[victor-eyd]

So I've been doing some reading about the story of the Hatbox Ghost at HM and after seeing the history, in room videos, and other assorted tidbits I wondered if I could make a Hatbox Ghost? So far, this is what I've come up with. Its free to download and if you need a better quality, just pm me and I'll send you one. Its crude but I think its a decent attempt at this really cool prop.

The original file was only 7 seconds long. Using MS Movie Maker 2012 I was able to stretch it to 30+ seconds, a much better file to work with. There's no audio, btw. The animation was created using Anime Studio Pro 7, and I sourced the image from Google.

This mp4 file should work with most/all projectors. Since the only movements are the eyes and the fading, set up your projected space, simply press pause a few seconds in, and trace where the heads would be projected. From there build your suit, hat, hatbox and test to see if it works.

Enjoy and feel free to provide suggestions

Victor

 

[victor-eyd]

Thanks for the input. The projection solves a timing problem, as when to turn off the main head and then illuminate the hat box head. This is probably what doomed the original HBG setup back in the 60's, that the delay from turning off/on the main head never quite synced with the hat box off/on illumination. The newer update now at HM also uses projection, but with fancier animations and animatronics that allow the projector to move with the head as it swivels.

With this projection, I can manipulate the fading of the hatbox head to the main head and time the sequence better. Again, its a first iteration.

Victor

 

[victor-eyd]

1st test:

Picture lifted from google and using photoshop replace original face with black or grey background. Altered size for projection, about 6" x 3" image on 8.5x11 paper.

Projector is an Optoma PK201 pico projector with 20 lumens. Midday lighting in office.

For starters, it projects fine on black colored paper. The image is crisp and clear. Its easy to alter the location of the hatbox but overall, the concept works. Now debating whether to go with a flat cardboard or a more 3 dimensional look or a combo. Either way, I like how its turning out

 

[victor-eyd]

Very nice work Z. I see that you've also spread the heads a little farther apart. Nice

Victor