Fun
FAQs & Helpful Hints
Fire
& Smoke: A Book Review
In
addition to providing information about a wide range of pyrotechnic
products and devices, the book "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 performer
appears 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 many
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 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 is 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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Theatre Effects Customer Service Department
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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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