Inventor’s August

This entry is for you all special effects inventors. Did you know August is National Inventors Month? It was launched to help guide new inventors, inspire creativity and promote the image of independent inventors. That means most of you FX guys!

If you are in the FX business, you probably invent new gadgets every day! I have spent much glorious time in my shop building propane rings, special weapons, action props, breakaways, and rain rigs. And don’t you love the moment just before flipping the switch, testing your prototype the first time? Will it work…?

I know all you FX fans have minds focused on creativity needed ”on-the-spot” at film sets during fight scenes, jittery actors and forgotten requests from producers and directors that wanted ”something slightly different”? or the long, arduous planning on stage production meetings with countless directors, fire brigades and police authorities showing what you can bring to the stage without setting fire to everything.

Flamethrower for stage-actor’s sleeve

This is what makes our job FUN, however! I would not change a thing! If it was easy – someone else would do the job and get paid instead of you! Even if the solution turns out best with a measly mouse trap and rubber bands.

So, congratulations to you all FX inventors. I am rooting for you!

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