SPECIAL EFFECTS TRAINING COURSES

ACHIEVE MORE THAN SPECIAL.

The Physical SFX world has been lacking in comprehensive training schemes.

Learning ‘on the job’ is valuable but relies on a hierarchy with a commitment to instruction and development. Often the pressures of schedule and budget means that time is short and structured training falls to the bottom of priorities.

These courses intend to put that right. A selection of supportive titles and subjects from introductory to intense technical training, designed to make the SFX world more accessible, inclusive and safe.

SFX101: An Introduction to Special Effects

The structure
The unique protocols
It's not what you think
Smoke
Wind
Rain
Fire
Explosion!
Maximum Impact - Minimum Force
Safety first.... always
Putting the above skills into practice

What you’ll learn:

Is this course for me?

This is our primary course aimed at technicians that have had some experience of on set work. Suggested for Trainee and/or Assistant grades that want to improve their background science and physics knowledge to support ‘on the job’ training received on set. Qualification from this course should boost their job record and accelerate their rise through the grades. Other grades and non-graded technicians also very welcome.

SFX102: TECHNICAL TOOLS TO RAISE YOUR SFX GRADING

Smoke or vapour?
Is it safe to breath?
Importance of particle size and hang time
Investigating models available and pros and cons
Exterior smoke machines; how do they differ. Safety.
Layflat principles and methods
The effects of smoke effects on the environment
Assisting your pyrotechnic Supervisor
Types of explosives commonly used
High Explosives or Low Explosives?
Understanding packaging labels
Safe working practice basics
Safe handling and storage
The Law
Firing equipment
Rigging methods
The effects of pyrotechnics on the environment
Pressure vessels : The Law and safe working practice
High pressure or high flow?
Types of release valves
Hopper design
Soft debris
Simulated explosion principles
Creating the right fireball
Importance of purging
Pressure, valve speed and ignition method
The effects of mortars on the environment
Properties and dangers of flammable gases
Hoses, pipes and valves
Hearth fires in a set
Hearth fires on location
The importance of extraction
Rigging, braziers, flambeaus and sconces
Clean burn techniques
Car fires - methods
Building fires - methods
Stunt burns - golden rules
The effects of fire effects on the environment
Electricity basics
Low voltage DC
Batteries and adapters
Mains voltage principles
Black to black, red to red and blue to pieces?
Power supplies on location
Is the generator big enough?
IP numbers
Understanding Volts and Amps
Sustainable use of electricity
Basics of pneumatics and hydraulics
The differences - pros and cons
Pressure and flow
Pneumatic valves and actuators
Combining with other effects
The Law
Duty of Care
Protecting yourself - Who is responsible?
PL insurance and PI insurance
Protecting yourself - PPE
Risk assessments