Atmospheric Effects have
traditionally accounted for the largest
proportion of day to day special effects work. It
is also probably the least noticed, unless it is
done poorly.
Successful atmospheric effects require two things, experience and the right equipment for the job. Any type of fog, smoke, steam, rain, snow or wind effect can be successfully created with the minimum of fuss and crew inconvenience by experienced technicians working with the proper equipment.
Successful atmospheric effects require two things, experience and the right equipment for the job. Any type of fog, smoke, steam, rain, snow or wind effect can be successfully created with the minimum of fuss and crew inconvenience by experienced technicians working with the proper equipment.
Fog - Smoke - Steam
Successful smoke effects depend upon the correct selection of smoke source to match the application. For example, a haze; for enhancing light beams and creating an atmosphere on a stage, is best achieved with a "cracker"but you must be sure that the machine that you use satisfies current Health & Safety legislation and doesn't cause any unpleasant or harmful side effects. Many types of cracker are now illegal in most countries and even the ones that satisfy safety regulations are subject to strict exposure limits. Special Effects UK stock 'Cirrolite' crackers that have long exposure levels and are a favourite with many D.O.P's.
We stock many other types of smoke machine; from small hand-held machines for local and foreground applications to trailer mounted steam boilers. Special Effects UK were the first to use a system for monitoring smoke levels on set, and are currently developing an automated laser monitoring system. This system was originally designed for composites but proved to be very useful for continuity as the eye's perception of smoke density changes and adapts over time.
Successful smoke effects depend upon the correct selection of smoke source to match the application. For example, a haze; for enhancing light beams and creating an atmosphere on a stage, is best achieved with a "cracker"but you must be sure that the machine that you use satisfies current Health & Safety legislation and doesn't cause any unpleasant or harmful side effects. Many types of cracker are now illegal in most countries and even the ones that satisfy safety regulations are subject to strict exposure limits. Special Effects UK stock 'Cirrolite' crackers that have long exposure levels and are a favourite with many D.O.P's.
We stock many other types of smoke machine; from small hand-held machines for local and foreground applications to trailer mounted steam boilers. Special Effects UK were the first to use a system for monitoring smoke levels on set, and are currently developing an automated laser monitoring system. This system was originally designed for composites but proved to be very useful for continuity as the eye's perception of smoke density changes and adapts over time.
Snow
You may have seen snow scenes that look less than convincing on screen. It is not difficult to achieve a good snow effect given sufficient preparation and attention to detail.
There are many materials and combinations that can be used for snow; salt, foam, paper, potato flakes, soap and magnesium sulphate are some of the materials that can be used depending upon the scene.
Environmental considerations have to be taken as a lot of these materials are damaging in the quantities normally required for a large snow scene, therefore it is important to seek expert advice before shooting.
You may have seen snow scenes that look less than convincing on screen. It is not difficult to achieve a good snow effect given sufficient preparation and attention to detail.
There are many materials and combinations that can be used for snow; salt, foam, paper, potato flakes, soap and magnesium sulphate are some of the materials that can be used depending upon the scene.
Environmental considerations have to be taken as a lot of these materials are damaging in the quantities normally required for a large snow scene, therefore it is important to seek expert advice before shooting.
Wind
We have an excellent range of fans and wind machines to suit any application, Apart from the usual fans that you would expect an effects dept to carry, we have also built 'silent' electric fans, used when shooting dialogue .
The need for high powered fans that can be used inside a stage has prompted us to build some very powerful electric fans, almost a match for their engine driven counterparts but quieter and with no exhaust emissions.
We have an excellent range of fans and wind machines to suit any application, Apart from the usual fans that you would expect an effects dept to carry, we have also built 'silent' electric fans, used when shooting dialogue .
The need for high powered fans that can be used inside a stage has prompted us to build some very powerful electric fans, almost a match for their engine driven counterparts but quieter and with no exhaust emissions.
Rain
The art of creating a good rain effect is to achieve the maximum effect with the minimum of water. Most locations don't have convenient water supplies with enough flow to match nature and the crew, lights and camera equipment are better kept dry.
Whether you require a light drizzle or a monsoon, you need experience to select the correct type of rain head and place it for the shot.
The art of creating a good rain effect is to achieve the maximum effect with the minimum of water. Most locations don't have convenient water supplies with enough flow to match nature and the crew, lights and camera equipment are better kept dry.
Whether you require a light drizzle or a monsoon, you need experience to select the correct type of rain head and place it for the shot.
