Special Effects Fog And Smoke Guide

What is the difference between fog, haze and smoke used in special effects? What type of fluid should I use and What type of machine is right for the effect I'm looking to create? Keep reading to find out how to get the right fog, haze or smoke look. 

Smoke / Fog Fluid Guide

Smoke fluid, Fog fluid, Haze fluid, atmospheric effects, ground fog, long lasting, quick dissipating, there are so many types of fog machines and fog fluids that it can be easy to lose track of what type of fluid is used for what effect. Here at Roger George, we've put together a simple guide to help you get to know which fluid goes with which machine. We understand that it is crucial to be able to provide the perfect effect every time, and we're here to help!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which fog and haze fluids are approved for use on LAUSD properties?

A:  For a list of LAUSD approved fog, smoke, and haze fluids take a look at LAUSD Approved Fog Fluid and Haze Fluid.

Q: What's the difference between "Smoke" and "Fog?"

A: The technical definition of smoke is a cloud of solid particles; whereas fog is defined as a cloud of liquid particles. Nowadays, in the realm of entertainment and smoke/fog machines, the two words are used almost interchangeably. "Smoke" and "Fog" both usually refer to a cloud-type effect, whether it be low rolling fog from an LSG, dense, billowing smoke from a G300, or wispy, airy haze from a Unique Hazer.

Q: Is Smoke/Fog/Haze safe to inhale?

A: All of the fluids we use at Roger George are non-toxic; however, it is very common for atmospheric effects to irritate people's respiratory systems. Everyone handles smoke/fog differently, some people can be immersed in the densest fog for hours without even a cough, while others are easily irritated by the lightest of hazes. It is impossible to tell how you or your crew will react to the different fog/smoke effects until exposure occurs. Fog/Smoke machines nowadays are much safer than the machines of yester-year, many of which involved burning tires, rubber, plastic, chemical salts, and other dangerous materials; today however, all of our machines operate with either oil-based, or water-based fluid which is much safer!

Q: One of my crew members is having a bad reaction to the fog, what do I do?

A: If someone is getting light headed, dizzy, sick, or having coughing fits, they may be having a bad reaction to the fog/smoke effects. This is usually caused by their body's natural low tolerance for the fog. The best thing to do if this occurs is to get the person to an open area with lots of fresh (fog-free) air and have them stand with their hands above their head and take deep, regular breaths. This position opens up the lungs and airways and allows more oxygen into the body which usually helps eliminate the side effects of the smoke. If problems persist, contact a medic or trained medical professional.

Q: How do I make colored smoke/fog?

A: Currently, there is no way to make colored fog from a machine. Most fog machines produce a light grey-white cloud that looks very natural. This is great for when you want realistic fog, but if you need something a bit more chromatic, you have to get creative. We at Roger George do sell colored smoke cookies; however, they are considered a pyrotechnic item and involve the burning of chemical compounds so they are more hazardous and require government licenses to purchase and use. If you are determined to get colored smoke from a machine, the best way to do it is with lighting. Fog reflects/refracts light, this is what makes it appear cloudy and opaque. If colored light is shone through smoke/fog it will create smoke/fog that appears to be colored. This is the safest and easiest way to produce colored smoke.