These puzzling squares are called QR Codes. That’s short for Quick Response, which is exactly what these codes were designed for! The way they work is simple:  we store information in these boxes, like a link to our website, and print the code onto each one of our product labels. Then, when one of our spectacular customers sees the code, they can scan it with their smartphone and instantly be linked to the website. At Roger George, we are determined to make it as easy and as fast as possible for our customers to get information about their products. These QR Codes allow us to get information to the end user faster and easier than ever before!

In the near future, all Roger George products will come equipped with their very own QR Code printed on the product label. These codes will usually act as a direct link to that specific product’s page on our website. This means that you will be able to access the information needed immediately and not have to go through countless clicks and key-strokes to navigate to the page you’re looking for.  You will easily be able to check the price for a new Handy Fogger, find the MSDS* for Snow Fluid, or learn more about A/B Smoke, all at the push of a button!

“QR Codes sound great! How do I scan it?”

We’re glad you asked! First, you’re going to need a smartphone. QR Codes can be scanned by iPhones, Android Phones, and Windows Phones, so there’s no need to worry about compatibility. Turn on your phone and go into the iPhone App Store,  Android Marketplace, or Windows Phone Store. Search for QR Code Scanner, and select the application you would like to download. Different apps have different features and prices, but many are free and excellent for scanning! The choice is up to you. After the application has downloaded, open it and push the scan button. Your phone’s camera will activate and you will be able to scan your first code! This next step takes a bit of practice, and is where many people go wrong with their scanning. Scanning QR Codes works best when your camera can focus on the code. Many phones have trouble focusing on things that are too close to the camera s it’s best to hold your phone at least 8 inches away from the code so it will scan correctly. Some codes can be scanned from up to 2 feet away! Closer isn’t always better! Some applications may show a box and urge you to fill the box with the code you want to scan. The problem with this is that some codes are so small, that they are out of focus when they fill the entire box. This can lead to slow scanning, or no scanning at all, which is frustrating. Don’t feel obligated to completely fill the box with your QR code, and if it doesn’t work the first couple times, keep trying! We don’t want anyone to miss out on this great piece of technology!

The best way to get good scans is to practice! Take a few moments and learn how to use your app. Try holding your phone at difference distances until you can get a quick scan every time.

And don’t worry about orientation! With QR Codes, there is no Up, Down, Left, or Right, as long as the entire code is within the view of your camera, it will scan no matter which way it’s turned.

Now that you’ve learned about QR Codes, go ahead and give it a try here! And, in case you’re wondering, you can use your QR Code scanner to scan codes right from your computer screen! No need to print this out!

Sugru is a flexible, durable, versatile product that has thousands of uses! Sugru is waterproof, temperature resistant, easily molded, and sticks to almost anything!

To find out more about Sugru:
Visit the Sugru Page

It is already the second most popular dirt product available at Roger George Rentals. With less then 1% free crystalline silica, it has already become the preferred effects dirt for use on some sets. It’s available by the bag or pallet. If you need it shipped to your location that’s no problem just give us a call!

Find out more on the Movie Dirt Page.

FlameOut #5111 

FlameOut 5111 is a clear, non-toxic, non-corrosive water-based fabric fire retardant, specifically designed for use by manufacturers to pre-treat fabrics. FlameOut 5111 exceeds required nationally recognized fire retardant specifications. FlameOut 5111 exceeds even the tough standards set by the State of California for fabric treatment. This means that it effectively inhibits the spread of flame by preventing the materials from supporting flame.

FlameOut #1000

FlameOut #1000 is a clear, non – toxic, water based organic silicate. It may be used on any unsealed interior or exterior cellulose substance (wood or paper), or organic fabric (specifically cotton or wool.) It has high durability; no odor upon application and is fast drying.

FlameOut #3000

FlameOut #3000 Paint Additive is a fire RETARDANT that is available in powder form and is especially formulated as an additive for standard water based acrylic paints. It will not affect the characteristics or quality of the original paint. The only change will be the increase of the flame retardancy of the paint. You can add it to any color, any quality, any type and any quantity of paint as long as you follow the approved mixing instructions.

*always test fire retardant products for your application.

• FEDERAL LICENSE - This license is fairly easy to acquire. You must NOT be a convicted felon, (which is defined as a crime that is punishable by at least one year incarceration. Even if you did not do the full sentence you are NOT eligible for this license). To get the Federal License, contact your local BATFE Office and get the application or download it and fill it out, send it along with money (application fee) and wait while they do the background check. The 20 Manufactures Permit is the one to get it. It covers the use and mixing of AB Flash powder, as well as the use of other materials.

• STATE LICENSE-  I do not know much about getting this license in other States, but California is tough. There are several classes of Licenses in California. The Special Effects Three Card or the Theatrical Trainee Card allows you to work with other licensed people to gain experience, this is where everyone starts. To get this license you need to contact the State Fire Marshal and get an application for the type of license you want. Next you will need to find 5 people who are already licensed and have them fill out a letter of recommendation for each license. Next you will have to send in the application along with the letters or recommendation and the money (application fee). Once they have received it they will send you a book called “Fireworks in California” and a test date, you will have time to study the book then you’re required to take a test. If you pass the test they will send you your license and you will be on your way.

After you have your Trainee (or 3) License you will have to work with other licensed operators for a minimum of 2 years, keeping a log in the format set out by the state, these forms are available on the state website. When you have completed your 2 years and worked on multiple gags you have to go through the process again and upgrade to a Class 2 License or the Theatrical or both. If you want to continue on to get your 1st Class License you will need to go through the same process again and work 2 more years and upgrade to a 1st Class License. If you have gone through all these steps you can do just about anything that the local fire department will permit.

REMEMBER  You are allowed only one mistake with pyrotechnics—that is the one you made when you decided to work with explosives. The next one will seriously hurt you or someone else.

I get questions fairly regularly on how to do various gags. I will try to post some of the answers here as they come up or occur to me.

About 6 months ago UCLA graduate student David Leonard came into the RGR office with a curious request—he wanted to use GPS coordinates throughout Los Angeles to trigger an Air Squib.

Thaine Morris (AKA The Man in the Hat) asked, “Now, why would you want to do that?”

It turns out David had an intriguing idea for an “augmented reality” walking tour of Los Angeles. Tourists would wear an Air Squib linked to a GPS device so when they approach a spot where there was a shooting in a movie, TV show, or real life—the squib fires, spattering them with theatrical blood.

Today, the idea is a reality. David has just launch fatalatour.com and is taking reservations—just in time for Halloween!

Fatalatour Tour from David Leonard on Vimeo.

To find out more, visit FATALATOUR.COM

Look Solutions has made some really nice improvements to their smallest foggers that make it even easier to create realistic fog effects.

The new Tiny CX

Look’s smallest fogger now comes with an easy to remove battery, allowing you to swap it out fast—so you won’t miss your cue.

The fogger still includes an easy-to-fill built in fluid reservoir to make reloading a snap. It also has a built-in port for a wired or wireless remote to simplify rigging.

The standard New Tiny CX kit comes with a durable case, charger and battery.

Wired/wireless remotes and additional batteries may be ordered separately.

The new Tiny FX

Now, the Tiny FX fogger is nearly 50% smaller then its predecessor, the Tiny F07—making it even easier to conceal on set.

The engineers at LOOK reconfigured the fogger to include an internal exchangeable reservoir—eliminating the hassle of concealing fluid hoses. The Tiny FX kit comes with several extra reservoirs plus a convenient syringe to streamline reloading. Look also sells an optional hose adaptor in case concealment isn’t necessary and you need to connect a larger reservoir.

And as always the Tiny FX comes with a wired external battery pack so you can swap power sources quickly without moving the fogger or disturbing set pieces.

Look’s refinements make it even easier to deliver spectacular fog effects.

Need to create a timed squirting artery like effect? Pick up an Artery Pump. This hand squeeze pump will allow you connect tubing so that you can get the effect where you want it. Hook it up with an Air Squib Nozzle or straight out of the hose for a great effect.

Watch the Video

Now there’s a quicker way to clean up scenes with “blood in the water.”The new RGR Vanishing Blood looks and moves just like real blood in water, but becomes crystal clear when you add just a little chlorine.