18 replies to this topic

[sfxdan3]

I've been tasked with a challenge of making an effect that looks like burning embers. Which need to drift across a set.

I've had a little success with using fine charcoal powder. Being blown down a 4 inch pipe with 4 gas burners setting the powder alight on the way. However, this has only given me a very small amount of "burning embers"

I think the problem is getting the charcoal hot enough that it fully burns. I hoped using an airline would do this as well as blow the embers out the end of the pipe.

Has anyone got any ideas or advice?

[sfxdan3]

Disclaimer: This is for a legit film effect. And not any illegal activities

[helix]

I would have a go at using courser mesh sizes and perhaps try soaking in some KNO3 solution and drying - may encourage them to burn better.

[Arthur Brown]

Shredded scotchbrite material fired from a confetti cannon Add some flame coloured light on camera axis -needn't be a lot. The bright side reflects light back on axis, you just sweep up the mess -no heat or flame which is risk assessment friendly.

[sfxdan3]

Scotchbrite wouldn't be good to use as it would be visible and need clearing from set.

We has some success with the blower we made, the trick is to keep the embers hot whilst using air to blow them out

[Malcolm Smith]

Try shredded cuttings of Leylandii.

Experiment with sieved sizing.

[sfxdan3]

Is leylandii full of oils that make it flammable I've not come across it before

[Malcolm Smith]

Leylandii is a conifer and contains lots of resin.

 

Surprising you have not come across Leylandii as it's commonly used for a rapid-growing hedges.

 

You get loads of sparks carried in the hot gases when burnt on a bonfire.

[sfxdan3]

I'll have to try and get some tomorrow. The thing is we need it to be a powder or close to it (sugar sized granules) I'm guessing that the timber needs to be as dry as possible and striped of all the foliage

[cooperman435]

I really cant see that ground up dried Leylandii will produce an effect you can use on stage?

 

main issues I can see :

 

Its still a  flammable product that can actually sustain a flame

 

it wont produce sparks really until the resins have burnt off

 

it will smell

 

Surely a pine charcoal of a carefully graded size, blown into an air jet USING a flame will do the job well?

[Vic]

You will only need the clippings-tips from Leylandii and then chop them up, you may have to dry them a bit.

But I am sure it will work with a bit testing and maybe some additives.

[cooperman435]

I hope I'm proved wrong but I just dont see it unless the clippings are charcoaled before use?

[Vic]

I hope I'm proved wrong but I just dont see it unless the clippings are charcoaled before use?

 

I am probably totally barking up the wrong tree phill

[cooperman435]

Time will tell Vic :-)

[fruitfulsteve]

You could maybe part nitrate some paper or cotton to get a slow but consistent burn and easy ignition, maybe just experiment with different levels of nitration and size's of material