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Permalink Reply by Erich Friend on September 21, 2010 at 8:01am

One-way or Two-way, these mirror films are called both, where one side has a mirror and the other side can see through. A 15% type mirror will usually suffice. This can usually be done with a mirrored window tint film that you can apply to a sheet of acrylic (plexiglas, perspex, etc.). Much like doing a reveal with a scrim, the key is controlling the light levels on the two sides of the mirror. Bright light on the subjects behind the mirror with minimal light shining on the face of the mirror will reveal the scene behind the mirror. Kill the light behind the mirror and bring-up the front scene lighting and the mirror looks 'normal'.

You have to be careful where the mirror faces as the audience doesn't want to see the rigging, lighting catwalk, or themselves; and the angles of the stage light on the mirror can be important, too, so you don't get odd-ball reflections.

Using an exclusionary gobo to not light the mirror, but light the area around the mirror, can help the effect, too.

A flat-screen video monitor can be revealed this way, also. If you don't have space or a good way to light the behind the mirror area, or can't get good lighting angles on the person behind the mirror, then you can make a video recording of them and play it back on-cue. If you place the monitor in 'portrait' orientation, then just rotate the camera on it's side to make the recording. Added bonus: The actor can talk to a version of themselves that may have different make-up or clothing. For comedic break you can insert commercials....

You can also use hologram film to create a bit of a 3D look, but the area of viewers that will perceive this is limited, so it may only be practical for a video/film shoot.

Permalink Reply by David R. Whitney on September 21, 2010 at 9:16am

Check out the post on Two-Way Mirrors from a few days ago; I gave a suggestion on how to achieve this effect there.
http://www.theatreface.com/group/technicaldirection/forum/topics/tw...

Permalink Reply by Thespian Troupe 4848 on September 22, 2010 at 5:14am

Thanks!

Permalink Reply by David Kramer on September 24, 2010 at 9:24pm

Hi,

When I directed The Who's Tommy we used a half-silvered mirror for the a moire We purchased it from a local auto glass/mirror shop and it accomplished all you're looking for. If I remember correctly, the cost on Long Island, NY was about $500 for the wardrobe size glass. Hope this helps.

David