Where there's smoke there's [fill in the blank].
 

Anybody have any suggestions on what can be used to smoke/fog a set? The spray cans aren't available here. And I'm too cheap to buy a machine...even the cheap ones are too much.

I know that there must be some "trick 'o the trade" that was dreamed up pre-fog machines to create smoke that doesn't choke the cast and crew and smell up the joint and that lingers well.

If I don't get a better suggestion, I plan on using the mildest incense sticks I can find.

Get some dry ice and drop it in water. Or, for longer lasting smoke, get someone to sprinkle water over the dry ice. Don't forget a fan, or someone waving a piece of cardboard to act as a fan.

Doesn't dry ice fog cling to the floor, though? I need the fine smoke that fills the room and lingers.

It goes up in the air, then it sinks. That's why I suggested a fan. I used to play with dry ice all the time when I was a kid.

Yeah...I think that wouldn't work too well for what I have in mind. I'm going for the ILM-style rays of light piercing the darkness. Only way that looks really good is if you smoke the set with a nice soft haze.

The dry ice smoke would be inconsistent and constantly swirling and with a tendency to drop quickly.

I'm afraid incense is going to choke everyone in the room, but it might be the most viable substitute for the real thing.

John
 

Can you rent a smoker from a theatrical supply place?

I don't know what the deal is in japan but over here you can even rent them from party stores, smal units that use a type of fogging oil that works really well.

Good luck

When are you going to post your movie?????

: )

I didn't think you wanted to use real smoke. But if you do, go to a Chinese medicine/herbal shop. Then ask them for those thick, 1/2" sticks which smolder---the ones used to heat parts of your body for healing. They're real cheap, and smoke like a son of a b---. (And the smoke rises and spreads.)

Rosco makes a fogger that many places rent. On a possibly cheaper note, buy all your friends some cheap cigars (or if they're good friends, good cigars) and invite them to your set. Light up and start the camera rolling. It wouldn't be my first choice but it will get the job done.

Jeff

Music stores like Guitar Center tend to have a section with DJ equipment including specialty lights and cheap fog machines. I think they run ~$70 apiece and you could pick up a few of them to provide adequate coverage.

Dry ice will never work; the condensed vapor is too ephemeral.

Thanks for all the input. It's amazing what ISN'T readily available here. It's hard to find even DV equipment and supplies. Haven't yet found a theatrical supply.

Plus, I'd imagine daily rental would probably cost as much as buying one in the States.

I think I'll give Frank's advice a go first...just to see if I can pull it off for a few bucks.

Marc, film is coming soon. Thanks for the interest. I'll let you know.

Heya all

http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productVie...Max=&SUBCATID=

I am really not sure if that can help, but that translate to around $40 USD, which is very cheap i gather.


that is what i have used on productions and works very well. It leaves a very slight stail air kind of smell, but nothing very obtrusive.

I hope that can help.

About shipping o/s it says this

Overseas delivery can be sent by ship or by air. Please email a Jaycar sales person for details.

I hope that can help.

kermie

Where does one buy dry ice from anyway?

I heard whoever it was that did one of the Indiana Jones movies burned beeswax on the set.

Dylan
 

For Chirst Sakes Don't you know anything???

You buy it at DRY ICE "R" US

Dopey.

Actually look under cryogenics in the yellow pages.

Marc

: )

when using heavy dry ice be careful as it will drop mositure on the floor and can be slippery...