smoke pellets and bellows

[nerissa]

Need some help regarding smoke effects, please. I am working on a film rather than theatre project at the moment. This can mean it is easier than within a theatre production to control and/or hide effects for certain shots and only have to worry about actors and locations rather than audience. My DOP has asked me about getting smoke effects (I am the art director). I have only really used standard liquid smoke machines and smoke in a can before. She mentioned wanting smoke pellets and bellows to create certain effects. Are these the things they use to test flues as seen here? Has anyone used these before? Pros and cons? In what way are they different to ones found at theatrical suppliers like 10/10 productions as there is a dramatic difference in price? Thanks.

[p.k.roberts]

She might be thinking of a Bee Smoker like this?

 

http://www.beecare.com/indexDynFrames.htm?...moker.htm&1

 

I have seen these used to produce 'arty little whisps'.

 

But remember 'smoke' from 'smoke machines' is usually vapour whereas smoke from burning stuff is particulate, much more unpleasant to inhale and may have more detremental effects on health.

[mac.calder]

Or she could be talking about dry ice - which is often found as small cylindrical pellets.

[Simon Lyall]

or possibly these:

 

 

Smoke bombs/pellets

 

 

Simon

[lifeisacabaret]

How about a Jem Glaciator- same effect as dry ice, without the hassle and storage problems.

[Firemonkey]

how much smoke do you want, how long do you want it for, how dense do you need it, and is it indoors or outdoors or doesn't it matter because you're making a film?

A good supplier of pyro smoke is Theatrical Pyrotechnics Ltd, Manston Airport, Thanet. you can contact them for a local stockist and advice but they're away on holiday 'til 5th Sept.

www.tplpyro.co.uk

good luck & regards. Mik. p.s. play safely, these things are hot.