Cinematography technique · used in 1 film

Acting to Absent Partners

Shooting an actor against empty air, with the other performer added later. The actor has to play to someone who is not there.

Examples

Where you can see it

  1. The Frighteners (1996) poster

    The Frighteners

    Peter Jackson · 1996

    The ghost scenes were shot twice, once with the human actors on set and once with the ghost actors against a blue screen. Actors had to deliver lines to empty air. When Frank talks to a ghost in a room full of people, the effect is that he looks strange to everyone but you.

    Where to see it: Lynskey house job: Frank speaks to his ghost partners, who only he can see, while the living people in the room see him talking to nothing.

Questions

Quick answers

What is acting to absent partners in film?
Shooting an actor against empty air, with the other performer added later. The actor has to play to someone who is not there.
Which films use acting to absent partners?
The Frighteners (1996).
What kind of technique is acting to absent partners?
It is a cinematography technique. Related cinematography techniques include Photorealistic CGI Pioneering, Real Locations as Character, Handheld Cinema Vérité.