Gunshots
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Topic: Gunshots
Posted By: Guests
Subject: Gunshots
Date Posted: 3/17/05 at 10:27am
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We're doing a very bloody show, so I will have two related questions. My first regards gunshots. It's a small space, and safety is a factor, so we will be using recorded cues for the sound of the guns. However, the characters fire across the room, and the victim has to bleed. How do we do that? I'm looking for the simplest way to make the victim/actor start oozing blood, basically on cue and hopefully in multiple locations. |
Replies:
Posted By: DanLB
Date Posted: 3/17/05 at 1:04pm
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One option is to use a blood capsule of some sort that the victim would hold in thier hand. When the get "shot" they would smash the blood capsule against the part of the body they where shot in. Of course this only works if they are shot in an area that looks natural, wouldn't work for shots in the back. I have made simple blood packs by cutting off the corner of a plastic sandwitch bag, filling it wil stage blood, then sealing it up with some tape. The only other option I know of is pyro-technic squibs but you would need a professional to do that safely. Dan |
Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 3/17/05 at 2:40pm
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Here's a technique I've been itching to try, but have
yet had the opportunity to attempt: With the popularity of "Paintball" booming, I was thinking it might be possible to get blood-red paintballs and load them into the proper dispenser. Since paintball guns look nothing like the real thing, the firing would take place from the wings by a very talented marksman(woman). On cue, the stage gun would "fire" at the same time your paintballer would pelt the victim from a distance. Of course you would need a workable set (with an opening to fire the gun from the correct angle), a VERY trusting actor (wearing appropriate protection under their costume!) , an EXCELLENT shooter (without a criminal record or personal grudge against the actor) and LOTS of rehearsal (with LOTS of paper towels.) Like I said, I don't know of anyone who's ever attempted an effect like this, but -- considering the above factors -- it seems workable. Please be advised that I can neither recommend nor condone this method! But if it works I'd love to hear about it. ------------- "None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 3/17/05 at 3:54pm
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Dan - Thanks. That is certainly simple, and it might be workable. It's the line of thinking we need to go down. Topper - I really appreciate your creativity, but it wouldn't work in our small space. We're not a traditional theatre, but a store front, and we don't have good wing access or sight lines to the stage from off-stage. I'll use your idea when we're brainstorming, tho, and see where it goes. Please keep sharing your ideas, everyone. TIA!
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Posted By: jtonner
Date Posted: 3/22/05 at 3:45pm
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The University of Alabama theatre department came up with a squib for use by college and community theatres. It requires a very small charge an piece of thick leather, a plastic bag and a battery operated switch. I have a hand out with full directions in you are interested.
John ------------- John |
Posted By: Noname05
Date Posted: 3/23/05 at 11:46am
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Yes; I would love to see the handout. How can I get one? If I pm you my email, can you send it? (I've never used a pm feature.) |
Posted By: Mike Polo
Date Posted: 3/23/05 at 12:03pm
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jtonner -- Is the handou something that could be copied and posted? We would be happy to put it up on the Green Room (with full attribution, of course...). ------------- Mike Polo Community Theater Green Room http://www.communitytheater.org http://www.twitter.com/CTGreenRoom"> 
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Posted By: jtonner
Date Posted: 3/24/05 at 6:39pm
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I will go through my stuff from the 2004 USITT conference and see what I can find. John ------------- John |