Pyrotechnics & Pneumatics
Pneumatic Debris Mortar and Bullet Hits
Untitiled 35mm War project| 2022 | DIr. Ariano Trevino Angelone
For this school project, Lucas created safe ways to bring the chaos of war to a soundstage. Using many air compressors, Lucas created a debris mortar to simulate a large explosion and multiple bullet hits into the dirt between actor and camera. These effects will eventually be flourished with VFX and compositing.
Pneumatic debris mortar used in wide trucking shot. VFX planned for the set extension and the fireball for the mortar.
Lucas setting off the pneumatic debris mortar.
Photo of the pneumatic debris mortar. Designed to come apart and fit within a travel case with its control board and other accessories.
Mortar debris simulated with a bucket for safety and control. Debris was a combination of cork chunks, painted insulation foam, top soil dirt, and baby powder.
Pneumatic bullet hits triggered from a manifold.
Lucas' initial testing of the pneumatic bullet hits in the dirt.
The pneumatic debris mortar on its way to the actor.
Powdered milk dispersed in a cloud to create a large and rapid fireball.
Pneumatic slime squib from the film Kill The Cat! (2020, Dir. Brain Storck)
Lucas and Bob Keen experimenting with propane flame bars.
Propane flame bar.