Sparks without Pyro? Is it possible?
Sparks without Pyro? Is it possible?- special effects and filmmaking
Or are they one in the same? This question has been bugging me for quite some time now. thanks,
-Tim
I'm actually working on my first web film. It has scene with sparks. I"m using adobe premiere and adobe after effects. I've discovered two methods of hwo I can do it. One method is I found stock video on the web of sparks. I key out the background and super impose it over the the action as a layer in after effects. another method is to use a plug-in for after effects which simulates various particle physics, the one I'm choosing is "star burst" modified to spark out. I think the stock video will look better. We'll see.
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"I like to see things as I remember them, not as they were."
-Bill Pullman "Lost Highway"
What plugin are you talking about? And where did you find the stock video?
You can do it electrically as well. Have a moderate power source, like a car battery or one of those big 6v lantern batteries, run some speaker wire to your spark location (without connecting to the battery), join the two leads of the speaker wire with a very thin metal wire, or a STRAND of steel wool. Connect the other end to the battery and zzzt! there's your spark.
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You forgot to mention to keep a fire extinguisher nearby, not to let anyone close to it. Just a helpfull note, even 12 volts can hurt you. If you can find them, the old flash bulbs can also be used, but you must be very carefull, and have someone right there to put out any possible fire.
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[This message has been edited by Critter (edited 03-28-2000).]
Sorry 'bout the faux pas. (fox paws for you Americans).
I ran a search on yahoo for stock video and found some places that offer quicktime stock video for alot of $$, which of course I don't have, but no fear, they have samples!
The plug in I'm talking about came with a package caled "final fx" I believe. I'ts expensive but my friend seems to give it high regard. (I'd like to mention here that he didn't buy it, he got it at a job and carries the plug-ins everywhere he goes)
Remember though, that from a copyright standpoint, you're not entitled to use those demo clips in your production any more than you would be to use a pirate copy of the full res clips (not that I'm encouraging that sort of thing...)
A mechanical device for this purpose sold to magicians goes under the name of "Funken Ring". They are made of metal and sell for $15 - $25. You wind up the device with a key (like the old gag chattering teeth) and press a button to emit a shower of sparks.
This throws a good deal of sparks, perhaps more than you need. You may want to wind the spring only halfway. Of course, you'll have to build this into a prop or hide it behind the edge of a wall or set piece so the sparks fly out into sight. You'll also have to figure out a way to trigger it, from a cable control rig to a hidden technician just oushing the trigger.
The device uses a wound up flat coil spring to spin a steel wheel against a flint. There is an electic version on the market made by G. Sparks that is battery operated and throws massive amounts of sparks, but is considerably more expensive.
If you have plenty of time but little money, perhaps you find a way to securely mount a flint to the "Killing bar" of a mouse/rat trap. A steel file would have t be mounted so that at the end of the stroke the flint is scraped along the file's surface, throwing sparks. Bear in mind that the file would have to be held firmly enough for the right amount of friction, but it should adjust itself towards the flint. Without this, after a few strikes the flint would weae down a bit and wouldn't scrape along the file. This wouldn't be the easiest thing to get to work consistently (unless you are a mechanical whiz), but certainly within the realm of possibility.
Zirconium "paint ball" hits are described in the archives as well. These detonate on impact, so their is no fuse, but these are still burning, so they are pyrotechnic in nature.
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Jeff F - Magic and FX
Amazing the Masses
go to www.toykidz.com/firepower.htm and get one of the "sparker" guns, you could probably use this somehow, also, if you need some filler guns, check out the second "super pistol" it looks great for only 70 cents.
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I was normal once..... I didn't like it.
sweet merciful crap! my car! - homer simpson
check my site http://members.xoom.com/lyvewyer/index.html
The demos are made with the understanding that they will be used by the public and not resale or money will be made in the use of the demos. For the educational purposes of learning especially for someone such as an experimenting young director or hobbyist not being paid for the work the pricetag off $144 for a 7 second clip of a spark is a bit unreasonable. The owners of demos take every opportunity to safeguard their product from those who would attempt to use their product for financial gain and not obtain the licenses and rights to do so. I respect that. And so should everyone.
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"I like to see things as I remember them, not as they were."
-Bill Pullman "Lost Highway"
You can make some really nice sparks using a plugin for Adobe After Effects called Digieffects Delirium. You can download a demo from their website. http://www.digieffects.com/frames/delirium/delirium.html
If you have a DREMEL or other rotary tool, you can use the "CUT OFF WHEEL" attachment against a piece of steel (old hammer head, crunched steel wool, etc.) The sparks are generally safe and can even be sprayed onto an actor or prop. It emits a spray of golden sparks that will fan out 1-5 feet, depending on the density of the steel and the speed at which your rotary tool is running. Safety goggles (like the ones in chem class or wood shop) are HIGHLY recommended! Good Luck..!
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L&L Films & Media
Ah ha ... the info I've been after. Two questions though; Where can I get these stock samples? What function on Delirium do I use?
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