electrical spark
- Thread starterJChenault
- Start date
Actually getting the plug to spark wouldn't be big or bright enough (or safe enough). The much better idea would be a strobe and well-timed SFX (not only the snap/"zap" of the unplug, but a things-shutting-down whirring noise like freesound :: view sample :: power_down.wav or freesound :: view sample :: 31.wav in reverse). It would get the message across much better than a barely-visible flash.
Pyro would be the way to go on this. Of course, safely, with proper personel... bla bla....
You are looking for an effect called a "robotic". Robotics & Gunflash | Robotics
They come in pretty small packages and will do exactly what you want.
But once again, proper procedures must be followed.....
Beyond that, there is always a piece of steel next to a grinder. Proper precautions need to be taken for that as well, its just the same as a pyro effect.
You are looking for an effect called a "robotic". Robotics & Gunflash | Robotics
They come in pretty small packages and will do exactly what you want.
But once again, proper procedures must be followed.....
Beyond that, there is always a piece of steel next to a grinder. Proper precautions need to be taken for that as well, its just the same as a pyro effect.
coldnorth57
Active Member
here is a spark generator for rent
Spark Generator
and this one is smaller and maybe safer
http://www.rogergeorge.com/rentals/items/0rfspk/
Spark Generator
and this one is smaller and maybe safer
http://www.rogergeorge.com/rentals/items/0rfspk/
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Les
Well-Known Member
A striker (rough flint cylinder rubbed by a steel stud) for a cutting torch makes a nice effect. You'd just have to figure out how to use it without being obvious. Maybe a crew member behind the wall with the striker head where the receptacle would be. Strikers are cheap and found at just about any hardware store, just don't use the thing near your face. The sparks are actually hot flint, but not hot enough to burn your skin (experience). It CAN get in your eyes though if you're within too close proximity, which is bad news bears.
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For The Pajama Game I built a power console/box that immitated a short circuit with sparks by triggering some flash assemblies from cheap throw away cameras and shooting tinsel out of a hidden tube with a small fan. Looked pretty good from the audience. It was DSR near the proscenium and the audience thought it was real.
I mounted the flashes in the top and shot the tinsel up at an angle across the light path. The falling tinsel also gave it a more authentic look. Here's a look right after the flash went off and the "sparks" were falling:
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I will have to agree with Footer if pyro is possible with the budget, that is the way. Almost all manufacturers of proximity fireworks have that kind of effect.
If you do not have a qualified pyro in your crew and if the budget is too low to hire the local SFX company you could look into if there are any good non-profit pyro organisation who work at professional level.
I do not know if these kind of organisations exist in the US, but if they do and are good, they can be a good resource.
The tinsel, photoflash and fan solution sounds like a intressting alternativ. Can you perhaps use a pressurised air and a solenoid valve to shot it faster?
If you do not have a qualified pyro in your crew and if the budget is too low to hire the local SFX company you could look into if there are any good non-profit pyro organisation who work at professional level.
I do not know if these kind of organisations exist in the US, but if they do and are good, they can be a good resource.
The tinsel, photoflash and fan solution sounds like a intressting alternativ. Can you perhaps use a pressurised air and a solenoid valve to shot it faster?
Sure, and it would've been better, but that wasn't an option for this show.
FatherMurphy
Active Member
In a similar vein, a puff of glitter and a strong, very tight-beamed light might be effective.
Another thought, if your actor is up against a wall, would be a spark-shower pattern of xmas lights drilled into the wall and flashed with a dimmer (or several, for more of an animated effect). With an accompanying sound effect, the audience would get the main idea.
Another thought, if your actor is up against a wall, would be a spark-shower pattern of xmas lights drilled into the wall and flashed with a dimmer (or several, for more of an animated effect). With an accompanying sound effect, the audience would get the main idea.
Never 'glitter'! Just the shiny glittery confetti.Iridescent Confetti, Bulk Iridescent Confetti by the Pound
It's not hard to clean up, so long as you don't shoot it to high or far, and you do it right after it's shot.
We did something like this, and with a flash pot and some of this stuff went off, there was a blackout, and four techs ran across the stage in blackout gear with push brooms and dry duster mops to sweep it up.
