3 replies to this topic

[dr-pepper]

I dunno if this is in the right place coz i'm like brand new but i was wondering if any of you worked in the special FX industry like for concerts or shows etc and how you got into it?

If this is in the wrong place then feel free to move it to where it shud be

[PyroKid]

I dunno if this is in the right place coz i'm like brand new but i was wondering if any of you worked in the special FX industry like for concerts or shows etc and how you got into it?

If this is in the wrong place then feel free to move it to where it shud be 

It all depends on what you mean by "special FX" ....
A good port of call would be to Le Maitre who are the leading name and industry standard when it comes to indoor pyro / special effects.

They have recently been running a training course covering all aspects of indoor pyro / special effects.

Their website is as follows:

http://www.lemaitre.co.uk

I hope this has been of help

[adamw]

Hi

I worked in SFX for a good few years.

To get into the 'industry' you need to follow the same path as crewing for a fireworks company. Some do firework displays and stage FX, but other effects like 'physical' (film / TV) special effects are more specialised (no pun intended).

I would advise getting a foot in the fireworks scene first, as companies dealing with stage / film / TV effects are even more stringient and safety conscious because of factors such as the venue (quite often indoors), performers etc.

[Brian]

I would advise getting a foot in the fireworks scene first, as companies dealing with stage / film / TV effects are even more stringient and safety conscious because of factors such as the venue (quite often indoors), performers etc.

Good advice. In indoors shows we are dealing with a very different set of circumstances. Whilst devices tend to be a lot smaller, with NEQs down around 5g or less, the distance between people and the devices tend to be a lot smaller as well. We also tend to be surrounded by things like woodwork and drapes that may catch light if they haven't been treated.

Getting your break in the business is never going to be easy; lots of people are chasing very few jobs. Many of the people working in the business, myself included, have other 'real' jobs. It'll usually happen because you were in the right place at the right time.