Movie magic or Movie secrets?

[joeranger]

SO I posted a request for help on using propane and O2 to simulate machine gun fire. Came up empty.
http://www.therpf.com/f9/simulated-mg-fire-muzzle-flash-110839/#post1594321

Are special effects like magic? You take an oath not to reveal secrets?
Meaning, do special effects people share ideas or keep them as IP?

 

[Treadwell]

Probably more CYA. You're supposed to have training and a license and stuff to do this stuff in the industry, so it's bad ju ju to hand out DIY instructions.

(And no, I don't have the answer. :lol)

 

[the_batdemon]

I'm with Treadwell on this. What you're asking sounds like it requires a Pyro Tech and/or a Weapons license for modifying the gun. I don't have either and I'm sure those that do would a) Warn you off, b) tell you to find someone that does.

Muzzle flash can be done in post well these days with a little care. Why not go that route?

 

[Art Andrews]

Not to mention, this little line from the MGL:

Please refrain from the discussion of creating potentially lethal weapons. Such items are extremely dangerous and this site does not endorse or promote the inclusion of such items on a replica costume.

 

[SSgt Burton]

Err...

So where does that rule leave something like a working Sandman DS gun?

It shoots flames. It uses potentially dangerous gases doesn't it?


EDIT- Nevermnid. If I read this correctly, the rule would apply to step by step instructions on how to "make" a DS gun?


Kevin

 

[joeranger]

Hmmm. I probably read that somewhere. I will delete other post, but this one is still interesting. Are special effects something people share or hoard?

 

[the_batdemon]

Hmmm. I probably read that somewhere. I will delete other post, but this one is still interesting. Are special effects something people share or hoard?

On that topic, they don't call it movie magic for nothing.
I would say that in the early years things looked to be more guarded. From what I've read, most make-up guys kept their secrets to themselves and either learned by trial and error or at the hands of a master. Dick Smith opened the door for a lot of artists by sharing his vast wealth of knowledge.
On the practical effects side, while how things were don't wasn't always a secret, the art of the illusion did/does take skill and training.

Now a days, I don't think there are many secret. One can find out how the effects are done before the movie is finished filming.

 

[Treadwell]

You could use an airsoft gun with gas blowback to achieve the recoil needed, then post the flash.

 

[terryr]

Do mechanics tell about car repair?

Do doctors tell you how to do surgery?

Do politicians tell us how to take bribes?

If you can figure it out, fine. If you want a job, you have to know the stuff first.

 

[Ozymandius]

Probably more CYA. You're supposed to have training and a license and stuff to do this stuff in the industry, so it's bad ju ju to hand out DIY instructions.

(And no, I don't have the answer. :lol)

Treadwell is exactly correct. There is really no secrecy in Special FX anymore and we all talk about it openly and enjoy answering questions.

But not pyro. Pyro ju ju most heinous. Tends to result in lawsuit ju ju.

 

[mez7]

plenty of post effects programs can do muzzle flash now..


RR did alot of it for once upon a time in mexico....the whole church shoot out was shot sans blanks...

all post production, safer too.