Fire

[Jon Starr]

For my recent short I want to have some cutaways to shots of flames as they roll up the screen, or perhaps just flames in general. It's hard to explain what I'm looking for. It's just at the point of lighting a large amount of accelerant as it "explodes" in flame.

Now I have ideas how to film this, however I have the DVX 100b rented, and I've never filmed fire before. So I'll explain my idea and if maybe you guys can give me tips or ideas of how to film it, or how to create the fire?

My idea is to go outside at night, take some camp fuel and place it into an empty paint can (I guess I'd start with a small amount and work my way up), place it in front of a large black backdrop (A good distance away) place the camera to catch the flames alone, and attach a match to a stick and light it.

I also had the idea of perhaps putting up a sheet of plexi glass above the can of paint, angling it 45 degrees away from the camera, and film it perpindicular to the plexi glass so that it can catch the "rolling flames" better. But I haven't had a chance to try this.

Are there tricks to filming fire with a DVX, or in general? Anyone have any experience or tips/ideas?

 

[FallenWyvern]

It sounds like you want to shoot it from the side. If this is the case, then yes, you are right. A black background and recording the flames (try for 60fps. It'll be nice and slow, and you can always change the frame rate in post).

I would suggest keeping the camera a good distance away. Now if you want a rolling flame, personally I would get some sort of fire proof material as a "wall", then soak it in lighter fluid before setting it ablaze.

If you want to shoot it from above (so the camera is looking "down" on the fire" then use a mirror to reflect the image into the camera.

As always, when dealing with fire, contact local authorities to let them know what you're doing and perhaps they can lend assistance.

 

[Jon Starr]

Good ideas. Especially about the material burning. Thanks!