What Types of Glasses are Used in the Film Industry for Breaking Scenes?
In the film industry, the types of glasses used for breaking scenes are crucial for ensuring both realism and safety. Film producers often rely on materials such as sugar glass and breakaway glass to create a realistic visual effect while minimizing the risk of injury to actors and crew.
Sugar Glass
Sugar glass is a type of glass made primarily from sugar, corn syrup, and water. It is molded and hardened to create a material that can be used in various production scenarios. The composition of sugar glass is specifically designed to mimic the appearance of regular glass, but it shatters safely upon impact.
Composition: Sugar, corn syrup, water
Safety: Designed to shatter safely upon impact, reducing the risk of injury to actors and crew members.
Appearance: Can be made to look highly realistic, mirroring the appearance of regular glass.
Breakaway Glass
Breakaway glass is another popular choice in the film industry. It is typically made from a special type of plastic or resin designed to fracture easily. This material is particularly useful for scenes involving more intense action where real glass could pose significant danger.
Material: Special type of plastic or resin
Usage: Used in scenes requiring more intense action, as it provides a realistic visual effect without the inherent dangers of regular glass.
Historical and Modern Techniques
While sugar glass and breakaway glass are widely used, there are also other innovative techniques employed in film production. For example, many glass doors are manufactured using a method that creates safety glass or breakaway glass to ensure that they shatter safely in case of impact. This technology is designed to prevent injuries from sharp edges, making it ideal for high-traffic areas where accidents can occur.
Case Study: Making Sugar Glass
A notable example of sugar glass in action can be seen in the YouTube channel Indy Mogul, which produced a tutorial on how to make sugar glass bottles and vases. These items can be used to hit actors or stuntmen safely, as they shatter into tiny, harmless “crumbs” upon impact.
Stunt Coordination and Safety
To achieve the illusion of breaking a window safely, a common technique involves the use of hidden compressed air piston devices. These devices fire a small steel rod into specific points on the window, timed to shatter just as a stuntman approaches. This method ensures that the stuntman safely falls through thousands of tiny, harmless pieces of breakaway glass.
While the exact names and technical details of these devices may vary, the objective remains the same: to create a realistic and safe experience for all parties involved in the production.
Conclusion
The use of sugar glass and breakaway glass in the film industry is a testament to the industry's commitment to both visual realism and safety. By employing these materials, filmmakers can create stunningly realistic breaking scenes without compromising the well-being of actors and crew members. While more technical explanations and industry-specific terms may be available, these materials serve as a reliable starting point for understanding the key elements involved in creating safe and effective breaking scenes.