Thread: Alternative To FCG...

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Anyone actually set up a ghost effect similar to the fcg, but using an actor? I just created a ghost effect by making a white dress with tule that a fan underneath the actor would blow up creating a "floating" effect. A black light and two red lights complete the illusion. Just wondering if anyone has created something similar. Would love advice or suggestions. I will post video if it is requested.

That looks cool, but I'm not too good with some of the terminology, I just learned that FCG meant Flying Crank Ghost So...actor...I'm asuming not a real person. Help please?

Yup, an actor is a real person. Austin, that would be a sweet effect. You would have to have a comfortable harness. You could do a big cantelever system that would be behind the actor, and the rig painted black so that it's hard to see in the dark. Then if you dressed the actor in the clothing that you mentioned and painted their skin with blacklight paint.......oh yeah.....sweet. Have it balanced so that a tiny push-off with the toes would send the actor floating for several seconds.......see, now you got me thinkin'.

I think what you're looking for is what's known as an FCG puppet. There is a how-to for one on the Monster List and I think there was a thread on one awhile ago. I don't have the link at the moment but i'll see if I can dig it up.

Basically, the FCG puppet is an FCG mounted to a harness worn by the actor. He controls the arms using slender poles. The actor and harness are blacked out with black clothes and flat black paint. When used under a black light they are very hard to see.

We've used this effect in our haunt the last couple of years and it is hilarious! We have a regular FCG earlier on and then comes the actor. People see it a go 'Cool, just like the other one." and then it comes flying after them! Here's a coupla pics of the actor with and without the black light.





This was before we tattered the cheeseclothe. He looks the same as the other static ghosts along side now. It's a wonderful effect!

It is a VERY cool effect! I've seen it before, and it really can spook you. I don't think that's what Austin had in mind, but I think the puppet is a much better and scary effect.

Live actor? Thats sounds really cool. Than they could move in really cool motions. that would look awsome in a window!

Lewlew.... we did that same thing a couple years ago....
If you paint the skull and arms highghlights with Rit whitener that has water added to it to make a paste, then the skull and arms would glow too. Works GREAT.

Even the chest bones can be painted.......

Originally Posted by Lynn

Lewlew.... we did that same thing a couple years ago....
If you paint the skull and arms highghlights with Rit whitener that has water added to it to make a paste, then the skull and arms would glow too. Works GREAT.

The head and arms showed up a little better than in the pics. Our second year of using the puppet we did just that. Painted it with a wash of RIT.
I use the dye rather than dry mix and cut it with water. By avoiding some areas it gives a great 3-D effect.

Yes, it is a great this.... glows sooooo bright !