stereoscopic projection or diffraction-based holograms.
The technology involved is the subject of a US patent application.
Applications
Applications of the technology include tele-conferencing and mixed-media entertainment and educational events. Its most famous usage may be that at the Live Earth conference, or the later concerts of the band Gorillaz where it was used to allow the band's cartoon musicians to join the actual musicians on stage. The Genki RocketsGenki Rockets
is a virtual band. The group consists of Tetsuya Mizuguchi, Kenji Tamai and Lumi. The face of the group is 18-year old Lumi, a fictional girl who was born in space on September 11, 2037, and has never been to Earth....
also utilize the technology for any of their 'live' events, due to the lead singer, Lumi, who appears in the group's animated music videos, being a fictional character.
The 2009 tour of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds is a 1978 concept album by Jeff Wayne, retelling the story of The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. Its format is progressive rock and string orchestra, using narration and leitmotifs to carry the story via rhyming melodic lyrics that express...
used a Musion Eyeliner system which projected an image of Richard Burton
Richard Burton
Richard Burton, CBE was a Welsh actor. He was nominated seven times for an Academy Award, six of which were for Best Actor in a Leading Role , and was a recipient of BAFTA, Golden Globe and Tony Awards for Best Actor. Although never trained as an actor, Burton was, at one time, the highest-paid...
's face in the role of the Journalist.
Musion holographic projections have also been made for product launches such as the Toyota Auris car and an LG phone launch in which the technology was used to provide a stage illusion for magician David Blaine. In 2010 holographic animation specialists SquareZero successfully recreated two performances by people who have been deceased for a number of years. The first was Paul Arden - a former creative director of Saatchi and Saatchi who appeared to talk at the Cannes Lions advertising festival. Also using digital techniques they recreated Frank Sinatra who performed Pennies from Heaven for the birthday of Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell.