SPFX STUDY AID Flashcards
Why avoid getting silicate of soda on a glass surfaces?
It will etch the surface of the glass, causing permanent damage,
Name at least 3 ways to make a good hand held dust effect
Penberhty siphon device, bunks gun, flocking gun, air, e-fan
How many liquid chemical smokes do you recall?
- A&B smoke ( mono ethyl amine and acetic acid)
- Titanium tetrachloride
- Sulphur trioxide and Chlorosulphonic acid
Is it always advisable to use a gas regulator when making window and door fires?
No, it is not
Describe how to build hand carried torches.
Handle, burlap, oakum, parafin celotex, silicate of soda, wire, large nail/pin
Other then steam and dry ice to create fog, give one other method to create the same fog, or name a device used
Rumble pot, dry ice, immersed in hot water
In a normal, upright position an LPG tank delivers a gas vapor, if it is turned upside-down, what does it deliver?
Liquid gas
Is it necessary to install a steam boiler in a level position? Why?
Yes, so that the float controls operate accurately and properly
What color smoke is given off if light oil, dipped briquettes are added to hot charcoal briquettes?
White
Name at least 2 burning materials that will make black smoke from a chimney.
Old Days- Rubber tires, Black smoke cookies, tar paper, M.E.K. and Kerosene.
What device is used on a Co2 cylinder to control the output pressure?
Regulator
About how many cubic feet of loosely spread snow is in a carton?
50 sq. ft. of 2” deep 8 cubic ft in a box
Name the proper safety steps in handling dry ice.
Handle wirth gloves and or pliers and wear safety glasses when breaking it.
On a rain job, a manifold is used for what purpose? Give 2 uses.
Distributes water flow
Control size of rain drops
Allows fixed pre settings of rain sources
If dry colors are not added to the plaster mix, what color will you end up with?
White
When doing fog effects outdoors, what is the most frequent problem to arise?
The Elements; wind and temperature variations
When using a pump to supply water for a rain job and loss of water pressure occurs, what could be some possible causes?
Loss of prime on suction hose
Loss of rpm on pump
Hose blockage
What materials are needed to create a wood burning smoke effect form an exterior chimney? Name at lest 3.
Madewell, Bee smoker, pancharcoal briquettes with oil drip, bee gum/olebanum, green grass on fire, oiled briquettes.
How is the correct gas pressure to the boiler controlled?
With a pressure regulator
An LPG tank has what kind of thread for connection?
Left -Hand
To rig and control a window fire, on stage, name at least 9 items to be used
- Fuel 6.Fire burner/ring
- Needle valve 7.Flake ash
- LPG Hose 8.Silencer
- Floor pad 9.Fire Protection
- Drywall/Sheet metal
Name the advantages of using flammable gas a s opposed to flammable liquids on a set.
Flammable gas is more easily controlled and unlike flammable liquids, does not have to be “redressed” between takes, easy shut off, and will not create a fire hazard buy building up fumes on the set.
What are the three sizes of hoses commonly used for rain jobs?
2 1/2”, 1 1/2”, and 3/4”
What is the purpose of a foot valve?
To keep the pump suction hose primed
If two 45 volt batteries were hooked up in parallel circuit, what is the voltage?
45 volts
Putting batteries in parallel raises amperage. !!!!!
If you can’t hide a sincere within 2’ - 3’ of a camp fire, what would you do?
Rig it in the gas line as close as possible to the fire but out of the shot
What problems might occur dispensing Co2 from a cylinder, through a regulator for long periods of time?
Freezing
When creating lightening flashes on a set, the cast and crew should be made aware of what possible injury to themselves?
Eye flash burns
If scale is allowed to build up in a boiler, what happens to the boiler?
Loses efficiency
Takes longer to heat up
Less fuel efficient
Lessens its life
Three 6 volt batteries are connecters together in a series circuit. What is their total voltage output. !!!!
18 volts
Name at least 4 materials you may use on an outdoor location snow set, which includes ground and vegetation.
Plastic flakes, gypsum, marble dust, unbleached muslin, foam, #2 ime rock, snow blankets, C-90, terram blanket, water.
How is the amount of Co2 accurately determined?
Weighing
Name four steps you can take to control or contain fog on stage.
Cool stage Wet down floor Build a ware around area Turn off air conditioning and fans Seal floor
On location in the desert, you are asked to make a 10 sq. ft. pond, your only source of water is a water wagon and the sand is too porous to hold water, give 2 easy ways of achieving this effect.
Install vinyl/plastic sheeting, drillers mud
How is pyrocrell used for deep footprints in the snow?
Placed in a slab in the walk pattern, in a snow set dressed with snow material to blend in with terrain.
To simulate heavy clouds passing by the window of and airplane you need..?
Liquid nitrogen, wind machine, air movers, made well fogger.
Describe two types of steam hose couplings
Boss ground joints-a bevelled machine fit
Washer-type- a pressure washer fit
Are water additives available toy lessen scale build-up in water?
Yes
A foam generator makes, what type of snow
A light, bubbly, fluffy, deep foam
What is the difference between LPG and Natural Gas?
LPG has been pressurized (liquified) and odorized
LPG is a liquid under pressure.
Natural gas is a low pressure gas vapor.
Name at least 2 material that are used to snow dress live trees on a permanent set?
Cotton batting Snow flocking Carsonal Jet-x foam Paper Snow
What is “penberthy”?
A siphon device
What do you construct a gas silencer out of?
A piece of pipe approximately 2” x 12 “ stuffed with steel wool and capped on the ends with bell reducers.
When creating either bubbling mud pots or quicksand, name at least three of the most common materials, excluding water that are used.
Vermiculite, Bentonite, drillers mud, Carbopol, methocell
Where is the proper place to store and use steam boilers on stage?
Offstage ( outside)
Why is it important to eliminate water condensation in steam lines on motion picture sets?
To lessen chances of accidentally spraying and burning cast and crew
What is wire rope?
Steel cable
Name at lest one material used to make the flame of a fire green.
Copper chloride, copper sulphate, borax
In preparing a car for a safe, high speed roll over, name at least 3 steps that are recommended for safety.
Install rollbar
Remove gas tank and install fuel cell,
Safety belts and harness
By itself, Co2 in a liquid state is useful in making effects. Name one or more uses.
Fog effects
Steam effects
Silicate of soda, when dry, becomes what?
A glass like fire - resistant material
Name two commonly used materials to create fire on clothing worn by actors.
Pyrogel
Contact cement
What is the most practical way to extinguish 15 or more hand-held torches so that they can be re-lit again?
Place into a barrel/drum containing dry ice.
When it is necessary to apply an interior fire set with flammable liquids what possible dangers exist?
Possible explosion
Premature ignition due to fumes
Toxic fumes/persons overcome
Name three main systems of a steam boiler
Water
Burner/Fuel
Steam/ Pressure
If you are getting crackling noise from heavy and irons in a gas fireplace, how can the noise be eliminated?
Turn fire hight for a few minutes before shooting, and get irons hot.
What fittings would you use for a swing joint?
An “elbow” and a “street L”.
A foam nozzle/tube/ play pipe makes what type of foam snow?
A wet, low, ground hugging foam.
When working in Carbon Dioxide, in either liquid or block form, two dangers are always present, what are they?
Freezing
Blistering of the skin
Displacement of oxygen/air.
Name 3 most common piano wire ties used in the Motion Picture Industry
Close tie
Butterfly tie
Copper tube tie
Does fog oil have a high or low flash point?
High
What are the 3 elements of an electrical circuit?
Source, conductors from the source to load, load
Is there such thing as a partial blow-down?
Yes
If the same oils are ignited, what color is the smoke?
Black
How is Pyrocell prepared?
Mix with water, pour into mould, box, allow to rise, expand and dry.
The pressure gauge on a steam boiler tells you what?
The steam pressure in the boiler
List 2 of the the most common methods of making fog, using dry ice
Pass steam over through dry ice, immerse in hot water, madewell fogger with dry ice basket
On stage, a courtyard snow set has been dressed with gypsum. The camera person wants to see sparkle or highlights, what can be done to accomplish this request?
Sprinkle mica flakes, glitters, napthlene flakes.
Liquid nitrogen is stored and shipped in what kind of container?
Pressurized metal tank; double-wall vacuum.
When frosting a window pane with stale beer and epsom salts, what is the ideal look/pattern you are trying to accomplish?
Ice, crystalline appearance.
Name at least 2 methods of simulation bullet strikes with using compressed gases or pyrotechnics.
Mouth blow tube
Mouse trap
Sling shot
Snap off patch
When using plastic snow flakes, especially out-of-door, what is the one big problem that should be considered?
Clean up
In creating a sustained dust storm, name at least 3 pieces of equipment that are used.
Penberthy tube Binksgun Flocking gun Gas/electric wind machines E fans Air movers
What is the hazard in using questionable quality hose as a main feeder hose on a rain job?
The possibility of rupturing line, resulting in the flooding of equipment and personnel on a film company; also, a ruptured line which may whip around can be dangerous
What is the name of the legal container used for storing up to 5 gallons of flammable liquids?
Safety can
Explain the preparation for depicting the instantaneous ignition and burning of bush.
Install remote ignition, apply fuels
What materials, mixed together, will safely simulate the oil in a oil well blow out? Give two examples.
Methocell, Carbopol, Lamp black, caustic soda in water mix, drillers mud and lamp black.
Name nine items necessary to rig a controlled campfire on a stage.
Burner ( slotted pipe or copper tube) Black iron pipe Proper fittings LPG hose Silencer Propane bottles Needle valve and spud adapter Floor pad Pilot wick Safety standby equipment (Co2 and Water)
Prior to making large quantities of dust or smoke, you must have what?
Either a permit or notification to the proper authorities.
When using salt to dress rails or seals what must be done to prevent the salt from running off?
Dampen salt
What must be done on a set to prepare t for low-lying fog for the day?
Build a ware around the are to be fogged in.
Cool the set down, using dry ice on the floor when possible.
Wet the floor down when possible
Turn off air conditioning and blowers.
A Helco Model 50A butane regulator could possibly be used for what fire effect?
Small fires, such as a campfire or fire place.
What is a slang term Silicate of Soda?
Water Glass
Name at least 2 problem cobwebbing an interior furnished set.
Damage to set dec and props
Glue melting from heat or style webs are flammable
When preparing interior set windows for a rivlet-type rain job, you must do what? What equipment is necessary?
Seal the window with silicone or caulking
You will need: Drip pipe Water catch basin Rain mat Siphon pump Drain hose
The minimum number of cable clamps/or clips to be used on 1/8” cable, per manufactures recommendations is?
Two
If The Fuller’s Earth color does not match the natural earth color, what must be done to correct this?
Add compatable dry colors to fuller earth for color match.
List at least 2 materials that can be used for soft blood hits.
Steric acid capsules
Red dyed green peas
Cotton wads/balls
When rigging with wire, rope or wire rope ect.., how is a “thimble” used?
Within the eye when turning a loop or an eye splice
What are the most common sizes of steam hoses used?
1/2”-3”
1/2”, 3/4”,1” 1 1/2”, 3”
What is “wire rope”
Steel Cable
Name at least 4 ways to create “atmosphere smoke”.
Old Days- Smoker bulb with cigarette,smoke pellets, smoke cookies.
*Now Days- Madewell, DF-50, power tiny, bee-smoke, duraflame logs.
Injecting air under pressure through mineral oil makes ___?
Fog, Smoke
To wet down a dirt set without changing the color of the dirt, what do you do?
Do nothing.
Steam hose differs form conventional hose in what way?
Steam hose is steel-reinforced, bonded carcass, and is pressure rated.
What is the purpose of a water gauge glass?
To indicate the water level in the boiler
If a water truck, used gravity feed, has a 3/4 outlet 10’ below the tank and has a pressure of 5 P.S.I., how can the pressure be raised to 10 P.S.I?
Raise the tank to 20 feet above the outlet.
Which is the larger size plastic flake #5 or #15
15
What materials simulate the appearance of heavy ice on a set?
Parafin, Sodium Hydro sulphate
If a propane tank freezes up, how can the gas be kept flowing to continue the shot?
Turn tank upside down and intermittently, bounce on ground.
Name 3 methods of making waves on a studio pond.
Wind machine Power gave maker Hand wave maker Pumpers "V" box Flat board
How is a submersible water primed?
Self Priming
For a fire job, on stage, where several 20 gallon butane tanks are to be used, where are the tanks placed?
As far from the set as possible and in line of the operator.
When using steam on a set, why is it recommended that you have a bleeder line?
To bleed of accumulated water condensation in steam lines and keep it out of various fog steam devices.
When using styrofoam to make floating ice, what must be careful to prevent from happening?
Eliminate cork buoyancy effect, tie down, weight down.
Normallly, smoke form an exterior chimney is from burning wood, what color is this smoke?
White
Name at least 2 hazards present, when using fog oil on stage
Fire or explosion
Excessive inhalation of vapors
Slippery floors
Name two pieces of equipment that are available for fogging o outdoor sets
Navy fogger
Dyna fogger/Igeba
Ritter/Gas plant- fogger
To show a knife blade cutting and drawing blood on a bare arm, there are 2 chemicals used, 1 applied to blade, the other to the arm. Name them.
A&B Blood= Potassium thiocynate-body
Ferric chloride - knife
Name the device that is used to eliminate the hissing sound from an L.P.G burner pipe.
Silencer
In using a pressure vessel ( tank) to hold a supply of air safely, name 2 pieces of equipment to be used and one condition to be met.
Pressure gag, Pressure relief valve
Tank certification
Why is it NOT recommended to turn water to rain stands quickly?
Eliminate bursting lines due to quick surges in pressure, avoid toppling rain towers
How does a suction hose differ from a fire hose?
Suction hose is steel-reinforced (rigid) to avoid collapsing.
Three 12 volt batteries are connected together in a parallel circuit, what is their total voltage output?
12 volts
Batteries in parallel have higher amps not volts !!!
In a tight, close shot, where sound is critical, to show movement of clothing and hair on an individual, Give 2 acceptable ways to accomplish this
E-fan
RE-Fan
Wind tunnel
Gobel/cutter
When operating try-cocks, what is released from them?
Upper-steam
Middle-steam and water
Lower-Hot water
How often is a complete blow-down of a boiler recommended?
At the end of each days work.
Most oils make smoke when heated, what color is that smoke?
White
What are the two most common components of fog juice?
Mineral oil, water/propylene glycol
Name two most evident disadvantages of using titanium tetrachloride
It is toxic and caustic to personnel.
It produces a bad odor
Silicate of soda (sodium silicate) is primarily used for what?
Fire retardant, fireproofing
What color smoke does naphthalene give off when burned?
Black
What is the approximate ratio of stale beer to epsom salts for ideal frost effects?
Two salt to one beer
To create a blizzard-like snow storm on a pre-dressed stage, snow set what additional equipment and material must you have?
Wind machine, plastic or starch snow flakes
The “Crosby clip” is used for what?
Wire rope, Cable
When pumping water from a river, with a pump, 2 items are necessary in order to pull and hold prime. What are they?
Suction hose/hard pipe.
Foot valve.
Is it advisable to have individual control valves on a manifold with one large shut off valve to control all of them?
Yes, to feed and control individual rainmaking devices and to enable you to preset these devices so that flow will be the same with each take
Where does an Eddy valve come from?
Department of Water and Power
Name 2 substances that can be burned independently to produce black smoke
Tar Paper
Diesel Fuel
Tires
Naphthalene
One bag of Fuller’s Earth fed in front of a large wind machine will make only a minor dust cloud. True or False?
False
Should a bleeder line be nearer to the boiler or the outlet?
Outlet
If a 6” diameter steam line delivers 15 PSI, approximately what PSI would a 3” line deliver?
35-50 PSI
What materials are most generally used to represent icicles ?
Saran wrap sheet, cellophane sheet, fiberglass cloth and polyester resin, silicate of soda, par fin, coating resin and molds.
For what effect is freon most frequently used?
Steam
What identification is used on an LPG tank adapter nut?
A center notch running around the circumference.
Name 3 methods of applying melted par fin for ice effects.
Parafin gun
Pouring
Dipping
Spraying
Name the one-part air-reactive chemical used to make smoke
Titanium tetrachloride
To rig and control a campfire on stage, certain rules and regulations must be followed and the proper equipment used. Name at least 10.
FIRE PERMIT
FIRE PROTECTION
GAS SOURCE
VALVE
HOSE
SILENCER
BURNERS
FIRE/FLOOR PAD (DRY WALL/CEMENT BOARD)
LOGS
ASHES (ROCK WOOL/VERMICULITEName 2 methods of making icicles.
Forming a shape in glass cloth, apply clear polyester resin, form shape with cellophane, saran wrap coat with clear resin, parafin, ect..
What is the most widely accepted method or material for making rain drops on a set quieter?
Hogs hair, Swamp cooler filters
Batteries have positive and negative terminals, when connecting 2 or more batteries in a series circuit, explain how to proceed
Positive Terminal to Negative Terminal
Putting batteries in series raises voltage
How is a bee smoker used?
It is partially filled with hot coals, a small handful of bee gum is sprinkled on top of the charcoal, then the smoker is pumped by hand.
If handling dry ice with gloves, you can expect to be what?
Freezer burned
On a location set, you are asked to create a camp fire that gives off white smoke, give 2 methods of doing this.
Green grass on fire
Oiled Briquettes
Bee gum
Give the correct way to shorten a piece of common chain.
Cut it off, use connection links,use chain shackles.
What is the boiler range of sizes most used in FX
2hp-175hp
How are wind machines powered?
Electric and gasoline driven
Name the 3 items/ingredients that are necessary to create foam snow.
Water, foaming agent, (jet-x, carsonal ,ect) applicator (penberty nozzle, foam generator)
Name 3 suitable materials to use when creating a dust storm, where people are being photographed
Fuller ( Fx dirt)
Bran
Smoke
Plastic snow is not biodegradable; this should be considered when you are working, where?
Outdoors
When using siphon, carsonal Jet-x materials, how are they applied to making snow?
Pemberthy siphon nozzle attached to water hose, spinner slinger device mounted on front of wind machine foam generator.
If you are using a water pump as a source of delivery from a pool of water to a rain job, what, other then the pump, is necessary to bring the water up to the first manifold?
Foot Valve
Suction Hose
Output Hose
If a Co2 cylinder is standing upright and it dispenses a gas vapor, what does it dispense when turned upside down?
Liquid Co2
Name at least 3 items used to create flames out of a window
Fuel Fishtails Slotted pipe "V" pans, Pilots Sterno Oakum Fire ribbon
When using steam for an effect, what is used to increase volume and density?
Dry ice
A snow blizzard effect is best created with the use of one machine, what is it?
Wind machine
How would you maintain a preset height on a campfire?
By using a needle valve to adjust and preset the height and then using the tank (main) valve to turn the flame on and off.
When working with a film company on the streets, you must have the proper what?
Permits
Name at least 3 kinds of chains used in the Motion Picture Industry !!!!!!!
Steel sash chain (tie down chain)
Straight link coil chain ( grip chain)
Single jack
Passing link chain
What temperature are steam hoses rated to carry?
350-450 degrees F
Name the 2 most commonly used methods of delivering falling snow onto a set
Rollers
Roller cage
Fan
To fasten or turn an “eye” in a wire rope, name the fasteners clamps used.
Nicopress sleeves
Cable clamps-crosbies
Name three pieces of equipment used to make atmospheric smoke
Bee smoker Mole gun Oil crackers Igeba DF-5 F-100 G-300
What color smoke is given off if naphthaline flakes are added to hot charcoal briquette?
White/off white
What does a one galloon propane tank weigh?
Approximately 4.2 lbs
Name at least 2 gases that use left-handed thread at the bottle
L.P.G. and Acetylene
What is a water manifold?
An accessory device with a large input opening which usually feeds a number of smaller touts though control valves.
What are the differences in appearance between siphon applied with a jetex firefighting nozzle and siphon applied with a foam generator?
Nozzle- makes a wet, low ground hugging foam.
Foam Generator- makes a light, fluffy, bubbly, deep foam.
When the script calls for a fire on private property, is a permit necessary?
Yes a permit is required by state and local authorities for all fires.
To make your own cobweb juice, what are the two ingredients needed?
M.E.K. and saran resin——OLD
Smoke production techniques fall into four general types, name at least 2
Incomplete combustion of fuels "smoldering" Vaporized Oils Heated Fluids Chemicals Pyrotechnics
How would you connect a steam hose to a conventional non-steam house?
You wouldn’t
Name some pieces of equipment necessary for rigging?
Cables/Safety Cable/cable fittings Cable ties Rope Beam Clamps Snatch blocks Pulleys Quick releases (trips or quick release hooks) Floor plates Riggers Harnesses Wire Rope Ladders Pipe clamps
The material Lycopodeum is used for what purposes?
Lightening flashes, as a lubricant (sliding)
Name three purposes of a steam trap
Collect condensation from stem hoses Act as a manifold Act as a silencer Bleeder fo condensation Steam reservoir/accumulator
If there is not sufficient room to use a normal rain heads to show heavy rain outside a large picture window, name one piecer of equipment that would be most useful in accomplishing this.
Drilled pipes and tubing.
What must be done to paraffin so that it may be applied as ice on a pond, icicles, ect…
Melt It
Name at least 6 materials used to snow dress the front of a house on stage
C-90 Ice C 140 Casting Resin Terram blanket Stale Beer/salt Dacron blanket Prismatic Lacquer Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salts) Polymer Snow GYP Marble Dust Lime Rock Parafin Flocking Cotton Bats Muslin Snow Blankets Plastic Flakes Foam Sipon carsonal Jet x starch snow Paper snow Display snow
Name 2 effects that glycerin is generally used for.
To create water rivulets on glass surfaces (windows)
To create glistening effects on rocks, walls…ect..
What can be added to kerosene to change the color of its smoke, and will it become lighter or darker?
Alcohol will make the smoke lighter
Diesel fuel will make the smoke darker
Name at lest 2 material that are useful for making a car radiator appear to be steaming.
Liquid nitrogen, Co2, steam-dry ice, freon made well fogger
Name two key components in making fog in a ruble pot.
Hot water
Dry ice
Name 2 ways of speeding up the hardening time of silicate sods
Spray with alcohol, heat
What two components are used in making smoke in a oil cracker?
Air
Oil
A tank measures 3’x4’x5’, how many cubic feet of water will it hold?
60 cu.ft.
Name two effects that dump tanks are used for.
Walls of water
Tidal waves
Large waves
What materials, mixed together, will create a foaming action, such as from beer?
Mix water and vinegar 50/50 add baking soda
What is the purpose of a chill chamber?
To cool steam or smoke and make it heavier so that it lays closer to the ground.
Name the 2 most obvious ways to decrease the size of drops on a studio set.
Increase water pressure, change rain head size
Explain at least 2 methods used to blow out a window, on stage, without the use of explosives.
Air mortar, shock cord and wires, air rams
When rigging for a rain job on a sound stage, is it acceptable to hang drip pipes and rain heads form the permanents or green beds?
Yes
Why is it not recommended to turn on water from rain stands quickly?
Eliminate bursting lines due to quick surges in pressure, avoid toppling rain towers.
What enhances the visual quality of a cob web?
Dusting of the web with fullers earth
Give at least 3 methods/materials of making piano wire invisible to the camera.
Coat with vinegar and copper sulphate (blue vitriol) mix, black anodize plating, paint, shoe polish, felt marker pens, wire acids, gun blue.
What is the purpose of “hot lighting” an automobile?
To increase brightness/intensity of headlamps.
What are the main reasons for using muslin under snow dress?
A quick, easy ground cover, facilitates clean up
On an interior set, on stage, camera shooting out of a window, seeing rain, what steps are taken on set?
Water proof window, install rain pans, pipe heads, mats/pads..ect..
What water pressure can you expect to be dealing with at a fire hydrant?
Approximately 150 lbs/ sq. in.
To snow in an 50ft. X 20ft. X 3 in. deep, how many sacks of gyp would you use? You know I was a
500 sack and I don’t think shoulder to shoulder
What spacing is recommended when constructing a fire pad?
2”
What type of container is saran cobweb material best stored in?
Metal can, Glass bottle
If you have a 2 1/2 “ hose line and wish to come off with two 1 1/2” lines name the fitting used to accomplish this.
“Y”- Wye- manifold or siamese
Name at least 3 common rope ties/knots used in the Motion Picture Industry.
Bowline, square knot, Clove hitch, Half hitch.
Name 4 devices are most frequently used to make fog or smoke effects.
Mole gun Bee smoker Igeba Rumble pot Oil cracker
What is the boiling temperature of water?
212 degrees F
Name 2 materials which, when mixed with water, will make a wet snow and cover a lot of area in a hurry
Siphon, Carsonal, Jet-x
Steam introduced over or through dry ice does what?
Increases volume, fog tends to hang low, flows like water
To snow in an area 50 ft. by 20 ft. 3 inches deep, how many sacks of gyp would you use?
500 sacks of gyp
Name 3 basic materials used in making fire logs.
Metal lath or wire mesh
Hi fiber filler, fire clay and plaster mixture ( with dry color)
Silicate of soda
Would it be reasonably safe to use fog oil smoke on a stage with an open flame?
No, because of the flashpoint danger and possible ignition
Name at least 2 quick, economical methods of providing snow cover for background dress, when no action takes place.
Muslin
Snow blanket
Foam paint (water color)
A “ connecting link” is associated with….
Chain
Name a few rain head-type devices
Bird mouth heads Binks nozzle Cluster heads Boston nozzle "Whirly Birds" Spinner heads Drilled pipes and Tubing Water rings on wind machines
How would you prepare a small interior set to simulate the shaking of an earthquake?
Place set on springs, intoner tubes, inflatable rafts, ect, shake with out of balance wheel, jack hammer, man power, ect
In creating a dry pond with a cracked mud surface, name a material to use
Bentonite
Drillers mud
Rotary clay
When using heated oils to make smoke or fog, what hazards do you have to be aware of?
Flashpoint ignition
Slippery floors
Excessive inhalation of toxic vapors
What hazards are to be expected on a stage fogged with dry ice or liquid nitrogen?
Displacement of oxygen.
Frostbite
Slippery floors
Name at least 3 items that can be used to create fire reflections.
Fire flicker pans Slotted gas burning pipes Silk cloth straps Mylar reflective sheets Kerosene Oakum Smoke
Lightening flash effects are made a number of ways, give at least 3 examples
Carbon arc
Aluminum powder/lycopodium powder
Steel wool and aluminum powder
Shutter effect in front of a arc lamp
If you were to safely fly a 165 lb person on 2 steel piano wires, approximately what size wires would be safe?
20
Campfire burner rings, can be made quickly, how and with what?
Black iron pipe with slots cut in it, put together in the shape of rings, H’s X’s or T’s.
Punching small holes, approximately 1/2 “ apart, in a piece of collide copper tubing
If the director said “ I want real ice/snow on this set, not plastic, foam ect…, what is the solution?
Use ice machine crusher blower, bags of snow ice.
What materials are used to construct a fire box on a fireplace set?
Plasterboard, plaster, expanded metals, cement
A pipe swinging joint is constructed of what and used for what purpose?
It is made by joining an elbow and a street “L” and is used as a flexible joint for directing rain heads
Name 2 materials not suitable to use when creating a dust storm where people are being photographed.
Cement
Dirt
Sand…ect…
Name at least 2 ways that charcoal can be used to make smoke.
With Olibanum bee gum in a bee smoker
Dripping oil on hot charcoal
What can be applied to rocks to make them appear to glisten?
Water and white oil mix.
Gycerine
What is used to thin silicate of soda?
Water
If one gallon water weighs 8 1/2 lbs, what is the water weight in a 60 cubic foot tank?
3750 lbs. (62.5 lbs = 1 cu.ft)
Name 2 materials dispersed with wind machines that help create a good snow effect.
Foam
Plastic Flakes
Prior to snow dressing an area in a National Forest, it is mandatory to contact…
National Forest Ranger
When using beer and epsom salt for frost effect, the beer should be…..
Stale
To create an exterior resin set 30 ft x 50 ft., in an open field, what equipment is needed?
Water sourced, foot valve, suction hose, pump, hoses , manifolds, rain stands, rain heads/nozzles, sand bags.
How is the amount of Carbon Dioxide in a Co2 fire extinguisher measured?
By weighing
What care must be taken when pouring melted paraffin onto water? Why?
Pour slowly for even layers.
Why do we need a campfire “pad” over a wooden stage floor?
The fire could eventually bring the floor up to its flashpoint, making it hot enough to burn.
What item is required when a Co2 regulator is attached to a cylinder?
Co@ gasket/washer
What is the visual differences between using shaved ice and pyrocel for footprints ?
Footprints in pyrocel are deep and lasting
How is the quantity of L.P.G in a tank accurately determined?
By weighing
Other then Prismatic Lacquer, what other method is available for frosting glass?!!!!
Stale beer and epsom salts. Crystal lacquar Crystal craze Frost jack aerossol frost for glass Magic mix format for glass
An ice basket is usually associated with what devise?
A mole gun or rumble pot
There is an upper and lower float chamber on all boilers; what do they control?
Upper controls water intake to the boiler
Lower controls fuel to the burner.
Where in a fireplace LPG installation, is the silencer usually placed?
As close to the burners as possible, between the LPG tank and burner.
Steam hoses are rated for what pressure?
150psi- 250psi
Explain flashpoint
The lowest temperature at which vapors ignite in air when exposed to flame.
An LPG tank adaptor is also know as what?
A spud
Burning kerosene makes what color smoke?
Ignite kerosene, black smoke, add M.E.K.
Whats the difference between a clevis and shackle?
Clevis has a sound pin
Shackle has screw pin
If the boiler has been operating and rand out of water, should you add water right away?
No, adding cold water right away could cause the boiler to explode
Name 4 material that are safe to use a snow dressing on out doors sets.
Plastic flakes, gypsum, marble dust, unbleached muslin, foam, 32 limelock, snow blakets, paper snow, snow biz.
Name the most common materials used to create fire on he clothing worn by an actor
Rubber cement, pyro gel
If an L.P.G. tank froze in a the middle of a shot, what could be done to keep the fire going?
Turn tank upside down, intermittently bounce bottle on the ground.
What must you be aware of when heating paraffin?
Parafin is flammable.
How is beer and epsom salt applied as window frost?
Apply with cotton ball, dabbing on glass, use brush.
How is bee gum “olibanum” used and what effect does it create?
It is used primarily in a bee smoker or on hot coals. Used for “atmospheric” jobs such as smoking chimneys, bar rooms, or smoke under a door, ect…
What city/county/state department issues permits for large quantities of dust or smoke?
Fire Department
Can water temperature exceed 212 degrees F?
No
What materials are used to build fire logs?
Expanded metal, metal lath, wire, silicate of soda, hi-fibe, fire clay, plaster.
In most instances, when using propane, it is advantageous for it to be portable. What size containers are available to fit this requirement?
5, 10 and 20 gallon “pony” tanks
If no water is visible in the gauge glass, what should you do?
Shut down boiler immediately
What material added to fire will make it burn red?
Strontium Nitrate
Give at least 4 ways to facilitate maintaining a low-lying, patchy fog on stage
Wet down area Hide dry ice Cool stage Turn off lights Turn on air conditioning Construct dams Keep movement to a minimum Close doors Settle stage atmosphere
Co2 in a solid form is called what?
Dry Ice
The minimum number of cable clamps/clips to be used on 1/2” cable, per manufactures recommendations is?
Three
Name at least one item that is needed to break up or disperse smoke when concentration is to heavy
Paddle
Electric Fan
On a street, or a race track, with racing or chasing cares, what materials can be added to the roadway to give the illusion of more speed?
Dust (fullers earth, leaves) ect…
Name two characteristics of LPG.
It is odorized
It is heavier than air
Why should you not use sodium silicate on glass, finely painted suffices, and other objects of value?
Will etch glass, cannot remove.
What are the products that require heating before application in snow dressing
Paraffin
Sodium hyposulfite
Steric acid
What added equipment and/or materials are necessary to make the transition from a normal, exterior rain storm set into a violent hurricane.
Large wind machines, water injected-smoke, simulated lightning, increased rain fall, fog, flying debris.
In a normal, upright position an L.P.G tank delivers a gas vapor, if turned upside-down, what does it deliver?
A higher more intense and violent fire
Liquid gas
How many feet of gyp are in a 50 lb sack?
1/2 cu. ft
Name 2 pressure cylinder-contained materials that are useful in creating steam effects.
Freon
Co2 (carbon dioxide)
Liquid Nitrogen
Prior to creating a large cobweb, what preparation to the area to be webbed can bet made to assist you?
Pre string light lines, monofiliments, threads
It’s at least 3 kinds of fog producing equipment
Madewell Steam boiler Ramjet Rumble pot Military fog generator Air injected light oil
Name at least two pieces of equipment used, other then the boiler, when bringing steam on stage for fog from multiple sources.
Steam hose Steam trap Manifolds Fittings Chill box
If you had a tank that measured 5 ft in diameter by 1” deep and you had to increase the volume diameter by 1” deep and you had to increase the volume of water by 4 times, maintaing the 1’ depth, you must increase the diameter of the tank too?
10ft dia (5ft. dia sq in inches x 1"length x 0034 =12.24 gal.) 10 ft dia =48.96 gals
When using wire rope clips to tie a loop, eye splice or a splice, ect.., What is the proper placement of the “bale” and “saddle” of a wire rope clip?
“U” bolt is place on dead end of cable (short end). The clips are placed at least 5 times the diameter apart.
What is a Eddy valve?
A gate valve that enables you to receive, regulate and soften the flow of water from a fire hydrant & be charged ($) for the water used.
Smoke dissipates quicker than steam. True or False?
False
How many nicropress sleeves are required on 1/4” diameter wire rope tie?
One
What material would you burn to create huge clods of dense black smoke?
Rubber tires (old) diesel oil, bunker oil, M.E.K, Tar paper
Name 2 methods/materials used in making window frost effects
Stale beer and epsom salts mixture
Prismatic Lacquers
Crystal Craze
Cable clips “Crosbys” shall be spaced at a distance of at least ….
5 times the diameter of the cable apart.
What is an “eddy valve” and where is it obtained from?
A Los Angeles D.W.P. valve installed on a Los Angeles fire hydrant to enable you to receive water.
When using a water pump, if you have o suction hose, what could be used in its place?
Pipe
What material is used to simulate a smoldering fire on standing 2x4 timbers?
Presto logs, smoke cloth, titanium tetrachloride
What is a treadmill?
A speed controlled devise for people or animals to run or walk in place.
Why is a “soft blood hit” used?
To prevent injury to an actor
When making rain on a n outdoor set, with all your railheads in use, to increase the area of coverage, you may…?
Add an 1 1/2 hose and nozzle, point it upwards, and move it side to side.
What are the two supply source you must have to operate a boiler?
Energy (electricity or fuel)
Water
Name 3 important steps to be taken prior to operating a set rigged for patchy fog.
Turn off air conditioning
Shut off set lights
Wet down area
Hide dry ice
If conventional fog juice in not available, what are three readily available substitutes?
MINERAL OIL, Vegetable oil, hydraulic oil, motor oil, PROPYLENE GLYCOL AND WATER
A fireplace silencer is usually place where?
Directly behind the firebox
What term is used to describe the size of a steam boiler?
Horsepower
How can raindrop size be controlled?
By increasing or decreasing ( varying) the water pressure and changing rain heads.
When creating cobwebs, the 2 most important items are:
Cobweb spinner/cobweb juice “old” glue gun with air fittings, glue sticks, dust and air
When creating either bubbling mud or quicksand, name at least 3 of the most common materials, excluding water, that are used
Vermiculite
Bentonite
Drillers mud
Carbopol methocell
Boilers should be operated by what?
Trained personnel
How do you determine the amount of LPG in a tank?
Weight the difference between the bottles tare weight and charged weight and divide the difference by 4.2.
If loss of water and pressure occurs when using a pump source, what could be a possible cause?
Loss of prime, hose blockage, loss of rpm.
What is the difference between liquid petroleum gas and natural gas?
L.P.G is a liquid under pressure
Natural gas is a low pressure gas vapor
Fog oil, with a low flash point, must be avoided because?
It may ignite before vaporization takes place
Name at least 3 materials used to protect building on which you wish to simulate burning.
Silicate of soda Plaster/Gypsum board Metal Weldo Cloth Panther Cloth
Name one other device that does the same job as a cable clamp.
Nicropress sleeve.
In creating a general overall fog on a sound stage, what method is most likely to be used to create this effect?
Vaporized oil smoke, mole gun Propylene glycol/trietholyne glycol
List at least 2 materials to be used in making a quicksand pit that could be photographed over a period of several weeks
Drillers mud
Bentonite
Vermiculite
If you had to rain in an area fifty feet above a lake and the lake is your water, where do you place the pump maximum efficiency
At lakes edge
Give 2 of the names by which we order gyp from venders
Lime rock # 2
Dolomite
Marble white
Gypsum
Name 2 pressure cylinder-contained materials that are useful in creating steam effects
Co2 (carbon Dioxide)
Liquid nitrogen
Freon
What materials are used to construct fire floor pads?
Drywall, corrugated steel, steel pipe.
How are propane fires usually controlled?
Needle valves, valves, manifolds, tank valve
Give 2 ways to create large waves crashing on the deck of full-sized boat, in an interior studio.
Dump tanks & chutes, air mortars, water cannons, fire hose & baffles.
Why is it advisable to turn on warted control valves slowly?
To eliminate the chance of line bursting due to pressure surges and prevent the rain towers form tipping over or snapping off.
Name at least 2 pieces of equipment that will work to your advantage when fogging in a large outdoor set
Wind machine with smoke capability Large smoke generators Ram jets Lawn mower foggers
Which dissipates quicker, and why? Smoke or Steam?
Steam, because it is less dense and evaporates quickly.
What is the primary use of liquid nitrogen in movie effects?
For simulation ground fog, clouds and steam
Name the materials used to make the flame of a red fire.
Strontium Nitrate, Red fire mix.
Why is it not safe practice to expose freon vapors to a open flame?
Heating vapors creates a toxic gas
When using steam, list at least 2 accepted methods to minimize water condensation in the steam lines.
Keep lines hot, install bleeder, run through steam trap.
What is an “eddy valve” and where is it obtained from?
A valve installed on a Los Angeles fire hydrant to enable you to receive meter water.
Obtained from the D.W.P
When using steam, list at least 2 accepted methods to minimize water condensation in the steam lines
Keep lines hot, install bleeder, run steam through trap
Pyrocell, when used for making deep, visible footprints, on a snow set, is used in what form or consistency?
Slab, cast formed, crunchy
What is a safety can?
A legal container used for storing pun to 5 gallons of flammable liquid an some times equipped with a self- closing lid.
How may wire rope clips are required on a 1/4”diameter wire rope tie?
Two
From a water source ( such as a hydrant to a rain tower, name all the equipment necessary to create a rain effect.
Eddy valve 2 1/2" hose 2 1/2" to 1 1/2" and 3/4" multi-outlet manifold 1 1/2" and 3/4" hose Rain tower or drip pipe, ect... Rain heads Sandbags
The most practical way to knock dust down on a road is to?
Wet down with water
To direct flames out of a window on a burning building, what is generally installed?
Metal hood, fire hood, deflector hood
Would it be practical to use a piece of fire hose as a suction hose to a water pump?
No, a soft hose can’t pick-up water.
What does blow down on a boiler accomplish?
It removes concentrated solids, scale, ect.. and extends the boilers life.
Salt is sometimes used for snow and ground dressing, name at least 2 conditions that would preclude your using this material snow dressing.
Live vegetation
Water run-off
Name the one material most widely used in motion pictures to create deep foot print on a snow set, that will remain visible.
Pyrocel- Snow Plaster
What is used under snow dressing to give it shape?
Sawdust bags, armatures, chicken wire
In using a hydraulic cylinder with a 2” bore and applying a pressure 100 P.S.I. into the bottom of the cylinder, the piston would have a force approximately
310 lbs (sp of dis. (2”)x78854=31416/100=3141 lbs
What protective steps would you take if a script called for paper to be thrown into a burning fireplace?
Place a screen over the top of the smokestack
Name substances and equipment used to activate a “ram”where full stroke and smooth steady action is required.
Hydraulic oil/water, pump, valves, ect…
Co2 in the solid state is useful in making 2 effects, what are they?
Fog effects
Steam effects
Prior to operating any pre rigged fire set, it is mandatory to have?
A FIRE PERMIT
From where should you feed flakes into a Ritter’s wind stream?
In front of machine.
What is used to eliminate large rocks, debris, ect.. from entering a suction hose?
A strainer, strainer foot valve
Name the materials used to simulate a pot of boiling tar.
Molasses and black die/food coloring
When blowing down a boiler, what hazards mushy you be aware of?
Burns from steam and hot water.
Name 3 products/methods, that are used to waterproof an on-stage resin set.
Hot mop (tar and paper), plastic sheeting, rain pans
When firing a steam boiler with LPG or natural gas, is it necessary to deliver the correct press to the boiler?
Yes
Give a simple way of making a water reflection on a wall
Shallow pan, with glass mirror pieces, filled with water, light directed on mirrors, agitate water
What kind of container is liquid nitrogen shipped in?
A steel double walled pressurized Dewers tank
Name at least 2 of the characteristics of LPG (liquid petroleum gas)
Has an odor
Heavier then air
Flammable
Will freeze if used for prolonged periods
Can incoming water pressure in excess of 75 psi to a boiler be a problem?
Yes, a water pressure reducing valve will be needed
What is a “controlled fire” on stage?
An LPG or Natural gas fire, controlled by valves
On stage, no wind machine available, your are asked to simulate wind movement of trees, brushes, shrubs, ect…, what can be done quickly and effectively to accomplish this effect?
Attach wire, cable, monofilament, thread, ect.., to foliage and pull intermittently
Name at least 6 type of breakaway materials that are useful in simulation a house interior falling on people.
Balsa wood, rigid foams, pyrocel/snow plaster, fullers earth,cork, breakaway glass, glues, toothpicks, wooden dowels, steric acid.
LPG is available in what forms?
Liquified in pressurized vessels of various sizes
What materials would you use to make fireproof ash
Rock-wool Vermiculate Crushed pyrocell Plaster and lamp black Hi-fiber filler and lamp black
Too create a rushing river in a studio lake, name at least 4 pieces of equipment needed to accomplish this effect
Outboard engine Air driven water movers Fire hoses Fishtails Nozzles Air jets Water jets Water pumps Penberthies
When using LPG for fire effects, turning you tank upside down effects the fire in what way?
It causes a flare -up.
What is is a pressure safety valve and what is its purpose?
It is a factory -pre set pop-off valve that is used to prevent excessive pressure build-up in a boiler.
What must be done to increase the brightness, or intensity of a standard 6 volt and /or 12 volt automobile headlamp?
Increase the voltage
What must be done to control the speed or force of a wind machine?
Control the speed of the motor/prop
