Relating moviemaking to Chemestry
Relating moviemaking to Chemestry- special effects and filmmaking
Hey everyone, I have a little problem. I am trying to get some extra credit in my Chem 2 class by writing a report on how Chemestry/science relates to movie making/special effects. Right now I can come up with writing about how to make fake blood, and fake glass. That is about all I can come up with now. If I make this project big enough this can be worth 5% points. That would really help me!
So does anyone have any topic ideas that I could possible write about? Thank you everyone! 
the pyrotechnics aspect of film uses a lot of knowledge of chemicals and stuff
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A good knowledge of chemistry is priceless to anyone working in effects.
Make up requires that you mix precise amounts of chemicals, measuring with a triple beam balance. Hot and cold foam require this, although hot foam uses more chemicals, typically 3 - 5 components.
Make up artists are always tweaking or inventing skin formulas, mixing better make ups, coatings, paints, and glues. Understanding how the components are likely to react or what chemical properties you seek is important here, how stable the resulting compound will be, as well as what effect the new compound will have on the human skin or material being used. Some rubbers must be vulcanized to be useful, and even the fact that I understand that liquid latex is a prevulcanized cross linked colloid held in suspension with ammonia and water helps me understand why it behaves the way it does, how it works and fails.
Professional, responsible Pyrotechnics requires a understanding of energy release, combustion, flash points, explosive forces, vectors, etc.
A good deal of Polymers are used in make up FX and prop building today.
Making careful measurements, taking excellent notes, and experimental procedures all help the FX artist who wants to excel.
Lots of examples exist for your paper - start reading, write that report and get those points!
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Jeff F - Magic and FX
Amazing the Masses
[This message has been edited by Jeff F (edited 03-21-2000).]
The most obvious connection (I would have thought) between chemistry and filmmaking is in the film. Manufacturing the film and processing it. Even if you are doing video there is some chemistry in manufacturing tape.
Tempered glass must be used for glass gobos and filters.
I'm sure there are many examples, keep looking. Look at how chemistry impacts all of the things in our daily lives and apply those uses to what is done in film making.
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Jeff F - Magic and FX
Amazing the Masses
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