Making a torch at DVinfo.net

John Locke · July 4th, 2003, 08:49 PM

Anyone know the best way to make a long-burning torch...like the ones seen in "The 13th Warrior"?

Michael Wisniewski · July 5th, 2003, 04:25 PM

Check this out!!! Burn baby burn ... (might want to make sure your speakers aren't blasting) I helped out with a production that used this stuff worked pretty well (not sure which gel they used)

Oh and please do be careful John.

Here is the full range of special effects they offer

Regards,
Michael Wisniewski
"only YOU can prevent forest fires"

John Locke · July 5th, 2003, 05:59 PM

Michael,

Cool site! I'm looking for more of a "do it yourself" option since most things like this can't be shipped overseas...but this site has definitely been added to the bookmarks.

Thanks!

K. Forman · July 5th, 2003, 07:12 PM

John- What exactly are you wanting to do? I doubt the torches in 13th Warrior burned as long as it looked. They just relit between scenes.

John Locke · November 29th, 2003, 01:50 AM

This thread fell dead when I decided not to shoot the scene I was intending to use it for...but I'm sure there are differences in making a good long-lasting torch, just as there are differences between candles. Some candles you can burn out in no time, while others will burn for days.

I'm betting that depending on what type of cloth or other material is used, what it's soaked in (Wax? Kerosene?), then how tightly it's wrapped will have a big effect on how intensely it burns and how long (as well as the color of the burn).

Got something in mind for next spring though, so if it isn't answered here by then, I'll find out and let you guys know.

Boyd Ostroff · November 29th, 2003, 07:02 AM

Depending on what you're looking for and how you want to go, you can rent torches from Jauchem & Meeh. Also check out the GAMTorch. All of these use propane and have a "dead man switch" which will extinguish them flame if you let go of the torch.

John Locke · November 29th, 2003, 07:34 AM

Thanks, Boyd. Interesting links...I'll add them to the bookmarks.

I'm looking at something for a period piece, so it'll have to be wood. Plus, there will be some close shots of the torches, so I'm looking for that "ripple-effect" that you see in torches from the old "Frankenstein" film or from the "13th Warrior".

July 4th, 2003, 08:49 PM	#1
John Locke Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Austin, TX USA Posts: 2,882	Making a torch Anyone know the best way to make a long-burning torch...like the ones seen in "The 13th Warrior"? __________________ John Locke SursumFilms.com

July 5th, 2003, 04:25 PM	#2
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	Check this out!!! Burn baby burn ... (might want to make sure your speakers aren't blasting) I helped out with a production that used this stuff worked pretty well (not sure which gel they used) Oh and please do be careful John. Here is the full range of special effects they offer Regards, Michael Wisniewski "only YOU can prevent forest fires" __________________ "Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese

July 5th, 2003, 05:59 PM	#3
John Locke Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Austin, TX USA Posts: 2,882	Michael, Cool site! I'm looking for more of a "do it yourself" option since most things like this can't be shipped overseas...but this site has definitely been added to the bookmarks. Thanks! __________________ John Locke SursumFilms.com

November 29th, 2003, 01:50 AM	#5
John Locke Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Austin, TX USA Posts: 2,882	This thread fell dead when I decided not to shoot the scene I was intending to use it for...but I'm sure there are differences in making a good long-lasting torch, just as there are differences between candles. Some candles you can burn out in no time, while others will burn for days. I'm betting that depending on what type of cloth or other material is used, what it's soaked in (Wax? Kerosene?), then how tightly it's wrapped will have a big effect on how intensely it burns and how long (as well as the color of the burn). Got something in mind for next spring though, so if it isn't answered here by then, I'll find out and let you guys know. __________________ John Locke SursumFilms.com

November 29th, 2003, 07:34 AM	#7
John Locke Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Austin, TX USA Posts: 2,882	Thanks, Boyd. Interesting links...I'll add them to the bookmarks. I'm looking at something for a period piece, so it'll have to be wood. Plus, there will be some close shots of the torches, so I'm looking for that "ripple-effect" that you see in torches from the old "Frankenstein" film or from the "13th Warrior". __________________ John Locke SursumFilms.com

July 5th, 2003, 07:12 PM	#4
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	John- What exactly are you wanting to do? I doubt the torches in 13th Warrior burned as long as it looked. They just relit between scenes.

November 29th, 2003, 07:02 AM	#6
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	Depending on what you're looking for and how you want to go, you can rent torches from Jauchem & Meeh. Also check out the GAMTorch. All of these use propane and have a "dead man switch" which will extinguish them flame if you let go of the torch.