ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXAdvice: what about VFX for fireworks in the sky?
8 years, 3 months ago - Sergio Falchi
Dear all,
I'm considering to add a series of fireworks in a distance in a shoot I completed for a short film. the scene is a night one of a boat in the lagoon and the fireworks must be seen lightly in the sky in the horizon or however on a long distance.
Visually and especially technically speaking this is a difficult thing? I am talking about a VFX specialist work...if yes it's a fast thing to do? It could be not more than 2 takes without any particular camera movement so probably 10-12 seconds of light fireworks with a realistic rithm, I am OK for the sound thanks to a sound designer who is attached to the project.
Thank you!
PS...it's a microbudget short
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8 years, 3 months ago - Paul Campion
Probably look for some stock footage of fireworks that works for you and then find a friendly compositor who can comp it in for you. Adding reflections of the fireworks into water is going to make it more work.
Response from 8 years, 3 months ago - Paul Campion SHOW
8 years, 3 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
Not my area really, but there's the fireworks, and the effect of the fireworks. The fireworks can be composited in, but the interaction of them with the scene is bigger work - ripples on water is a big deal, and they also illuminate the scene with different colours, directions and amounts.. Depending on the actual shots and framing, that could be as simple as defocussing them in the far distance and not affecting the foreground lighting much - or it could be a huge deal needing coloured backlights for the scene to sync.
Response from 8 years, 3 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
8 years, 3 months ago - Sergio Falchi
Thank you Paul and Paddy! Y,es I could have no reflections on water because the fireworks must be on a long distance...The fireworks are not strictly compulsory for the screenplay, it's just a plus! so I'd have to consider pros and cons of adding it...The sync could be a real problem...I'll ask the sound designer about it.
Response from 8 years, 3 months ago - Sergio Falchi SHOW
8 years, 3 months ago - Paul Campion
Is it really worth someone's time to add them if they don't support or improve the story or drama? My rule with visual effects is don't add them unless they are instrumental and neccesary to the storytelling.
Response from 8 years, 3 months ago - Paul Campion SHOW
8 years, 3 months ago - Yen Rickeard
If they add a celebratory feel that matches the story, they could be worth while. One way to do it would be to cut to a simple stock shot of sky, with fireworks just beginning to open, and then back to the lagoon shot with very minimal dying fireworks fading out, to tie in. Don't waste hours on it if it doesn't add much.
Response from 8 years, 3 months ago - Yen Rickeard SHOW
8 years, 3 months ago - Sergio Falchi
Yes Yen!, they should add a celebration feel about a celebration in the little town in a distance...It could be a great idea to add just a few of them, and then only sound..just to let the audience able to understand what is happening, it is also worht it to justify an other scene later in the short with firecrackers(really filmed). Yes Paul I agree with you, no sense if only a "maquillage" not linked with the story!
Response from 8 years, 3 months ago - Sergio Falchi SHOW
8 years, 3 months ago - Alève Mine
Acquire or film the background footage with real fireworks if they happen to take place anywhere near you, then make a video that maximizes the changes in illumination (or sound) - failing which use the footage directly - in that video if using green screen, which you can use to illuminate the shoot from a screen, filtered if needed. Easier said than done, I'm sure.
Response from 8 years, 3 months ago - Alève Mine SHOW
8 years, 3 months ago - Alève Mine
(from a screen or two or three)
Response from 8 years, 3 months ago - Alève Mine SHOW
8 years, 3 months ago - Sergio Falchi
Alève seems to be really difficult especially for a microbudget scenario and a limited time for an almost incoming deadline;), however thank you for your answer! A precious idea for the future if useful!
Response from 8 years, 3 months ago - Sergio Falchi SHOW
8 years, 3 months ago - Alève Mine
Can do the same without green screen
Response from 8 years, 3 months ago - Alève Mine SHOW