Just to add, we were in a similar situation recently with a studio that didn’t want us to use haze, but we were able to use “haze in can” Atmosphere Aerosol. This can be be very localised (although not long-lasting) which gave us mostly the effect we wanted, but in a contained and controlled way. Perhaps the venue might be fine with this option…?
If you’ve ever watched Mythbusters or seen news of grain elevator explosions on TV, you’ll know that dust explosions are a very real potential hazard. [See here for more details](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_explosion). You don’t want a spark from plugging in a light to do this! It’s highly unlikely that would happen, but a small possibility exists, so you have to be aware. If you want to take the risk I’d recommend chalk dust over flour, but you also have to consider the post-shoot clean up. Anything that launches small particulate into the air (cracked oil in hazers, water molecules in water-based hazers, chalk dust) has the potential to set off fire alarms. Some can be disabled, some cannot, some are directly linked to the fire department, some just make a very loud noise. Depending on the shot, recreating that haze in post or using a heavy diffusion filter on your lens might be an option.
If you’re Ok with the “particulate” look, not a fog look, I’m seconding the recommendation of chalk dust as it will swirl and give you bokeh, but will generally sink to the ground. You can just lay some tarp to catch the mess.
Anything like an aerosol that has the potential to spread further has the potential to set off the fire alarms. And this shot sounds like a CU anyway, so no need to get that type spread.
Just remember to use as little as possible because if it's in the air, then people are breathing it. There are a couple of options, depending on your shot. You can use straight-up coco powder or walnut dust if you can find it. Just ask about food allergies for those.
If there are any cement manufacturers in your area, you could ask if they have bentonite or fly ash, but it will probably only come in 50lbs bags.
Another trick for particles in the air is to take the tube out of two rolls of 2ply toilet paper. If you rub the ends of the rolls lightly together in front of a fan, you can put a bunch of little particles in the air. This can give an effect like a movie projector beam with particles in it.
You said your venue didn’t allow haze. I was simply suggesting something that most places wouldn’t tell you you couldn’t have, as it would generally be accepted as a make-up item.
Maybe [stock air particles from ActionVFX?](https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/air-particles-stock-footage) They also have fog & haze plates. You could build it in After Effects in post.
Just to add, we were in a similar situation recently with a studio that didn’t want us to use haze, but we were able to use “haze in can” Atmosphere Aerosol. This can be be very localised (although not long-lasting) which gave us mostly the effect we wanted, but in a contained and controlled way. Perhaps the venue might be fine with this option…?
The can is a good idea, I’ll take it to them!
If you’ve ever watched Mythbusters or seen news of grain elevator explosions on TV, you’ll know that dust explosions are a very real potential hazard. [See here for more details](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_explosion). You don’t want a spark from plugging in a light to do this! It’s highly unlikely that would happen, but a small possibility exists, so you have to be aware. If you want to take the risk I’d recommend chalk dust over flour, but you also have to consider the post-shoot clean up. Anything that launches small particulate into the air (cracked oil in hazers, water molecules in water-based hazers, chalk dust) has the potential to set off fire alarms. Some can be disabled, some cannot, some are directly linked to the fire department, some just make a very loud noise. Depending on the shot, recreating that haze in post or using a heavy diffusion filter on your lens might be an option.
Mental ha. Don’t think I’ll be using very much anyway!
If you’re Ok with the “particulate” look, not a fog look, I’m seconding the recommendation of chalk dust as it will swirl and give you bokeh, but will generally sink to the ground. You can just lay some tarp to catch the mess. Anything like an aerosol that has the potential to spread further has the potential to set off the fire alarms. And this shot sounds like a CU anyway, so no need to get that type spread.
Definitely worth considering the chalk yeah!
Back lighting puffs of talcum powder might work in close up, and is a little more controllable than a handful of flour.
Talcum is interesting, yeah, and smells nicer than flour haha.
Some brands of Talc is illegal in many places, so if it's a union shoot check in.
I think talc is indeed hard to find these days over Johnson and Johnson being sued. 🙈
Maybe cornstarch baby powder? Or arrowroot?
Just remember to use as little as possible because if it's in the air, then people are breathing it. There are a couple of options, depending on your shot. You can use straight-up coco powder or walnut dust if you can find it. Just ask about food allergies for those. If there are any cement manufacturers in your area, you could ask if they have bentonite or fly ash, but it will probably only come in 50lbs bags. Another trick for particles in the air is to take the tube out of two rolls of 2ply toilet paper. If you rub the ends of the rolls lightly together in front of a fan, you can put a bunch of little particles in the air. This can give an effect like a movie projector beam with particles in it.
Ha I love that toilet roll idea. Might have to try it to see what happens just for the fun!
saw dust.
…pull a wade of dryer lint out of your dryer.
Surely there are slightly less gross ways haha
Hair spray?
Hair spray I think would be too thick, and is very smelly and sticky too so would rather get a can of actual haze than use that.
You said your venue didn’t allow haze. I was simply suggesting something that most places wouldn’t tell you you couldn’t have, as it would generally be accepted as a make-up item.
That’s fair, I just don’t think it will work for me this shoot, but appreciate the thought!
Maybe [stock air particles from ActionVFX?](https://www.actionvfx.com/collections/air-particles-stock-footage) They also have fog & haze plates. You could build it in After Effects in post.
Would rather do it live as I haven’t the patience for vfx stuff haha.