The addition of fireworks to a film can be very effective. Typically, they represent joy and affection as the story comes to a close. Perhaps the hero prevails or the bad guys are brought to justice. There are safety measures you should take into consideration when preparing for fireworks. Take these six precautions into account when shooting fireworks.
Read Up on the Laws
The first piece of advice is to familiarise yourself with local and state regulations. Fireworks are legal for recreational usage in most jurisdictions, though there are a few notable exceptions. In the state of Massachusetts, for instance, even sparklers are illegal for personal use. Fireworks shows must only be set off by trained specialists.
Are you interested in shooting in New York? A permit from the appropriate local authority is required. According to local regulations, the person in command of the fireworks show must hold a valid pyrotechnics certificate. In most places, filmmakers can legally use consumer-grade fireworks, but they need to check first. If they don’t, the police may come and shut down production.
Some directors and filmmakers like to be involved in every aspect of the production. However, in this case, it’s best to leave it up to the professionals. In reality, you may need to engage a pyrotechnician for some filming locations. They’ll make sure your show goes off without a hitch the first time around.
Fireworks Should Only Be Used if They Are Legal
Fireworks with a Common Class C classification are safe for public use and should be your only choice. Only buy fireworks from public stands that have been authorised to sell them. You can trust that the pyrotechnics you purchase from these stores are legitimate because of the staff’s familiarity with local ordinances and the latest innovations in consumer fireworks. Manufacturer labels on legal fireworks must provide important safety information. Ask a staff member to see the business’s state fireworks license if you have any doubts about whether or not a roadside fireworks vendor is operating lawfully.
M-80s, M-100s, and quarter sticks are common aliases for illegal fireworks. These are fireworks modified to function as dynamite for use in mining or warfare. Common colours include red, brown, and silver, and they mimic the cardboard coin tubes that contain fuses. The same holds for grenades used in warfare.
Never purchase fireworks from a friend or anybody who advertises them publicly. Products may have a high-quality appearance but be illegal or in bad condition. If your region is under a severe drought, it is against the law to buy, sell, handle, or use pyrotechnics because of the risk of wildfires.
Look for a Good Location
After settling on the city and state, the next step is to locate an appropriate area for the fireworks. There are two options to consider: the location of the fireworks, and the position of the cameras filming them.
When shooting fireworks in a city, you need to be aware of the surrounding skyline. I was wondering if there were any skyscrapers in the way. Just how close can you get to the fireworks without missing any of the action? The fireworks scene, like all the others in the film, requires extensive scouting. Fire off a few practise shots with the fireworks before settling on a spot.
Fireworks Should Be Stored Safely
You need a secure place to keep the fireworks until it’s time to shoot. If you skip this procedure, bad things could happen. The fireworks could explode and inflict damage, at worst.
First, store the fireworks in fireproof containers with secure covers. Fireworks should be stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat sources such as cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and electrical appliances. It should go without saying but never use fireworks near an open flame, such as a stove. Fireworks can be damaged just by being stored in a hot garage.
Keep the fireworks dry if you have to use them outside. Use tarps and other rainproof equipment to safeguard your belongings. You might have to look in unexpected places for help as well. Cling film, for instance, is sometimes used as a makeshift bandage and to keep fireworks dry.
Look at the Forecast
The weather can be a major problem for filmmaking. Extreme temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration among the crew, and heavy precipitation can ruin expensive camera gear. You should also keep an eye on the forecast for fireworks scenes.
Although dry weather and blue skies are ideal for setting off fireworks, luck may not be on your side. Large flames are more likely to break out during droughts, while rain can dull the sparkle of fireworks. If lightning strikes and causes a forest fire, that’s the worst-case scenario. Although they can’t change it, filmmakers can adjust their schedules accordingly based on the weather forecast.
Be Original
With limited resources, many indie films can’t afford elaborate special effects like pyrotechnics that last an entire hour. It’s possible that your budget won’t cover more than a single take of the fireworks. The best images may now be taken with a minimal outlay of cash thanks to cutting-edge tools.
In place of actual pyrotechnics, for instance, several filmmakers have recently begun employing computer-generated imagery (CGI) fireworks effects. Since shooting actual pyrotechnics in a movie might be risky due to weather and other factors, CGI is a lifesaver. Do you recall the Beijing Summer Olympics of 2008? Some of the fireworks for the opening ceremony were computer-generated and made months in advance.
Since the average spectator can’t tell the difference between genuine and fake pyrotechnics, switching to CGI fireworks can be an effective cost-saving option. It also makes your planned filming more eco-friendly, which might help you attract investors.
Wear Hearing and Eye Protection
Everyone who will be lighting off fireworks should wear protective eyewear and earplugs. Any hardware store or even some pharmacies should carry these. Damage to the eyes and ears is a common result of pyrotechnics misuse, and head injuries account for roughly 40% of all fireworks-related injuries.
Keep an Eye on The Feature Animals
Films frequently feature animals in significant roles. However, they are significantly more difficult to control than people, especially if animals other than cats and dogs are featured in the film. Many animals are frightened by fireworks, which might prompt them to flee or even attack their neighbors. Take care not to disturb the natural or invasive species. Bald eagles, for instance, may feel so scared by fireworks that they will permanently relocate.
It could be helpful to have a professional on set to keep an eye on the animals as they do their scenes. Trainers can give them medication to calm them down and keep them from wandering off. Animals should be monitored to prevent them from ingesting or chewing on fireworks.
Finishing Off With A Bang
Fireworks make for spectacular displays. Filmmakers frequently employ them for joyous and humorous purposes. Do you recall how Pippin and Merry almost spoiled the birthday party when they let off the dragon firework? While fireworks are a welcome addition to any film, they do require careful preparation. Protect yourself, your cast, and any animals you may have on set by following the advice in this manual.