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How Special Effects Can Enhance Your Event

Martin Ruff

Let's talk about how Special Effects can enhance your event

You’ve arranged your stage, sound and lighting company, your contractor is booked to manage the power and you have a great line-up of talent. So all the important stuff has been considered, but there are still few things that could enhance the event.


There are numerous special effects that can make a show larger than life. From purely visual atmospheric effects (like haze and smoke), then interactive effects like snow and bubbles, through to immersive effects like pyrotechnics, confetti and fireworks. The whole point of these products is to add a fourth dimension to the performances. 

a drum set and guitarist bathed in smoke special effects and light cutting through them.

Atmospheric Effects


Atmospheric effects are normally in the form of some sort of airborne smoke effect. This can either be an almost invisible haze that the beams of light bounce off so you can see their movements, or something thicker to create a more intense effect. It can even be a dry ice effect that looks like a thick smoke hugging the floor. 


Although commonly known as smoke, they are mostly water based fluids that are heated or cooled in machines to produce the effect, but some require refrigerated CO2 Pellets.


Virtually all these effects can be used for outdoor events, but careful consideration has to be given to any wind that may be expected.


A variation of a smoke effect can be the Jet!
These are normally seen as a fast-moving vertical stream of smoke, that disappears quite rapidly. In most cases several are used at the same time across the stage for dramatic effect.
These can either be a pure CO2 gas, or a simulated water based effect.


Snow and Bubbles


These effects are commonly used at family events (especially Christmas), the kids just like being able to touch them. We even offer smoke filled bubbles, that release a puff of smoke when they burst. In small measures these effects are super fun and a great addition to the show.


Just be aware the fluids are similar to washing-up liquid, so when they are overused the ground can become slippery.



Confetti and streamers


Confetti and streamers have been a popular effect for all types of event. For stage use we offer charge based “cannon” systems that fire biodegradable paper and metallic confetti into the air and slowly fall back to the ground. Our control systems allow multiple cannons to launch simultaneously or in a sequence, creating a huge effect.


A performer on a stage with confetti raining down.

Pyrotechnics and Cold Spark Effects


Pyrotechnics are a kind of firework, and the term does include fireworks, but in stage terms pyrotechnics are a smaller more controlled effect, with some being safe for use in close proximity to people. They come in everything, from a puff of coloured smoke to high reaching flame effects and can also include loud bangs and explosions.


It is important to ensure that any pyrotechnics are planned properly and used safely. We always recommend you employ trained professionals to supply and operate your pyrotechnics. We recommend you look for ASP (Association of Stage Pyrotechnicians) registered contractors, who have had to prove they understand the risks and safety measures needed for safe use. As you would expect, our crew are registered members.


Cold sparking effects are a little safer when used in sensitive spaces and close proximity to performers and the public. These are generally in the form of vertical spark like effects and simultaneously produced for multiple locations. The effect is cold enough you can put your hand in the spark stream. 


Flame effects


These effects use real flames and need to be supplied by specialist companies. We have partner companies that can offer these effects, but we don’t stock them ourselves. These are some of the most high-risk effects, but in equal measure are stunning to look at.


Fireworks


Again, fireworks have some of the highest risks associated with them, but the displays can be awe-inspiring. Like the flame effects, you really need to employ a specialist company that have experience in production displays for your size of event.
If you’d like fireworks at our event, expect to spend sensible money. The effects themselves aren’t cheap, and the contractor’s skill and experience is priceless.

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