Making a Stage Look Like Hell

[adamdiehl]

I need to make a stage look like hell (in the literal sense folks, don't misinterpret me). I'd like to go all out-everything shy of turning on the heaters. My biggest concern is lighting (mainly because its my biggest knowledge deficiency). What gels should I use? The obvious choices are Rosco's "Flame" and "Fire" (18 and 19)??

thanks!

First of all, obviously, you want plenty of fog/haze. Strobe lights pulsing on and off on scenery can be very effective. As for color choices for lighting, Rosco has a color guide in pdf format, which is VERY useful if you don't already have it. If you don't, I've attached a copy of it. For a hell scene, you'd probably want two or three colors that will contrast each other. For example, a very deep red with bright yellow highlights would be good. To really create some effective contrast, you could create dark areas of scenery by using colors like Rosco's #50 Mauve. Stay away from anything blue or green. For lighting up the actors/performers themselves, stay away from deep or rich colors as it will rob the amount of light on them. Rosco #03 or #04 would be good for them, unless of course you want them to be dark, which simply depends on what works for you.

Also, depending on what you're actually doing on stage, sound effects can be VERY effective. The deep rumble of a large wildfire would be good, but stay away from anything crackling or popping since that's usually associated with small, contained fires. People shouting in the distance would definitely create a mood like that of hell. If people are speaking, a reverb effect, if available, can create a cave-like atmosphere if so desired.

Well, that's all the two cents I can come up with at the moment. Hope I helped.

[Aaron Foster]

How bout some flames...

One time we did a Hawaiian theme and 'tiki torches' were brought in. The flame looked incredibly real, but were actually cloth strips that were blown up by a fan. There must be something like that you can get a hold of.

Well, I guess you can't beat real flames... If you're brave enough that is.

[[Director] drew ryan]

The obvious with using flame is make your set fire resitant. also have several fire extinguishers ready. And if you have a fire alarm, you will probaby need to dissable it.

Another cool SFX piece of gear is LeMatte flame pots. You should be able to rent them from Indy Stage. JR is the man you need to talk to. Also check with Traders Point Christian Church and see if they might be willing to loan you some if they have any. I think we purchased a couple while i was there.

[Aaron Foster]

The obvious with using flame is make your set fire resitant

We use Rosco Flamex on the set and clothing. Check out SFX designs. They make some awsome flame throwers. Only pain is that they need natural gas and a tank of flame supressor.
Another thing you could to is get a few flash pots and put flares in them. They look cool and last a long time.

[Gail Rizzo]

Do you have moving lights or can you invest/borrow/rent gobo rotators? There are some great gobo flame effects. I can't remember if it's Rosco or Apollo but I'm sure either one would have gobos for that.

I've never used it and have no clue how expensive it is, but I was wandering around Rosco's website and they have an effects projector that has a flame effect. http://www.rosco.com/us/motioneffects/xeffects.asp

Here's Rosco's demo of a double gobo rotator and they show a flame effect for that.
http://www.rosco.com/us/motioneffects/dgr.asp

Also, flame pots are great. We used them at VBS and they have a very realistic look. Rosco or Rosebrand and probably Norcostco have them.

As far as gels for lights, the color guide gives some great tips for that to give an overall feel and you can use static gobo's for some effect.

Those are my random thoughts for the moment.

[Elec R. Winner]

before you think of doing any real pyro, even the smallest of flames, make danged sure to consult a) the fire marshall (!!) b) the church board of trustees. You may have to have a licensed pyrotechnics specialist to be able to do that. Our former creative minister used some pyro in a Maunday Thursday service before I got here (over 5 years ago) and I still hear about it today. She was taken the following day to the board of trustees, and is no longer affiliated with our church.

[adamdiehl]

Yea folks, this event is at ANOTHER church's sanctuary where I'm the tech director for a week-long teen camp. To make matters worst I'm running behind schedule and its happening in two weeks (not enough time to contact the out-of-town fire marshall or have a meeting with the trustees). Sorry, but real flames are out of the question for my project. You can keep them coming though- maybe they will help the next guy who wants to make a "hell" stage.

[ME!]

You could set up multiple projectors to cover the area and use flame video loops over the entire set. Scene one from WorshipFilms' Fire and Water looks like it would work.

[soulcast]

Monica, that's a great idea. You could also add a high quality sound effect of flames looping low in the background.

It's just me, but if you really wanted it to be like Hell, you could run endless episodes of Nanny 911...