Visual effect simulating a bullet striking a surface or person – achieved through squibs, mortars, mechanical rigs, or CGI to create realistic impact on walls, vehicles, bodies, and objects.
What is a Bullet Hit?
A bullet hit (Einschuss-Effekt) is a visual effect that simulates a projectile impact. It can occur on surfaces (walls, vehicles, glass) or on a body (blood hits) and is achieved through practical effects, CGI, or a combination.
Types of Bullet Hits
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Surface Hit | Walls, vehicles, objects |
| Blood Hit | On the human body |
| Ricochet | Deflection, skipping shot |
| Through-and-Through | Pass-through shot |
| Glass Hit | Windows, windshields |
| Water Hit | Water surface |
Techniques for Surface Hits
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Mortar | Propels material |
| Pre-Scored | Prepared break point |
| Air Cannon | Compressed air ejection |
| Pyro-Squib | Small charge |
| CGI | Digitally added |
Techniques for Blood Hits
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Squib | Under costume, explodes |
| Blood Bag | Bag bursts |
| Air-Powered | Pneumatic ejection |
| CGI Enhancement | Practical + Digital |
Materials (Surface)
| Surface | Material |
|---|---|
| Concrete/Plaster | Fuller's Earth, plaster pieces |
| Wood | Wood splinters, cork |
| Metal | Spark powder |
| Glass | Breakaway + shards |
| Water | Compressed air |
Setup Elements
| Element | Function |
|---|---|
| Position | Exact location of impact |
| Concealment | Invisible to camera |
| Timing System | Sequential triggering |
| Backup | For repeats |
Sequencing
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Single | One shot, one hit |
| Burst | Rapid succession |
| Automatic | Machine gun simulation |
| Delayed | With time offset |
Safety
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Distance | Safety zone |
| Protective Gear | If necessary |
| Pyro License | For pyrotechnic effects |
| Briefing | Everyone informed |
| First Aid | Readiness |
Camera Considerations
| Aspect | Technique |
|---|---|
| Frame Rate | High-speed for slow-mo |
| Angle | Maximum impact |
| Coverage | Multiple cameras |
| Focus | On hit point |
Comparison: Practical vs. CGI
| Aspect | Practical | CGI |
|---|---|---|
| Reaction | Real | Simulated |
| Cost | Setup-intensive | Rendering-intensive |
| Control | Limited | Unlimited |
| Authenticity | Higher | Variable |
Cost (approx.)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Surface Hit | €30–€100 |
| Blood Hit (complete) | €150–€400 |
| Setup/Day (SFX) | €1,000–€3,000 |
| CGI Hit | €100–€500 per shot |
Workflow
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Planning | Define shots, storyboard |
| Setup | Install rigs |
| Test | Rehearsal without camera |
| Shoot | With safety briefing |
| Post | CGI enhancement |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Timing | Rehearsals, communication |
| Visibility | Concealment |
| Repeatability | Backup setups |
| Continuity | Documentation |
Today
Bullet hits today combine practical effects with CGI for maximum realism. The foundation often remains practical squibs and mortars, which are supplemented in post-production – the authentic physical reaction makes the difference.
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