Special effects experts use ESAB welding and cutting equipment
s-f-x.com specialises in pyrotechnic, atmospheric, mechanical and electronic special effects for television, films, music videos and commercials. Since the 1980s the company has been involved in high-profile projects ranging from Top Gear and Taggart, to Dead Man Running and Captain Corelli's Mandolin. A common requirement is for dramatic sparks, which are traditionally produced using pyrotechnics. However, pyrotechnics have risks associated with them due to their highly combustible nature and the heat generated when they burn, plus they require safe storage and create a major administrative burden because they are classified as hazardous. Ten years ago Scott MacIntyre, the founder and now Special Effects Supervisor at s-f-x.com, decided to seek a better alternative and, being aware of industrial welding cutting equipment from a user's perspective, asked his local distributor what might be available for use on-screen.