The Explosive Power of SFX

Image from Spectre courtesy of Columbia Pictures/Sony.

Today’s visual effects and special effects artists are pushing the boundaries of cinematic magic like never before. While advancements in CGI have transformed the industry, the timeless techniques of SFX – dating back to the 1930s – remain integral to creating breathtaking visuals. Techniques like miniatures, prosthetics, forced perspective, stop-motion and pyrotechnics continue to captivate audiences, often blending seamlessly with CGI for unforgettable scenes. The recent Mad Max series is a testament to this spellbinding combination of VFX and SFX. In this issue, we shine a light on several unsung SFX masters who bring these incredible effects to life. One standout example of SFX is the extraordinary scene from the 2015 James Bond film Spectre, orchestrated by the legendary Chris Corbould. This scene set a Guinness World Record for the largest film stunt explosion in cinematic history. (Some filmmakers, however, like Michael Bay, think their explosions are bigger). Filmed in Morocco, the detonation of the villain’s headquarters involved an astounding 8,140 liters of kerosene and 24 charges, each containing a kilogram of high explosives.

In an interview on the official 007 website, Corbould, who has earned four VES Awards, shared insights into this monumental feat: “The explosion in Morocco was interesting in that I didn’t just want to do a huge explosion. I wanted it to have shape and progression as it spread through all the connecting buildings over an area the size of 10 football fields. Conveniently, we were filming in the desert in Morocco without a pane of glass or habited building for miles around, both of which are normal causes for concern when doing an explosion of this size. It also gave me the opportunity to use the fairly new technology of programmable detonators, where each detonator is programmed to a thousandth of a second.”

Chris Corbould’s meticulous planning and innovative use of technology exemplify the enduring power and artistry of SFX in modern filmmaking.