How To: Stage a Fight Scene – Squibs | Full Sail University
111Want to create an action flick with a bang? Bringing guns and weaponry into the mix can add to the authenticity of a film, but how can you safely do this?
Squibs aren’t just a term in Harry Potter. In this how to video, we teach you all about squibs and how you can use them to safely portray a gunfight in your film.
We talked to professional pyrotechnics expert Andy about squibs, aka small explosive devices, and how they are used on set. “Bullet hits,” as Andy describes them, come in a variety of sizes and power depending on the desired visual outcome. These can be added to drywall and sheetrock to give the illusion that bullets are impacting a wall. To give the technicians more control over how they fire, “shot boxes” are often used. And of course, always remember to hire licensed and experienced pyrotechnicians to do practical effects!
Squibs aren’t just for walls – they can be used on actors too! When placing squibs on actors, place a metal plate between the explosive and the actor to protect them. The squib is then attached to the actor’s costume along with a small blood bag. Upon “impact,” the charge from the squib will project the blood, giving it a splatter effect.
Real guns are often used on set, but they always contain blank bullets. But even with blanks, safety is still a top priority. Using guns specifically designed to fire blanks can keep talent and crew safe as well as mitigate accidents on set. Never point a weapon at an actor, crew member, or animal. When using firearms on set, a gun-wrangler is responsible for maintaining safety and ensuring that talent are properly trained for gun use.
Follow along as we give you more tips on how to stage a fight scene.
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