Fun
FAQs & Helpful Hints
Special
Effects With Fire & Smoke
In
addition to providing information about a wide range of pyrotechnic
products and devices, "Special Effects with Fire & Smoke"
can also serve as inspiration for directors faced with creating
magical effects in their productions. Chapters two and eight, in
particular, list many devices which an imaginative director or technician
could use on stage; either as-built or with minor adaptations. One
of the most versatile devices covered in the book is also one of
our most popular products, the Electronic Flash Gun.
Basically, the flash gun is a battery-operated device that ignites
flash paper. The effect it produces is one of a ball of fire shooting
across the stage. The gun is designed to be palmed and is virtually
unnoticeable on stage. This maximizes the effect, as the performers
appear to shoot fire from their fingertips. Any director who has
worked on "The Wizard of Oz" will immediately see the
benefit of this handy little device. There is a scene in the play
in which the Wicked Witch terrorizes the Scarecrow by tossing a
ball of fire at him. With the flash gun, it is possible to achieve
this effect, with a real fireball, and do it safely.
The basic principle of the flash gun has also been applied to other
types of props and devices. There are double-shooting flash guns
which allow the performer to produce two fireballs without having
to reload the device. Flash wands, as the name implies, are magic
wands with one or two flash guns inside. There are also parts kits
available for the enterprising technician who wants to build a flash
effect into a specific prop for a show. These Universal Flash Kits,
along with some inspiration from "Special Effects with Fire
& Smoke" can provide an unlimited variety of magic wands
and staffs, fire-breathing props, exploding gizmos and other fantastic
effects.
In addition to providing inspiration for effects, "Special
Effects with Fire & Smoke" also covers, in detail, how
to use pyrotechnic devices safely. Issues such as loading the effect,
pre-testing, and even checking local laws regarding the use of pyrotechnics
are all covered in the book. Shipping, transportation and storage
of various compounds are also covered. The importance of safety
and responsibility in the use of any pyrotechnic device cannot be
overstated, and this book goes a long way towards helping "newbies"
to the world of pyro start off on the right foot.
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www.theatrefx.com
Theatre Effects, 642 Frederick St., Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: 1-800-791-7646 or 301-791-7646 Fax: 301-791-7719 *********************************************
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