Production Skills #3

This week we looked at the use of the smoke machine in our production skills session. In the morning we were given a demonstration by Lee on how the smoke machine works and how it can be used to substantial effect. I learned that the smoke machine is a small handheld machine which is ran via a canister which through some scientific procedure, causes the liquid to heat up and come out as a vivid smoke. In the demonstration we also learned that there are rules to using the smoke machine. When using in the studio the fire services must be alerted 24 hours in advance, as must the staff. Whilst using the machine, small plastic caps must be placed over the smoke alarms, ensuring that they do not go off in the process of using the smoke machine. Again, this must be confessed in advance to members of staff to take preliminary action. 

The smoke machine can be used to great effect and can greatly enhance the visual aspects of a shot. Often used as a common convention in crime noir films, smoke is representative of the harsh grit of the streets and urban areas. It also creates a sense of mystery and danger, again both are overarching themes in film noir. Despite how visually appealing the smoke machine may look, it is important that it is used only to enhance the story. Any use of unnecessary effects such as the smoke machine can detract from the story if it does not tie in, in any way shape or form. 

Below are some shots taken in class on my phone of the smoke machine and how it can distort the outlines of characters, and make them look rather menacing. 

In the afternoon part of the session we focused more on our Me, Myself and I projects. This session was mostly vocal, as our lecturer Mike discussed how we should begin with production on our Me, Myself and I projects. Following the discussion on how our pre-production has progressed over the last few weeks we booked out the studio in turns. I have booked the studio for Thursday the 12th of November, where I will be filming a sequence for the project.