Fun
FAQs & Helpful Hints
MG04
Flint Flasher
There
are times when you may need to create a pyrotechnic effect, but
for some reason cannot use a standard flash pot or cartridge. Your
special effects budget, the size of venue, local laws or other limitations
can definitely put a kink in your pyrotechnic plans. At times like
these, handheld devices will often work where larger devices are,
for whatever reason, inappropriate.
The Flint Flasher is a great example of a handheld device that can
"stand in" for a larger device quite nicely. Say your
effect calls for the entrance of a wizard, ghost or other magical
type. Give the performer a Flint Flasher loaded with a piece of
flash cotton that has been coated with Electric Sparkle Additive.
In darkness, the performer enters and strikes the flint wheel, igniting
the flash cotton and creating a quick burst of orange flame with
white, crackling sparkles. Immediately bring lights up on the performer
and, hey presto, magical appearance!
If you're like me, you know that the real fun at Halloween is not
had by the trick-or-treaters but by those of us giving out the treats...and
tricks. The "magical appearance" described above can be
easily worked into a spooky trick-or-treat scene. Imagine, the kids
approach your darkened porch and the door opens onto an even darker
interior. "Too dark for you?" asks a creepy voice, "Here's
a little light..." At which point you ignite the Flint Flasher,
followed by a strobe light, black light, or even your porch light.
The burst of flame followed by the lights heightens the overall
effect, and virtually ensures a good shriek or two.
What's great about using the Flint Flasher is that you can create
a spectacular looking effect without the expense or hazards of using
larger flash devices. For scenes where the effect will occur close
to other performers or the audience, a smaller effect is desirable.
Also, the handheld device gives control of the effect to the performer,
rather than an offstage technician. This not only allows the performer
complete control over the timing of the effect, but also may increase
safety as the performer can see more than somebody "backstage"
might.
(Safety Note: The Flint Flasher can be
safely used in close proximity to trick-or-treaters when it's just
loaded with Flash Cotton. However, when Electric Sparkle Additive
is also used, then care must be taken to insure that sparks do not
land on furniture, carpet, trick-or-treaters, etc.)
*********************************************
Theatre Effects Customer Service Department
service@theatrefx.com
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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