Tips for smoking a set?

El Director

El Director

Veteran
I picked up a fog machine the other day to add some atmosphere to the scenes in my upcoming picture. I know it's not the same as "Cloud in a Can", but any tips or bits of advice I should know for working with what I've got? It's the "American DJ Mini Fog". The locations I'm looking to smoke are enclosed so it's not like I need to fill a big space.
 
well, smoke is easy. then you have to light it. are there windows? is it a daytime or nighttime scene? more info.
 
The trick is to not over due it. Use big foam core or other large flags you might have around the set to waft it in the air. You don't want it to look like a huge cigar is smoking in the background, you want atmosphere. Spray one 5 second shot. Take your large flag or fan and move it through the air to the point where its completely diluted in the air. This will give you a natural look. Just blowing the smoke from out of the fogger will not look right, it needs to be mixed well in the air.

Another note, you want it to settle a bit, the fog will move once you mixed it in the air, let it slow down, you don't want it to look like there's a tornado moving around in the background once you mixed the fog. Also be mindful of the actors, fog juice has a strong smell, some like it, some dont. It could really affect an actors performance if they are continually smelling something thats making them want to leave the room. Actors who are allergic to dust will also be affected by smoke, could cause a large coughing fit in the middle of a take.

YOU MUST tell actors at least 48 hours in advance if you are doing smoke, usually actors are paid more if there is smoke involved for the day. It is straining on the eyes and lungs when you are in contact with it for hours. Keep eye drops around. Remember you must tell your actors there will be fog used, because if you don't and they have a bad reaction you do not want to loose your talent.

Safety first.
 
All done with a party fogger and half a sheet (4X4) of tyvek insulation used as a wafting board as Giuseppe suggested.

outdoor
http://frenchquarterfeatures.com/privatescreening/L.html

indoor/outdoor (lots of fog)
http://frenchquarterfeatures.com/privatescreening/U.html

indoor (one shot we didn't waft enough but it's OK because you are focused on the talent and it works OK because all the other shots are good)
http://frenchquarterfeatures.com/privatescreening/cc.html

indoor (NUDITY WARNING)
http://frenchquarterfeatures.com/privatescreening/R.html

Wafting is a necessity with a party fogger. That's one issue you'll have.
The other issue is waiting for it to be ready. You'll continently hear "holding for fogger" on a party fogger set.

Something to consider. Have you checked in to renting a hazer? We rented one for like $50 for several days. It's so much nicer / easier than a fog machine. Always ready, provides a more consistent controllable level of fog, wafting seldom needed if at all.
 
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