A Car Exploding, in Slow Motion (SFX Project) - (c)NFTS 2013

An example of the 'work' we do on the SFX/VFX MA course at the National Film and Television School, this burnt-out wreckage was the climax of our first-year pyrotechnics course. We used a total of 15 litres of petrol, vaporised and ignited by a few lengths of detonation cord to engulf the unfortunate Saab 9-5 in glorious, beautiful flames. The slow-motion footage reveals the complexity of the fireball and the sheer force of the explosion smashing, burning and ripping parts of the car clean off the chassis. Flanking the car are two additional explosions, as if to simulate a cluster bomb enveloping the immediate vicinity. The footage was filmed on a Phantom FLEX camera at 2570 frames per second, although the majority of the explosion is sped up in this video, as the entire explosion lasts over six minutes when played at original speed!

*NOTE* This pyrotechnic effect was the finale of four weeks of intense tuition carried out under the watchful eye of leading industry SFX Supervisor Richard Conway. Richard supervised the day, the authorities were notified and the mass of H&S paperwork justified an amazing experience! Clearly this should not be attempted at home outside such a controlled and safe environment!