Music festivals, concerts, corporate events, personal events… all types of events become more impressive and professional when you use a special effect. Let's find out with LIME M&E below
I. STAGE EFFECTS - THE SYMPHONY FOR EYES AND FEEL
A successful event lies not only in the satisfaction of customers and partners, but also in the impression and emotions of the audience and attendees of that event.
With different effects placed in the right place, at the right time and with the appropriate guidance of the script, the audience will make the flames, smoke, and fireworks more soulful than ever with cheers, applause and surprised eyes. Stage effects are a tool that helps event producers to reach deeper into the audience's emotions, not only temporary but also a highlight that the audience can remember forever.
Stage effects are generally devices and items that surprise the audience, previously often considered as auxiliary equipment for an event. But in recent years, they have become an indispensable part of many events.
II. MOST COMMON EFFECTS
1. Flame Effects
This type of effect is often used outdoors, in large or very large music festivals. This effect creates an immediate burst of energy for the audience, creating extreme enthusiasm and excitement due to the heat of the fire columns.
In Vietnam and around the world, the technology used to develop fire effects is increasingly advanced. If in the past, you would see actors (mainly circus performers) directly using props soaked in oil or gasoline and then lighting them on fire to perform, now, fire is almost sprayed directly by a remote-controlled fire generator system.
Basically, the flame generator or flamethrower in the event uses a fuel gas tank connected to a gas pipe system and combined with directional nozzles, this system is no different from the gas stove you used before. The directional tubes will be placed in the machine frame with ready-made ignition heads. However, with today's technology, the flamethrower is manufactured with an additional wire system connecting the control panel with a distance of hundreds of meters, allowing the operator to release gas as desired or can even be programmed to release and create fire to music.
Nowadays, we can see in many programs, organizers use a variety of fire generators such as straight flame generator (FlameBlazer), 5-way flame generator (5-finger flames), L-shaped flame generator (L-Flames), bar-shaped flame generator (Flamebar)...
Flame Spitter Advantage
– Can be activated from the sound and light control panel.
– Creates vibrant and intense visual effects suitable for many performing arts performances.
Disadvantage
– Quite hot if standing close.
– Regular maintenance is required.
– For outdoor use only
2. Electric Spark Effect – Electric Cannon:
While fire is one of the oldest performance effects, electric or stage fireworks have only appeared since the Chinese invented firecracker powder. We can see many classical performances often using firecracker explosions to create surprises for the show. In modern times, the technology of firecracker powder has changed little, but its application in life in general and events in particular has changed very quickly.
The general principle of electric fireworks or electric spark effects is to use specialized powder or magnetic powder. This powder, when put into a fireworks machine or specially made fireworks tubes, will be detonated to create electric sparks. Depending on the shape, burning time, and height of the spark, we have many different types of electric fireworks. Here, Lime Media & Entertainment will list some popular types such as:
- 1-Second Sparkling Fireworks ( 9 meter 1 sec/ 3 meter 1 sec) This type of firework has the shortest duration, like a loud bang, often used to end the show or signal the next part of the program. 1 second firework usually has two types when exploding 3m or 9m high
- 30 Seconds Sparkling Fireworks (9 meter 30 secs / 3 meter 30s) Similar to the 1-second Sparkling Fireworks, but this type of fireworks can last up to 30 seconds as its name suggests. It is often used for the Key moment or the end of an event or performance. This type of firework and the 1-second fireworks are usually connected in series and detonated by a normal power plug. A technician will have to be present around the stage area to detonate at the right time.
- Remote control Fireworks (3 meter 1 sec/ 3 meter 30 secs / 9 meter 30 secs) These types of fireworks have similar characteristics to the two types of fireworks above, the only difference is that we can connect the remote control signal wire to the fireworks body and activate it from the FOH technical desk area.
- Tripple Direction Sparkling Fireworks (3 meter 1 sec/ 3 meter 30 secs): This type of fireworks is a combination of 03 fireworks tubes arranged in a fixed fan shape with the same principle and usage as the above types of fireworks.
- Hanging Sparkling Fireworks / Waterfall- Sparkling fireworks / Flame waterfall / 30-Seconds-Silver Waterfall: these are different names for one of the most interesting fireworks effects. As the name suggests, the fireworks will be arranged in a long bar and then activated simultaneously to create a waterfall effect lasting 30 seconds.
- Spinning Sparkling Fireworks / Electric Flower Sparkling Fireworks / 30-seconds Triangle Sparkling Fireworks: similar to a 3-direction cluster fireworks, but the difference is that this type of Fireworks uses tubes arranged on a shaped frame, usually circular, facing outwards and equipped with a rotating motor. When activated, the fireworks will rotate and emit electric sparks to create an extremely eye-catching shape. This type is usually mounted high up to ensure the most complete effect.
- Mouse Sparkling Fireworks: This type of firecracker was imported from EDM festivals in Germany. When the firecracker is activated, you will feel like you see a mouse running on an electric wire from outside to the stage. There will usually be a positioning column to install the first point of the firecracker, the remaining point will be mounted on the roof/roof of the stage. When the "mouse" runs to the stage, it will end with a 1-second firecracker explosion effect.
Electric Sparkling Fireworks Advantage:
- The size of the beams can easily adjust depend on the space of the show.
- Suitable and diverse with different kind of events
- Low cost
Disadvantage
- Safety risk lie beneath if the setup is incorrect.
3. Smoke Effects
Smoke and Flame are 2 of the most popular stage effects using in events. Nowadays, smokes effect is commonly been using, especially CO2 smoke, Chill Smoke, and Color Smoke
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CO2 Smoke:
CO2 smoke is used in 02 forms: remote control and handheld. Basically, both types use CO2 gas cylinders as fuel, connected to the gas pipe system and push CO2 gas out with a fan to create a dense smoke and spray out through the directional chimneys quickly.
- Remote-controlled CO2 gun: pre-calculated installation location and barrel direction to create highlights. This type of machine is also more versatile because it can be used in both performing arts programs and product launches, conferences, seminars, fashion shows, etc.
- Handheld CO2 machine: more mobile and creates more excitement because it can be carried around. Users can aim the machine anywhere to increase interaction and stimulate the energy of attendees. This type of machine is often used in large bars, clubs, or large-scale outdoor music festivals.
CO2 smoke guns advantage:
- Smoke comes from the CO2 gun has super low stage attachable rate and quickly spread in the air.
– The CO2 machine will maximize its effectiveness at outdoor events and events with large spaces because the amount of smoke produced is denser than that of conventional smoke machines.
Disadvantage
- With the thick CO2 Smoke, might cause the people within area can be lacked of oxygen causing heavy breath.
- Loud noise when operated along with high operation and maintenance cost.
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Chill smoke:
Chill smoke often uses liquefied nitrogen gas with properties, odorless, non-toxic to health. Often used to create magical, blurry, gentle scene effects, helping the audience feel like they are entering another world. This effect will be even more effective when combined with lighting elements on stage.
The operating principle of the chill smoke generator is similar to that of the CO2 smoke generator, but the directional nozzles are designed with a smaller cross-section and larger quantity to avoid spraying smoke too quickly and far, causing frostbite to people on stage.
Chill smoke advantages:
- Non-toxic and safe for performers and audience
– Eye-catching effects and high applicability when used in both art events and conference, seminar or product launch programs.
- Power-saving during the operation.
- Can operated with remote control and can be interfere with the amount of smoke blowing out.
Disadvantage
– Some low-power machines are not enough to serve large stages.
– Some machines will make loud noises due to the pump part, and create water bubbles.
– Some models will not be suitable for remote control via lighting console. (specifically DMX models)
– Liquid nitrogen is quite dangerous if exposed directly at close range, especially when the chimney sprays into body parts.
– Transportation is quite complicated due to the large weight and size of the smoke cylinder, especially for programs taking place indoors or in places without elevators.
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Color Smoke:
Colored smoke is basically similar to CO2 smoke, but the smoke machine will have small colored bags available. When the smoke machine is activated, these colored bags will be pushed out and mixed with the smoke to color the smoke.
4. Confetti - Metal-cover-Cannon - Sprinkle Cannon:
Confetti is generally a fairly common term and is used worldwide to refer to large-capacity confetti cannons. Depending on the type of confetti fired, the size of the cannon tube and the detonation point, this type of cannon is divided into types such as gold-coated cannons, glitter cannons or paper cannons. This type of cannon is often used in weddings, opening ceremonies, inaugurations, honors, awards or in some moments of performing arts events to create a joyful and happy atmosphere.
Confetti comes in many sizes from hand-held to more complex machines that need to be fixed near the stage area. The paper is made from scraps in many different ways such as aluminum foil, colored paper, glitter paper... creating a sparkling effect when combined with light.
Advantage:
- Low operation and usage cost.
– Tạo được không khí hân hoan và vui vẻ.
- Non-toxic
Disadvantage
- Can not create hype special emotion like other advance effects
5. Space Effects:
As we mentioned above a series of effects that create quick surprise moments such as fireworks, firecrackers, CO2, etc., on the contrary, there will be some other effects that can adjust the emotions of event participants and audiences to slow down a bit to enjoy the event and program more.
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Hiệu ứng màn mưa:
This type of effect can basically be considered as one of the performance props and is mainly used on stage with elaborate and complex installation systems. However, we classify it as a type of effect because of the unexpected and interesting emotions it brings.
This effect will create a wall or circle with water droplets continuously flowing into a stream. A tank or gutter system will be installed below the stage to circulate water through pipes to the top and form a loop and not let water stagnate on the stage.
Advantage:
- Constantly increase the experience emotion. Creating a surprise moment, new kind of feeling for the audience.
- Can manually adjust the water flow to form shape or letters and even using the Mapping effect on it.
Disadvantage
- High-cost.
- Complicated setup procedure.
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Star curtain:
The previous backdrops used as partitions or to cover the stage seemed too boring, the Star Curtain appeared as an alternative solution, a savior for event spaces. Basically, the Star Curtain is made of black fabric and is attached with LED lights to create the effect of the sky and star space around the auditorium or in the stage area. Creating a romantic effect, an attractive space to attract the audience's attention to the program.
Advantage:
-Creates a concentrated and romantic atmosphere for people sitting inside the star screen
– Soft lighting effects create a relaxing feeling for attendees
– Very safe and easy to install and use.
– Can be used in many different spaces from large to small, indoors and outdoors
Disadvantage
The wires used to connect the LED bulbs are quite small and thin, so they can easily break and cause power loss to the LED bulbs.
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Bubble effects:
This is a gentle effect and is often used at children's events, art performances, and weddings to create a romantic and joyful atmosphere. The soap bubbles are created by soapy water, pushed out through the machine's fan.
Advantage:
– Create a romantic space and a gentle feeling for event attendees.
Disadvantage
– Causes dangerous slipping if the floor surface of the event area or stage uses materials such as canvas or decals
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Snow Effects:
This effect uses an artificial snow machine to bring a romantic and atmospheric feel to winter-themed events. The working principle is similar to a bubble machine, except that the machine uses a snow-making solution and the nozzle is covered with a mesh layer.
In areas without snow, snow blowers always create a strong attraction and impression on event attendees, especially events that require many romantic elements such as Weddings, Christmas Parties, etc.
Advantage:
– Suitable for events held in countries without snow and winter-themed programs
– Create a romantic atmosphere and a feeling of slow enjoyment for program attendees.
Disadvantage
- Easily Stuck during operation causing uncomfortable smell.
– Artificial snow production may be inconsistent.
– Depends a lot on the environment where the machine is placed
6. Fireworks
This can be considered the most attractive and fascinating effect for each event thanks to the explosive sound and image it brings. Perhaps we do not need to say much about the operating principle of this type of effect because of its familiarity. Fireworks will be an indispensable highlight for outdoor events from large to very large.
Currently on the market there are many types of artistic fireworks with many sizes from small, medium, large to very large with hundreds of colors and shapes of the fireworks being shot. The effect of fireworks not only creates prominence and attracts attention to the stage, but also arouses positive emotions for the audience participating in the event.
In addition to the impressive advantages, fireworks have certain limitations, such as the fact that event organizers must be licensed to use this effect as well as ensure safety measures when arranging this type of effect. In addition, customers and partners always have to have a large wallet to spend on high-cost effects such as fireworks.
III. Which kind of effects should you use in your event ?
This is a constant question for event organizers or those who are passionate about the event profession and also those who are new to the profession.
This question is actually not difficult to answer, you just need to remember the following:
+ Type of event: this is a prerequisite
+ Venue: not all locations allow you to use effects, there are even effects that are absolutely prohibited.
+ Customer, Partners, audience desires.
+ Budget: this is not too important for using effects, because the cost of effects equipment is usually not too high and you can completely balance it.
Once you have clearly identified the above factors, you can also shape and imagine the type of effect that will be suitable for organizing your event.
Final
Nowadays, the design and use of effects in events is gradually growing and becoming a separate profession that brings more emotions and impressions to the audience. Do not hesitate to spend time to learn about this small but powerful field, it is not easy. Do not forget that LIME M&E is one of the best organizers, design agencies and suppliers of effects equipment on the market. Wish you a successful event!
