There had to be a way of faking a bullet hit for movies, TV and theatres without explosives!
During the years we have rigged hundreds of explosive squibs on actors (and in walls, on the ground, under sugar packets etc) and it always struck us how this dangerous practice never seemed to evolve. From the 1930's there was common practice to let an explosive charge simulate a bullet - just missing - or hitting - an actor.
This was a dangerous business. Shrapnel flew out from the charge, sometimes damaging actors, hitting camera crew, damaging expensive camera lenses and even damaging the actor being "hit" as he/she accidentally held her hands in front of the squib when it fired.
For theatrical productions, safety was even worse: The actor sometimes had to walk around with the squib attached to his body for a long time preceding his unfortunate death. During time, the hit would move or even topple over, badly injuring the actor when it was finally detonated. In some cases the blood bag prematurely burst due to friction - sending blood down the shirt of a very surprised actor!
Air Squib Description:
How to use the Air Squib:
Note: System has been updated to A23 battery not CR batteries in the transmitter as shown.
Black straps are provided, not red.
This technique of electrically detonating explosives on the body of an actor has not changed from the beginning of showing bullets striking actors. Why? This is clearly a dangerous business (when else are you allowed to strap explosives to another person?) and we thought we would come up with something creative, safe, cheap and realistic-looking, that almost anyone could rig. The air-squib allows you to simulate bloody bullet hits in actors in a safe, economic and portable way. No need for long wires as the unit is self contained and you can easily hidden on an actors’ waist, on a leg or behind the back. The bloody ”hit” is set off with a radio control transmitter.
These are some of the advantages:
- 1. No need for expensive professional special effects people. Rig the hits yourself.
- 2. You do not need an explosives licences. No need to use heavy storage containers. No need for stand-by nurses.
- 3. Very silent - great for ”scared actors” or jittery animals afraid of loud noise. This means you will not have to hand out dozens of ear-plugs to a crew anymore! (Add sound effects in post-production.)
- 4., Minimal weight on the shirt means it’s easier than ever for you to hide the hit on the shirt. You will look like a pro!
- 5. Fake blood is shot between the fibres of the shirt - meaning that clothes are unharmed and can be reused after washing. You will gain respect by creating a bloody hit without damaging the shirt. Imagine how happy the producers will be if you are doing a 50 performance theatre production!
- 6. For the first time, you can ”shoot” people at re-enactments - and you won’t damage their precious costumes (well, they have to be washed...)
- 7. Will allow you to create smokey hits, dust hits, blood hits or pulsating blood wounds. One unit will transform you into a one-man army, creating all the hits a director could need.
- 8. Developed by professional special effects technician.
The AIR SQUIB systems is available for outright purchase (for less than you would spend on a pyrotech for a day's shoot).
The system is only available to professionals within the film/theatre/tv industry only. We will need to establish your credentials before purchase.