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The simulated bullet hits we manufacture are not only made for film and TV, but are also used on stage. Here is a hit we rigged a hit for a stage performance a few weeks ago. You can rig one too!

How the performance went? It was a big hit!

The air squib is great for simulating wounds in more serious applications too. It is simple to use for anyone and is built from impact-resistant materials. Because of this, it is used for practising saving lives during realistic robbery scenarios but also by special forces, NATO forces and other military forces around the world to train soldiers and field surgeons in first aid.

The safe and durable unit instantly adds realism and adds adrenalin to any training situation during life-saving situations. And it does not even damage the expensive uniforms, but still gives that visual look of a life-threatening impact.

Makeup and hair artists breathe life into the characters of any show. The filmmaking process depends on these miracle workers to do their best to turn the script into a reality with their creativity and illusions. Professional makeup artists who want to make it to the top know that they need to be able to bring quick solutions to many challenges that come their way. Now that HD cameras are the standard technology, every minute details can be visible, requiring impeccable and meticulous work. The successful artist is detail-oriented and learns to master complex makeup techniques. Staying updated on new and innovative makeup gear and using tech-savvy technology earns them the respect of producers, directors and crew alike, and leads to future job opportunities.

Special effects are incomplete without makeup techniques that simulate wounds, bloody bullet hits and the like. It can be a difficult task to bring the director’s vision into reality in the challenging environment of the film set or on the stage. Dangerous stunts and real pyrotechnics are often used to create the look of gunshots and explosions on sets, requiring city permits and especially licensed professionals. However, there is a tool that achieves these effects without the need for permits, licenses and explosive squibs, and it should be considered indispensable in any make-up effects kit.

The Air Squib unit is a very user-friendly and safe option to fake a bloody bullet hit or dusty impact in dirt – or even zombies! With a small wireless remote control, you just press a button and create the entire illusion in camera – or on stage – without post-production visual effects. Add this to your professional makeup kit and you increase your professional worth, while you grow as an artist and technician. This safe, battery-operated unit can be instantly deployed in any setting or remote place using a hand pump to build up the required compressed air. An additional advantage to the Air Squib is that it does not require cutting a hole in clothing, a big money saver if you are dealing with expensive costumes. No wardrobe items are damaged in the process, provided you use washable fake blood.

Rigging conventional expensive and dangerous squib hits takes time, and in a fast-paced production environment the Air Squib comes in very handy to meet deadlines, please demanding directors and treat actors safely. Be the one who saves the day! With its ease of use and the low, one-time investment, acquiring an Air Squib makes sense for all makeup artists who deal with more than face powder and lipstick.

If you are considering the air squib unit for creating your bullet hit action sequences, we know you have questions. You may even have concerns. But you can stop worrying because that’s why we created this video. We want you to be informed. We also want you to be relaxed. So, let’s address these concerns – and by the end of this video you’ll likely have a much better understanding of the questions that have been on your mind.

What IS the air squib?
The unit is a safe, remote controlled unit that simulates an actor being hit by a bullet. It is used in action sequences on film, TV and stage productions. It may also be used when training armed forces, security personnel and even hospital workers in high-adrenaline scenarios.

When we were exhibiting the air squib invention at the latest BVE exhibition in London, we met some nice people from a high-speed filming company. Mr Graham Rowan offered to film our safe bullet hit effect so we snuck out to the car park to rig a simulated hit on Patrick that offered to volunteer. This is what two minutes of rigging looks like when filmed in 4000 frames per second.

Many thanks to you, Rowan! It is impressive to finally see the effect as slowly as this!

PS: We were very proud to exhibit at BVE as it is the Trade Show for leading manufacturers of professional production and broadcast equipment and systems.

A while ago we did a series of videos on how to help any Special Effects technician or Make-up FX person and showed a few tips and tricks we have picked up during the years. We have had a few requests for them, so without further ado, here is the “BOOSTING”- video on how to make the effect from any squib or bullet hit effect look more impressive.

One of the major advantages of using the Air Squib is that it is activated with radio control. No cumbersome switches to hide allows the actor to fully focus on acting. An off-camera technician sets off the effect by pushing a button when the actor is perfectly positioned.

A radio-controlled hit means that the actor can really look “surprised” and shocked then the hit appears. You avoid that involuntary “squinting”  that often occurs the second before an actor himself pushes a hidden button. In other words, you get better performance by the actor, when you use a radio-controlled unit!

I just received some film clips from my FX colleague in Minsk – Dmitry Yasinsky. He wanted to know more about the Air Squib unit, so I sponsored him with a kit. He took the case, brought some actor friends and got these primary clips. They all look great, but my personal favourite is the front wax pellet hit synced with the air squib in the neck. It is certainly extremely impressive and looks really gruesome! Wow – great work, Dmitry, and thanks to you all involved for sharing

Beauty make-up has – and will always be important, but with the increasing amount of action-packed series in the world, the amount of “victims” to physical violence has also increased tremendously. Several of our independent make-up customers mention that by bringing an air squib kit in their toolbox, they can negotiate higher day rates or fees just by being able to rig a safe, simulated bullet hit on short notice.

You will always impress the director and producers if you can introduce action at a moment`s notice. A simulated bullet hit works equally well for creating drama on the evil villain, or on the beautiful hero or heroine.

If you are a make-up artist, why not further increase your versatility on set by considering bringing the air squib?