How are bullet impacts in concrete walls created?
Recently I watched Full Metal Jacket again, and during its city attack scene I noticed something that I've been wondering about for quite some time now: how are the effects of bullet impacts in concrete walls created?
For example, in the scene I'm talking about (linked here) Adam Baldwin shoots at a building, and you can clearly see it gets ripped to shreds by bullets. In this scene, I can imagine that live bullets are used, because you can leave the building empty and actually shoot at it.
However, I just watched Equilibrium the other night, and in this movie a lot of gunfire takes place inside buildings with actors all over the place (linked here). Here, use of live ammo is ofcourse impossible.
I've been searching around for an answer, but most threads are about bullet impacts on actors (blood with squibs) or through wooden walls (also squibs). However, none talk about concrete walls. Are the holes pre-made, the squibs inserted and then covered up? If that's the case, are they remotely detonated?
Some effects seem to also involve high pressure, but I can't imagine that drilling holes and rigging every single bullet hole to a high pressure machine is very feasible (especially in the case of Equilibrium, where dozens of bullet holes are created in a matter of seconds).
Best Answer
Are the holes pre-made, the squibs inserted and then covered up? If that's the case, are they remotely detonated?
Yes, thats exactly how they are done, if done in practical effects. Three types:
- Concrete Panels. Thin panels of concrete either off the shelf or custom ordered to size.
- Concrete over Plaster. Even thinner, with a layer of real concrete.
- Faux Concrete. Decorated to look like concrete when it really isn't.
A thin reinforcement is used, and a directional explosive charge like a squib is set.
Some effects seem to also involve high pressure, but I can't imagine that drilling holes and rigging every single bullet hole to a high pressure machine is very feasible (especially in the case of Equilibrium, where dozens of bullet holes are created in a matter of seconds).
Of course it's not feasible, it's art! Movie budgets go into the millions for a reason. You get what you pay for, in man-hours, and for artistic reasons its done anyway. Entire companies and people make their lively hood by designing these special effect props. If that means drilling, loading, and transporting fake concrete for a sound stage, that's what they will do.
The other option is special effects. CGI has improved that digital rendering of these scenes are practical and realistic at some points.
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How do you make a bullet impact effect?
In the pyrotechnic method of delivering blood bullet hits, tiny explosive charges pop holes through plastic bags of fake blood concealed in costuming. The costuming has been \u201cdistressed\u201d with a stippler or a rotary cutter to weaken the fabric so a hole forms right where the operator wants it\u2014and then blood spurts out.Navy SEAL test Ballistics through Walls | Tactical Rifleman
More answers regarding how are bullet impacts in concrete walls created?
Answer 2
In addition to the flats/ false walls made out of plaster/ Gypsum plaster which are pre-inserted with squibs, the squibs that give that high-impact effect come with a small pressurized CO2 canister with the magnesium/pyro cap. The squibs are remotely detonated live within the shot.
Answer 3
This video shows how small explosives are used:
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