The infamous question. You want to use Pyro, but you do not want to hire a professional.
I've found that the best solution to pyro wants is fog.
Fog can be used for everything. And I mean everything. I love using fog in a show, because I think it enhances the show, and keeps things moving.
Need fire? The best way to do a fire effect without risking your theatre is with fog. You must remember the power of association. If people see black smoke, they will assume fire. If they see black smoke and some flickering orange and red lights in the distance, they will think fire.
What is more, if you light fog with red and orange lights, it will look like an open flame.
Don't believe me?
Try it!
Set up a fogger and PVC ducting. Cut a narrow slit down the length of the tube, and cap it off. Attach the open end to the fogger and let it come out in a thin sheet. Then take your favorite PARs, and toss on some red, orange, and yellow gels (I've personally found that I like LEDs better for this effect) and set them with some barndoors aiming at the sheet of fog. With a little practice, you can focus the light so that it hits a the section of the fog that you want it to. Now alternate flicker your lights low and high at different times.
If you feel you need pyro for something look to fog first. If fog fails, then look to cyrogenics.
If you can get creative with a 1000 watt fogger, then you can do most things.
Some effects I've personally done with a fogger:
-Smoking from a pipe
-Lighting a house on fire
-Explosions
-Showering sparks
-Fire effects
-'Flash pot' entrances and exits
-Lighting a match
I hope this helps some of you younger techs realize that you can do neat effects without the big fireball explosions.
I've found that the best solution to pyro wants is fog.
Fog can be used for everything. And I mean everything. I love using fog in a show, because I think it enhances the show, and keeps things moving.
Need fire? The best way to do a fire effect without risking your theatre is with fog. You must remember the power of association. If people see black smoke, they will assume fire. If they see black smoke and some flickering orange and red lights in the distance, they will think fire.
What is more, if you light fog with red and orange lights, it will look like an open flame.
Don't believe me?
Try it!
Set up a fogger and PVC ducting. Cut a narrow slit down the length of the tube, and cap it off. Attach the open end to the fogger and let it come out in a thin sheet. Then take your favorite PARs, and toss on some red, orange, and yellow gels (I've personally found that I like LEDs better for this effect) and set them with some barndoors aiming at the sheet of fog. With a little practice, you can focus the light so that it hits a the section of the fog that you want it to. Now alternate flicker your lights low and high at different times.
If you feel you need pyro for something look to fog first. If fog fails, then look to cyrogenics.
If you can get creative with a 1000 watt fogger, then you can do most things.
Some effects I've personally done with a fogger:
-Smoking from a pipe
-Lighting a house on fire
-Explosions
-Showering sparks
-Fire effects
-'Flash pot' entrances and exits
-Lighting a match
I hope this helps some of you younger techs realize that you can do neat effects without the big fireball explosions.