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JAEIII Veteran user 310 Posts |
This might be a dumb question so I'll apologize in advance
When performing some illusions in theaters, you have them hung in the air (Examples: Vanishing Motorcycle, David Copperfield's '13,' Copperfield's Cocoon, etc...). There are tons of illusions that can hang in the air. I was curious where you can get the machine/device that can do this. Is it a crane of some sort? Is it something most theaters have already? Wheter it be chains, strong cords, etc..where can you get a device like this? I am in the process of creating two illusions that need to be hung and then lowered...anyone know the best place to look for these, or any knowledge of them? I feel stupid, but I have no idea what is used (and you can see them in almost every magic show) Thanks in advance to anyone that can help!
Believe In Magic....I do!
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djvirtualreality Inner circle MayfieldNew York 1347 Posts |
In my school auditorium (I am in tech theater) we have a counterweight system that levers whatever you need to lift. Steel cables hold up what we need. The counterweight system is just ropes, pulleys, and weights. When you want something to go up you pull down lol.
Life is an illusion, death is reality.
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MikeJRogers Veteran user Australia 354 Posts |
I'm in Tech Theatre too - I'm a stage manager. What DJ was talking about is called a 'flie or fly' system. Every theatre should have one. Some may be better than others but nearly every theatre has at least one. You will have no trouble finding one just ask around.
Hope this helps, Mike
Mike Rogers Illusion Design - Australia - http://www.mikerogers.com.au
"Nothings impossible, the impossible just takes longer" - Dan Brown novel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
zigmont Regular user 140 Posts |
If its less than 750 pound the fly system could handle the flying in and out of props.
Another way of flying or Hoisting props/truss in and out is with a chain motor (1/4 ton, 1/2 ton, 1 ton) You need to hang off steel with span sets. This need to be addressed by a trained experience rigger. Here some help http://www.gweep.net/~prefect/pubs/iqp/node52.html
Zigmont
Magic F/X |
JAEIII Veteran user 310 Posts |
Thanks for all the quick responses. Is a fly system hard to operate? The illusions being lifted are no more then about 200 pounds. When you say pull a lever, this this electric or manual? Is it difficult to use? Thanks again for all your help.
Believe In Magic....I do!
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MikeJRogers Veteran user Australia 354 Posts |
JAEII - most fly systems are easy to use. You really just have to push a button, wind a winch or pull a lever, it's that simple. However some older fly systems are manual rope systems, which means it wont lift 200 pounds because the operator needs to manually pull the ropes. Luckily rope systems are very uncommon now, they are all electronic or winch driven nowdays. So just connect up your illusion and have an operator off stage ready to push the button or wind the winch on cue. Simple as that.
Just out of curiosity what sort of illusions are you wanting to raise up? Hope this helps, Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers Illusion Design - Australia - http://www.mikerogers.com.au
"Nothings impossible, the impossible just takes longer" - Dan Brown novel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
JAEIII Veteran user 310 Posts |
Thanks for the helpful information, Mike. It sounds like I get to save a lot of money if most theaters already have them
Mike, I'll be hanging two illusions that are my own creation. I'd rather not talk about them yet, as they're not done yet. THANKS!
Believe In Magic....I do!
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MikeJRogers Veteran user Australia 354 Posts |
Oh your own creations, that's cool, you must be a clever fella lol. Good Luck!
Mike Rogers Illusion Design - Australia - http://www.mikerogers.com.au
"Nothings impossible, the impossible just takes longer" - Dan Brown novel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
IllusionJack Veteran user Las Vegas, Nevada 376 Posts |
Hi guys,
Here is the scoop on fly systems. They are pretty standard for most larger theaters. The manual kind with ropes are still in wide use. I work for a performing arts center that is brand new (opened April 2003) and we have a manual system. It works very well, and the weight limit for a single arbor is several hundred pounds if not more. One person could easily move a very heavy item up and down due to the counterweight system in use. Safely rigging your prop to the fly system is something that you should definately research. Some houses are union houses meaning their techs would be required to do that work. Others you and your crew could do it on your own. But, all the fly systems whether manual or automated work largely the same. --Jack |
JAEIII Veteran user 310 Posts |
Thanks for that great information, Jack! Everyone has been very helpful. Thanks to all!
Believe In Magic....I do!
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