Everything About Special Effects at Events

Picture being at a concert where your favorite artist is performing. If you have already seen them perform then you would surely recollect them making a grand cinematic entrance. 

There’s a magical haze and a dim light gradually begins to highlight the stage. Your heart starts beating as you anticipate the entry of your favorite singer!

Sparklers kick off the festivities with drama and glory. The singer emerges from a visual treat of laser lights, fog, and smoke as you watch in complete awe. The disco ball hanging above bounces off the beautiful lights on your skin as you finally let the music take you away. 

Magical, isn’t it? But have you ever wondered who the magicians are?

A dedicated team of technical experts from audio technicians, SFX experts, and light choreographers is meticulously controlling the glitz and glamour behind the scenes.

Here are some special effects you can choose from to help make your event worth remembering:

Sparklers

A lesser-known fact about sparklers is that they can be used indoors either on the floor or to be mounted to a truss creating dazzling waterfall effects. Cold sparklers are made of powder that pop more in cooler temperatures so they are totally safe, controllable and are perfect to emphasize significant moments during weddings, concerts, and fashion shows.

   Smoke

Smoke machines, also referred to as fog machines, use special fluid to produce thick white smoke to create an impressive visual effect. They often come with a remote to control the volume of smoke produced as well as the duration.  Smoke machines produce a similar effect to low fog machines, however, the heated smoke produced by smoke machines rises and dissipates around the room, whereas low fog machines produce cold liquid particles and the fog remains close to the ground. 

Smoke machines do a lot in terms of enhancing the lighting effects giving the entire event area a more dramatic feel. But if you prefer the smoke effect to remain on the floor, opt for a low fog machine.

Low Fog

A low fog machine (similar to dry ice machines) produces a thick, opaque fog that remains close to the ground to create a ‘walking on cloud’ effect. Fog machines create this effect by cooling fluid to liquid particles. A low fog machine usually creates an intense burst of fog rather than a subtler diffusion, like a hazer. The effect of a low fogger is similar to that of a smoke machine– they are both designed to create a visual impact, whereas a haze machine is designed to emphasize other effects such as lighting beams or lasers.

To say the least, fog machines work perfectly to create a mystical effect at any event. They also come in colors that can be modified keeping the required concept in mind.

Haze

Haze machines, also known as ‘hazers,’ can be oil-based or water-based and are used to complement lighting effects. Haze machines create a fine and subtle haze with a long ‘hang’ time – the particles linger in the air for a long time before dissipating making them ideal for use at shows and concerts. They produce a much finer and less noticeable effect than smoke or low fog machines, as they are designed to emphasize the effects of lighting allowing you to see rays and patterns you would not normally see.

If you want something less dramatic but still ties up the atmosphere of the event, a haze machine is a must-have especially for concerts that require enormous lighting effects.

Lasers

Lasers give off a bright light panning across a wide space and can be customized to various shapes, colors, texts, and effects. There are many creative ways lasers can be used in an indoor or outdoor production. Laser graphics can display a client’s logo, animate their product, tell a story or simply entertain and you’ll need a brilliant SFX expert to achieve all that. 

Pixel Lighting

Want to create an effect of dancing lights? Or use elegant lighting to bring alive a building exterior? Pixel lighting does this and so much more. Their best feature is how totally customizable they are so the possibilities are endless!

Want to know other lighting types that you can use at your event? Check this post!

Fire

Drama and thrill are galore! A fiery effect perfectly sums up the right way to capture an audience’s curiosity and build anticipation before a major product launch, a concert, or a sporting event.

Don’t worry, fire effects are not harmful even in close-up encounters so it is perfect even when displayed right on the stage along with the performing artists.

Confetti

Two types of confetti machines provide events with an option to choose from either a confetti canon or a confetti gun. A confetti canon being much bigger in size and a gun which is comparatively smaller.

Needless to say, both machines are must-haves especially if one is preparing for an entry, finale, or a festive reveal. 

Bubble

Organizing a kiddie-themed party, a fun run, or an aquatic show? Bubble machines are used to pump out bubbles at social events! They can also be used alternatively to confetti machines but works just right to create a festive and cheerful effect.

Mirror Ball

Throughout the decades, the evergreen disco/mirror ball still reigns as one of the most glamorous party elements bringing that ‘wow factor’ to any event. Especially suited for starry night themed galas and concerts, mirror balls go a long way in highlighting the lighting effects of the entire room.

Snow

Want that dreamy winter wonderland feel? Snow machines bring to life all our winter fantasies that will surely give any event the perfect fairytale touch whether being indoors or outdoors. Now you don’t have to wait for winter to have snow at your party!

At Audiotech, all the special effects listed above are available for rent. If you’re having a concert or any musical events, we recommend trying out the newest trend which is pixel lighting. For smaller scale parties, having smoke and ambient lighting would work the best. Launching a product indoors? Don’t doubt the power of confetti and sparklers! What about outdoor events? Whatever kind that may be, fire, snow and bubbles would be visually appealing!

Branding can be so much more than branded stationery, check out our previous post on how technology trends have revamped branding at events!  Also, read about our lighting tips for events here!