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TommyTheTremendous Regular user 151 Posts |
Hey Guys,
I have a situation that I would love to receive input on. I am a sophomore in College, and I have been made the Special Effects guy for every main stage show that we produce (which numbers 10 for the whole year). We are doing Dracula in October (before Halloween), and I am also Stage Managing that show as well. For those of you who have read the book or script, this might mean more sense to you. The director wants me to make a "vortex of mist", and then have it melt into Dracula. It is said that Dracula can take on the form of mist and transform back into a human form anytime he desires. The director does not want the mist/fog to go all over the stage. He actually wants it to turn into Dracula. Our stage has no trap doors, and, I am not sure, but I think that he appears Center Stage. So, we can't shoot fog from the side. The hardest thing for me to think of is to make the mist stay in one place long enough for Dracula to get there, and then for him to swallow the mist, so that he is the only thing standing there with little or no trace of the mist. Are there any ideas that you guys have about doing this effect? Keep in mind, we are not an expensive theatre, and we do not have trap doors. The mist/fog machine, and any other device needed, would have to be silenced, so as not to disturb the moment. Any help is greatly appreciated.
- Tommy Magic
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Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
Sounds like the Director wants a CG effect done live on stage... I have seen appearances done under cover of a blast from a fire extinguisher type set-up, but that doesn't really say "mist" or "fog" does it?
The only other thought that I have at the moment is a blue-room type effect in which Dracula slowly fades in. But, of course, that would involve apparatus on stage, and I'm not sure that he'll be happy with a "prop" to produce Drac. Hmmm... This is going to be a tough one, Tommy. You might have to steer him another direction for the production. Lyndel |
Bill Nuvo Inner circle 3094 Posts or 2742 Posts |
When I was at Universal Studios in Florida, I caught the Terminator show. One part had the Terminator appear from the energy vortex from time travel. The vortex was shown on the big screen, and then the live actor appeared. This could be exactly the same idea that could work for you.
By using a projector to show the mist/vortex, and then some special lighting (maybe even a strobe in there as well), you can produce Drac through the screen. Needs to be timed really well. |
Stanyon Inner circle Landrum, S.C. by way of Chicago 3433 Posts |
Tell the director to come up with an alternate appearance. Center stage with no traps, and apparently no set pieces to be used, would be next to impossible using a minimalistic approach. I remember teaching "Dracula" in school, but we didn't even try for what you are being asked to do. And believe me, we did some weird stuff for that production.
FWIW Cheers!
Stanyon
aka Steve Taylor "Every move a move!" "If you've enjoyed my performance half as much as I've enjoyed performing for you, then you've enjoyed it twice as much as me!" |
chmara Inner circle Tucson, AZ 1911 Posts |
Director (with budget) will probably have to go with "less is more." A champagne glass floating under a pouring bottle (Airborne) brought gasps at a performance here. In my recollection -- in the earlier stages of the piece, Drac's powers are established more by hint than brute force.
Gregg (C. H. Mara) Chmara
Commercial Operations, LLC Tucson, AZ C. H. Mara Illusion & Psychic Entertainments |
BondJames628 Regular user Alabama 110 Posts |
Here is a link for a vortex effect accomplished with a fog machine:
http://www.gotfog.com/vortex1-1.html I've never tried it before, but it looks like it will work. Good luck! -Taylor |
TommyTheTremendous Regular user 151 Posts |
Thanks, guys, for the idea. The projection on the mist, I think, is the most affordable one we could do. I am looking into that vortex fog machine, Taylor, so thanks for the link. Thank you all for your suggestions and input. It is greatly appreciated.
- Tommy Magic
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Michael Taggert Special user Fredericksburg Virginia 656 Posts |
Hi Tommy,
I know this may be a bit late, but a thin piece of scrim or leno could be dropped in with a video projection of a the vortex. As the ONLY lighting, this gives the actor time to step into position, then bring up the back-lighting. As the scrim fades, fly it out. Talk to the lighting director, add a little haze to the air, and that could work. Mike Taggert |
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