Smoking

H

Huy Vu

Veteran
I want to do a scene where there is a close up shot of a character lighting up a cigarette, take a puff and then blows smoke out of his mouth. The problem is that non of my actors like smoking and I don't really want to get them started on it. They won't mind lighting up a cigarette but is there a way that I can fake the smoke coming out of their mouth?

Thanks.
 
If they are really paranoid about getting hooked from one shot in a film, use clove cigaretttes.

Anybody who gets hooked on them deserves it.
 
Cigs aren't that addicting--one hit won't kill them, especially if they hit like it's a cigar, and don't inhale the smoke. Otherwise, get a stand in to do, if it's just for a close up. Find a friend who smokes, and have them do it. Or just use cloves or cigars (like Swisher Sweets) which taste better than cigs anyway.
 
Jezuzzz
Bette Davis was a non smoker, when she had to smoke on film, she lit the cig and smoked as if she had done it all her life.... No complaints, no nothing. she was acting!! and lived to like 88...
Tell them to smoke it, dont swallow it, and perform.... I mean if it was like Julia Roberts and it was on her contract that she wont smoke ok, but your guys are probably friends...and nobody actors ....and they are already complaining????
What will they be like if the become stars???
 
Ogrus said:
Jezuzzz
Bette Davis was a non smoker, when she had to smoke on film, she lit the cig and smoked as if she had done it all her life.... No complaints, no nothing. she was acting!! and lived to like 88...
Tell them to smoke it, dont swallow it, and perform.... I mean if it was like Julia Roberts and it was on her contract that she wont smoke ok, but your guys are probably friends...and nobody actors ....and they are already complaining????
What will they be like if the become stars???
Click to expand...
You joking?
Bette Davis a non-smoker?
She could damn near match Bogart stick for stick.
 
Okay, speaking as one who, in fact, did get hooked on cigarettes for 18 years from doing a crappy little student film, let me just say that if you can use a non-nicotine substitute, it might be a good thing.

Granted, one cigarette, if that's all you need to shoot, shouldn't make anyone a smoker (unless they're former smokers), but breaking down that barrier of initial disgust could inspire some later drunken cast party social smoking and, really and truly, it's all down hill from there.

The smoking stand-in is also not a bad idea. The problem with people not inhaling is that it's painfully obvious that they're not inhaling, and that they've never previously touched a cigarette in their life. Someone who already smokes is going to be much more believable.

Oh, and Bette Davis not really a smoker? Yeah, and Liberace was really a conservative dresser and a ladies man.
 
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Tell you actor/actress to man up and take a few lousy hits off a butt.

Or, have someone who is willing to man up flim the exhale in high contrast against a black background. Have the smoke well lit and compositing is a snap.
 
I just quit smoking (again...) a month and a half ago. There is nothing manly or professional about sucking that vile destructive drug in your lungs (which then filters garbage to every cell in your body). Use herbal cigarettes - they taste like crap so there is no danger of drunken cast party smoking. They don't have nicotine so no one has to worry about any addictive properties, though that shouldn't be a concern for non-smokers if it's only one scene and a several takes. For former smokers - even one drag is dangerous.

Lastly, is this scene that important? Is it adding that much to the story or to the character development. Remember, hollywood played a significant role in glamorizing a horribly destructive habit. I think filmmakers should ask themselves if they're supporting that ridiculous cliche or if the cigarette is really necessary to their film.

I agree with others, though, that non-smokers look ridiculous on camera especially if they don't inhale.
 
I'm not really worry about them becoming addicted, actually at least one of them already smoked before, but have since become disgusted with the habit. The thing is they're my friends who agreed to be in my video and not paid professional actors. If they're uncomfortable with smoking then I don't really want to push them. I think compositing it on is a viable alternative, although I would appreciate additional suggestions.

Btw, Before anyone suggests that I find other actors for the film, it's more of a personal project for my friends and I than anything so I'm not too picky. I'm just trying to see if there's a way I can please everybody and still do this effect.

Thanks!
 
Don't ask anyone who has smoked before and quit to smoke for your video! Even if they find it disgusting now, literally one puff could bring them down. If you've never been a smoker then you have no idea how insanely addictive it is. If this is a personal project for you and your friends, and none of you smoke, then maybe you don't need smoking in the video?
 
CallaghanFilms said:
You joking?
Bette Davis a non-smoker?
She could damn near match Bogart stick for stick.
Click to expand...



You see.... she even convinced you that she was a chimney!

That0s
 
CallaghanFilms said:
You joking?
Bette Davis a non-smoker?
She could damn near match Bogart stick for stick.
Click to expand...



You see.... she even convinced you that she was a chimney!





I was being sarcastic, (maybe too subliminaly)
 
jade8472 said:
The problem is that non of my actors like smoking and I don't really want to get them started on it.
Click to expand...


lol.

those truth ads are working. : )

it wont hook anyone to take a puff .. they might just find it kind of gross.

that said, Bus #8 is right in saying that if they were smokers and have quit, then don't ask them to do it. x smokers are always looking for a reason to start again.
 
Clinton didn't inhale...but the real question is, did Lewinski inhale!.....................come on get some actors!
 
Kimko has a point. Why not do a Clinton-esque inhaling if you know what I mean. I'll assume your shoot is in Denver so it's legal if you know what I mean. Know what I mean? The upside is you'll only have to get 1 or 2 takes. The downside is your short may turn into a comedy.
 
Bus No. 8 said:
The smoking stand-in is also not a bad idea. The problem with people not inhaling is that it's painfully obvious that they're not inhaling, and that they've never previously touched a cigarette in their life. Someone who already smokes is going to be much more believable.
Click to expand...

Actually, I don't think it really is that hard to sell "smoking" a cigarette without inhaling. If the actor keeps the smoke in their mouth, and then begins to talk, the smoke just comes out, which is stupid. But if you have the actor inhale before they put the cigarette up to their mouth, then get the smoke in their mouth, they can exhale with their mouth closed and the smoke will come out their nose, selling the deal. I know it sounds weird and confusing but it works.
 
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