journal

We have all experienced this moment on screen: a beloved character lying slain on top of a pile of broken concrete, shattered glass, caked with dust—as their dead, lifeless face brings us to tears and the reality of what just happened in the story begins to sink in. 

Because the art department oversees the creation and building of the sets for a film or tv episode, when the script calls for something to explode, it usually takes a herculean effort on behalf of many departments to pull it off. One such department is the wizards of Special Effects. 

This coven uses their powers of engineering, manipulation of elements, and knowledge of safety methods to create the ultimate movie magic in camera. While there are many magical properties Special Effects uses to cast their spells, a few industry staples include Silicone Glass, Breakaway Glass, and FX Dust.

Tools of the Trade

• Silicone Glass: Essentially a rubbery material, this element is pulled apart into tiny cubes or shards to simulate shattered window glass. Real glass anywhere near an actor is always a big no-no, so silicone glass provides an alternative that is both safe and believable on camera. It mostly comes in clear, but you can purchase it in grey as well.

• Breakaway Glass: Up until the last decade or so, candy glass was considered the standard when it came to items that needed to be seen shattering on camera. Made from sugar (yes, you can eat it, but with cookie dough ice cream available, why would you?)—this element can be molded into anything. Large sheets for windows, bottles, cups, plates, or even your favorite champagne flute. Candy glass is considered widely unsafe when it comes to a partnership with stunts. Turns out, sharp sugar can still cut you if you encounter its edges.
  
  With the development of new technologies and materials, a safer option is now available: resin. Products developed by a company called SMASHprops have provided an alternative to traditional methods that have now become an integral part of industry workflow. 

• FX Dust: When it comes to dressing an exploded set with ash and soot, there are a few options out there. However, when it comes to having any kind of element near an actor’s skin, there is only one widely accepted option: Walnut Dust or “Glufil”. Due to its tan or brownish color, you will want to make sure to cover both the set and the actor in walnut dust for visual continuity, lest the actor look like they don’t belong. It is made from nuts, so double-check that your actor does not have a nut allergy!

While I still have much to learn when it comes to understanding and mastering the SFX department, I hope that sharing a few of these methods will greatly assist you with any future explosion sets.

As always, if you have more to add or share, please do! I am always looking for opportunities to learn and grow. 

Cheers!