This is a story about one of the first examples of a sundial, found in the Temple of Apollo in Pompeii. This exhibit is essentially a video Pepper's Ghost. A model, located behind a semi-transparent mirror, can be seen through a viewing window. Images on video monitors, hidden in the casework, are reflected in the mirror and are seen overlaid in the model as if they are part of the model.

We started off with archeological data, found on the internet and an artist impression provided by the Observatory. Using 3D studio, we designed a 3D model of the temple, and supplied the client with a rendered copy for their approval. After some minor modifications, the model was ready for manufacturing. We used our 3D printer (rapid prototyping machine) to build the model in sections, and a total of over 1000 printing hours later we had a model that measures 36" deep and 24" wide. Our model builder was then let loose on the result to turn it into a work of art.

The filming of the characters was done in our warehouse, turned into a studio for a few days. The output of the video camera was fed into the peppers ghost box, with the monitors arranged into the right place, so that the actors could be directed to move around the set correctly with the director seeing them in the pepper's ghost during the filming process.