So long story short I am working on short action-ish film and I was really excited about it because in the opening scene a bus explodes. But I recently came to the sad realization that I don’t know were I would get a bus let alone blow one up. So if anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to share them.

Thanks

Kat

Well, of course there are always the camera/editing tricks, where you make it SEEM like a bus blew up by being very clever with your angles and reaction/result shots, and editing.

I mean, if it's well made and gripping and you see a character preparing to press the bomb trigger (I'm just inventing your story here, forgive me) and the music and sound lead up to the explosion and the shot flashes to white, and the next scene is days later or whatever, that totally works.

Then you can use those kinds of tricks on conjunction with closeups, which are more controlled. For example, get a miniature bus, zoom really close to some section so it's not obviously tiny, and get some kind of fire/smoke in there really quickly.

Sure you can blow up my bus.

Seriously though, if you aren't able to blow up a bus - then don't put it in your script. Put things that you have access to in your script.

<begin trying to avoid lawsuit>

That being said - should student filmmakers with no budget to hire professional pyrotechnics - actually blow up a bus? It would be inappropriate for to suggest that one should blow up a bus for a film without the proper professional crew (demo, fire dept, etc) - so I'll stress against it.

</end trying to avoid lawsuit>

But there is a way to suggest the bus blew up - as Titanium said. Cutting to black with an explosion sfx, reactions of people seeing the bus explode, a tire rolling on the ground on fire, spinning hubcaps on the ground, etc. (be careful with the tire rolling on fire - you might need permission from the Fire Department or be ready to face some fine)

-Chris
Studentfilms.com

How would I do it? Get a shot of a guy walking down the street with a cup of coffee in his hand. Shine a flash of bright light at him from off the frame and work on the effect of getting him thrown up against a wall, then get a CU of glass and debris being thrown on him, with dirt on his face, and just a second or two reaction shot with flames reflecting in his eyes. This is a much easier effect than a bus blowing up.

I would hire some gangsters from my high school that screw with school buses anyway, and have them do it.

I'd just go with Perry's idea, especially if you are young and don't have a lot of resources, like Chris said.

Have you seen Unbreakable? The beginning train sequence is a perfect example. Do it like that.


Tyler

quote:

Originally posted by tomorrowsNIGHT:
I would hire some gangsters from my high school that screw with school buses anyway, and have them do it.

I'd just go with Perry's idea, especially if you are young and don't have a lot of resources, like Chris said.

Have you seen Unbreakable? The beginning train sequence is a perfect example. Do it like that.


Tyler

Judging by his description of the movie, I don't think this would fit. Unbreakable is not an action movie, and thus that method was appropriate for it's more subdued creepy style. I'm pretty sure he's going for more on an in-your-face gritty action look.

Then don't do it like that. lol.

But he didn't really give that much of a description. He just said "action-ish", if that is what you are referring to be the "description of his movie". I'm sure you could do something similar to the Unbreakable thing.

And if you are going for a more flat out explosion type thing, I'd just be careful. A poor execution would take away from your movie. I'd suggest looking at your story, and seeing what is really necessary, and see if any of our suggestions could be a better alternative than actual footage of a bus exploding.

Good luck. Sounds like a fun challenge.

Tyler

I suppose you are all right, I am getting a little in over my head. But I think I’m up for that challenge.
Anyway, all of your suggestions have been really helpful. I think I have a pretty good idea of how I can make this more workable.

Thanks

Kat