Bullet Effects on Vases and Bottles

While the majority of porcelain or earthenware vases shatter easily when hit with a metal projectile, glass bottles often prove stubbornly indestructible. It is advisable therefore when bottles have to be shot at to use imitations made from other materials. Both wax and plaster react well, but where the action involves a person in close proximity to the bottle, it is safer to use wax.

Using projectiles

Bottles and vases may be destroyed by firing solid projectiles from the capsule gun (page 122). Accurately lined up on the centre of the target the gun should be positioned as near as possible, bearing in mind that the projectile might ricochet from the set behind.

Wax bottles tend to soften In the warmth of a studio. This inhibits the shattering effect, the bullet passing straight through and leaving a hole that is disappointingly un-dramatic. Chilling on a block of dry ice or in a refrigerator helps, as also does filling with cold water.

Vases and bottles made of clear resin of the type used for breakaway glass give the best results, but these usually have to be specially made and are more expensive.

Using detonators

Bullet hit plastic detonators may be used to give realistic bullet effects on vases and bottles whether made from breakaway glass, plaster or wax. It is usual to fill the vessel with liquid and immerse the detonator (suitably waterproofed) in the centre of the liquid. This gives a better pictorial effect, and helps to spread the explosive shock.

In vases of flowers the wires from the detonator may be hidden in the stalks and leaves of the blooms, but with bottles the leads should be taken through a small hole low down in the back.

A simpler method is to situate the detonators under the bottles, hidden in the table or shelf on which the items stand. Success depends on having liquid in the vessels to spread the shock.

BULLET EFFECT ON VASES AND BOTTLES

1. Exploded from inside
a, Water, b, Waterproofed bullet hit. The water spreads the explosive effect.

2. Mechanical shattering
Where explosives cannot be used, a rapidly moving spring arm can be used as a projectile.

3. External bullet hit
a, Water, b, Bullet hit hidden in shelf.