Definition & Meaning of "front projection effect"

What is the "front projection effect"?

The front projection effect is a special effects technique used in film and photography to create the illusion that actors or objects are in a different location or environment. This technique involves projecting a pre-recorded image or background onto a reflective screen positioned behind the actors or objects. A beam splitter, which is a partially reflective mirror, is placed between the projector and the camera, in front of the actors. The projector, typically located off to the side, projects the background image onto the beam splitter, which then reflects it onto the screen behind the actors. The camera, positioned behind the beam splitter, captures both the actors and the reflected background in the same shot, creating the illusion that the actors are in the projected environment, seamlessly blending them with the background.