Pyrotechnics assistance

[CBPuppets]

I am posting this because I am wondering how it would be possible to set off these kinds of explosions that Don Sahlin would make. I want the same tactic because I am intrigued by this. Can anyone please shed some light on this?

 

[staceyrebecca]

You might want to go to a magic shop in town. I know that's where our director gets all of her flash papers and things like that.

 

[Buck-Beaver]

Many (if not most) of the Muppet FX you see in old sketches were not actual explosions, but fire extinguishers or air cannons. That's still the easiest and safest way to create explosion effects.

As Stacey said, some stuff for fire/explosive effect (like flash paper and small flash pots) are available in Magic shops and usually sold in the "fire magic" category, but they can be very dangerous. It's really best to not to attempt real explosions unless you've taken the courses to get a Powerman's license (what SFX technicians have) or have professional experience because someone can get seriously hurt if there's an accident (I've seen it happen).

Also, the rules and regulations around certain chemicals and explosive materials (even small ones) are a lot tighter now than they were in Don Sahlin's day so it's harder to buy stuff to rig small explosions, squibs, etc. in many places unfortunately.

 

[staceyrebecca]

Right. I mean..yeah...don't turn off smoke detectors & always be safe. *ahem*

 

[Buck-Beaver]

Safety isn't nearly as much fun as reckless endangerment (sigh).

 

[CBPuppets]

Fire Extinguishers huh? that does sound more easier. Back in the Early days of Jim Henson Explosions were done by blowing into a tube attached to a funnel filled with powder. Don Sahlin would develop Pyrotecnics and Compressed Air. But the Powder Idea is much more Safer.

 

[staceyrebecca]

oh there are also cans of smoke if you need them.

 

[staceyrebecca]

This site looks fun!
http://www.starlight.com/index.html

This one might be all-around useful...
http://www.fxsupply.com/ (looks like they have resin, latex & silicon mold kits)