Simulated Explosions

Resume bullet points:

• Built a scale model of the set (team of 3) to facilitate discussion of SFX requirements 

• Designed and fabricated a prototype rig from rough sketch for testing and approval

• Delegated sub-components to other crew while personally welding the rigs

• Oversaw the delivery of 18 finished rigs and supported the final install on set

Additional information:

• Unfortunately this section is going to be more tell than show (I'm already toeing the line with that instagram post).

• For the scale model I first printed out a scaled version of the set construction drawing and then got to work building rough versions of the key set features out of foam

• That model facilitated important discussions with the director about what they wanted from the Special Effects department and how the scene would look

• The explosions are simulated by using compressed gas to "clear" (swiftly remove) all soft debris from a metal "mortar pot" (See Water Elements for another example of this concept)

• While the fabrication and delivery of the pneumatic rigs was my main responsibility, I was also involved with:

-Installing the rigs under the set

-Working with the "Sticky Shop" (foam, resin, fiberglass... sticky stuff) to produce the thin foam copies of the brick floor to place over the pots before each take

-Clearing the set after a take and reloading the pots

• Between this gag and the fires, I spent a lot of hours hanging out on the Kamar-Taj rooftop

SKILLS USED: Metal fabrication (cutting, grinding, rolling, turning, MIG welding, oxy-acetylene bending), pneumatics